Grand Prix V8-350 5.7L DSL (1983)
1983 PONTIAC TRAILER TOWING RECOMMENDATIONS
WHAT YOUR TRAILER-TOWING CUSTOMERS SHOULD KNOW
WHEN ORDERING THEIR NEW 1984 PONTIACS
Most 1984 Pontiacs are capable of towing up to 1,000 lbs. But since trailering enthusiasts often wish to pull heavier loads, Pontiac offers a list of
available equipment to help them meet their varied trailering needs. Use the chart on the back side of this page to help your customers decide what
equipment is best for them. They'll get just what they're after. And you'll get more satisfied customers. Plus, by using the information below on Trailering
Considerations and Trailering Cautions, you can help answer many common questions your customers might have.
TRAILERING
CONSIDERATIONS NEW CAR BREAK-IN. Advise your customers to read the new car break-in instructions in their Owner's Manual. Also, we
recommend a new Pontiac be driven for 500 miles (800 kilometers) before trailer towing. During this initial break-in period, and for the first 500 miles
(800 kilometers) of actual trailer towing, Pontiac owners should avoid fullthrottle starts and speeds over 50 mph (80 km/h). If a new engine,
transmission, or axle is installed in the car, the same care should be observed. MAINTENANCE. Don't forget to tell your customers that more frequent
service is required when using a car to pull a trailer. For example, all trailer hitch bolts and nuts should be checked occasionally for tightness. For other
information regarding special maintenance requirements for trailers, direct your customers to their Owner's Manual and Maintenance Schedule folder.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM. Advise your customers to follow these instructions: The coolant level should be checked when their car engine is cool,
before starting on a trip. A temporary cooling system overload may be encountered on hot days when pulling on a long grade, when slowing down after
higher speeds, or after long idle periods in heavy traffic. If overheating persists, their car should not be driven, and it should be checked by an authorized
mechanic. HIGH ALTITUDE PERFORMANCE. An engine loses approximately 4% of its sea level performance for every 1,000 feet of altitude. An
engine operating at 10,000 feet above sea level will lose approximately 40% of its performance. For pulling trailers at high altitudes, engines with higher
sea level horsepower are recommended, as are higher axle ratios. TIRES. The tires furnished on 1984 Pontiacs are qualified for trailer towing. When
towing trailers using a dead-weight hitch, tires should be inflated to the "Cold Tire Pressure" for "Maximum Load" shown on the tire placard attached on
the left front door. For trailers using weight-distributing hitches, increase front tire pressure 2 psi above the "Cold Tire Pressure" for "Maximum Load"
shown on the tire placard. This increase should never exceed maximum pressure shown on side of tire.
NOTE:
The allowable passenger and cargo load for cars also shown on the same placard is reduced by the tongue weight whenever the trailer is
attached to the car. BEFORE STARTING A TRIP. Tell customers to check lights, tires and mirror adjustment, and to check car and trailer
brakes before
