1997 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 182

Weight of the Trailer Tongue The tongue load (A) any trailer is an important of weight to measure because affects the total capacity it weight of your vehicle. capacity weight includes The the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in vehicle. And the if you will tow a trailer, you must subtract tongue the load from your vehicle's capacity weight because your vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. "Loading See Your Vehicle" inthe Indexfor more information about your vehicle's maximum load capacity. If you're using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10 percent of the total loaded trailer weight(B). If you have a weight-distributing hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh percent of 12 the total loaded trailer weight (B). After you've loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper. If they aren't, you may be able to get them right simply by moving some items around the trailer. in Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires Be sure your vehicle's tires inflated to the upper are limit for cold tires. You'll find these numbers the on Certification labelon the rear edge of the driver's door or see "Loading Your Vehicle" inthe Index. Then be sure you don't over theGVW limit for your vehicle, go including the weight the trailer tongue. of A B 4-35