1998 Chevrolet Express Van Owner's Manual - Page 194

Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming the driver and one passenger are in the towing vehicle andit has all the required trailering equipment. The weight of additional equipment, passengers and cargo in the towing vehicle must be subtractedfrom the above maximum trailer weights. You can ask your dealer for ourtrailering information or advice, or you can write us at the address listedin your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information Booklet. In Canada, write to: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L 1H 8P7 A B Weight of the Trailer Tongue The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects the total or gross weight of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. And if you will tow a trailer, you must add the tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See "Loading Your Vehicle" in the Indexfor more information about your vehicle's maximum load capacity. If you're using your platform hitch as a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B). If you're using your platform hitch as a weight-distributing hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 12 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B). After you've loadedyour 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 in the trailer.