2006 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 280
2006 Chevrolet Malibu Manual
Page 280 highlights
When towing a trailer on long uphill grades while the outside temperature is above 85°F (29°C), reduce your vehicle speed to 45 mph (72 km/h) to avoid overheating the engine cooling system. You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or advice, or you can write us at: Chevrolet Customer Assistance P.O. Box 33170 Detroit, MI 48232-5170 In Canada, write to: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 If you're using a weight-carrying hitch or a weight-distributing hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10 to 15 percent of 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 in the trailer. 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 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 on page 4-33 for more information about your vehicle's maximum load capacity. Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires Be sure your vehicle's tires are inflated to the upper limit for cold tires. You'll find these numbers on the Tire and Loading Information label. See Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-33. Then be sure you don't go over the GVW limit for your vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue. 4-44