2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab Owner's Manual - Page 389

Driving and Operating Axle Weight Rating). See "Total Weight on the Vehicle's Tires" later in this section for more information. After loading the trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper. If they are not, adjustments might be made by moving some items around in the trailer. 9-105 Weight of the Trailering Combination It is important that the combination of the tow vehicle and trailer does not exceed any of its weight ratings - GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR, Trailer Weight Rating, or Tongue Weight. The only way to be sure it is not exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh the tow vehicle and trailer combination, fully loaded for the trip, getting individual weights for each of these items. Larger trailers may require a weight-distributing hitch that uses spring bars to distribute the trailer tongue weight among the two vehicle and trailer axles. Fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitches may also be used. See "Weight of the Trailer Tongue" under Trailer Towing on page 9‑89 for rating limits with various hitch types. If a step-bumper hitch will be used, the bumper could be damaged in sharp turns. Make sure there is ample room when turning to avoid contact between the trailer and the bumper. Consider using sway controls with any trailer. Ask a trailering professional about sway controls or refer to the trailer manufacturer's recommendations and instructions. Total Weight on the Vehicle's Tires Be sure the vehicle's tires are inflated to the inflation pressures found on the Certification Tire label on the drivers door or see Vehicle Load Limits on page 9‑22 for more information. Make sure not to exceed the GVWR limit for the vehicle, or the RGAWR, with the tow vehicle and trailer fully loaded for the trip including the weight of the trailer tongue. If using a weight-distributing hitch, make sure not to exceed the RGAWR before applying the weight distribution spring bars. Towing Equipment Hitches The correct hitch equipment helps maintain combination control. Most small-to-medium trailers can be towed with a weight-carrying hitch which simply features a coupler latched to the hitch ball.