2013 Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - Page 220

9-40 Driving and Operating 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. bumper-type hitches to it. Use only a frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to the bumper. . If there are a lot of options, equipment, passengers, or cargo in the vehicle, it will reduce the tongue weight the vehicle can carry, which will also reduce the trailer weight the vehicle can tow. If towing a trailer, the tongue load must be added to the GVW because the vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See Vehicle Load Limits on page 9‑9. Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires Be sure the vehicle's tires are inflated to the upper limit for cold tires. These numbers can be found on the Tire and Loading Information label. See Vehicle Load Limits on page 9‑9. Make sure not to go over the GVW limit for the vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue. Will any holes be made in the body of the vehicle when the trailer hitch is installed? If so, seal the holes when the hitch is removed. If the holes are not sealed, dirt, water, and deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from the exhaust can get into the vehicle. See Engine Exhaust on page 9‑19. Safety Chains Always attach chains between the vehicle and the trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from contacting the road if it becomes separated from the hitch. Leave enough slack so the rig can turn. Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground. Towing Equipment Hitches The trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10 to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B). Use the correct hitch equipment. See your dealer or a hitch dealer for assistance. . The rear bumper on the vehicle is not intended for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other