2014 Chevrolet Tahoe Owner Manual - Page 338

9-80 Driving and Operating GAWR, rear GAWR, and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) must never be exceeded. For example, adding a 318 kg (700 lb) snow plow actually adds more than 318 kg (700 lb) to the front axle. Using the formula, if the snow plow is 122 cm (4 ft) in front of the front axle and the wheel base is 305 cm (10 ft), then: W = 318 kg (700 lb) A = 122 cm (4 ft) W.B. = 305 cm (10 ft) (W x (A + W.B.))/W.B. = (318 x (122 + 305))/305 = 445 kg (980 lb) So, if the vehicle's front axle reserve capacity is more than 980 lbs (445 kg), the snow plow could be added without exceeding the front GAWR. Heavier equipment can be added on the front of the vehicle if it is compensated for by carrying fewer passengers, less cargo, or by positioning cargo toward the rear. This has the effect of reducing the load on the front. However, the front Warning (Continued) weight is less than the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Maintaining a proper front and rear weight distribution ratio is necessary to provide proper braking performance. Total vehicle reserve capacity is the difference between the GVWR and the weight of the vehicle with full fuel and passengers. It is the amount of weight that can be added to the vehicle before reaching theGVWR. Keep in mind that reserve capacity numbers are intended as a guide when selecting the amount of equipment or cargo the vehicle can carry. If you are unsure of the vehicle's front, rear, or total weight, go to a weigh station and weigh the vehicle. Your dealer can also help you with this. { Warning On some vehicles that have certain front mounted equipment, such as a snow plow, it may be possible to load the front axle to the front gross axle weight rating (GAWR) but not have enough weight on the rear axle to have proper braking performance. If the brakes cannot work properly, you could have a crash. To help the brakes work properly when a snow plow is installed, always follow the snow plow manufacturer or installer's recommendation for rear ballast to ensure a proper front and rear weight distribution ratio, even though the actual front weight may be less than the front GAWR, and the total vehicle (Continued)