2007 Chevrolet Tahoe Owner's Manual - Page 413

Q: How do I know if my vehicle can handle a snow plow? A: Some vehicles are built with a special snow plow prep package, called RPO VYU. If your vehicle has this option, you can add a plow to it, provided certain weights, such as the weights on the vehicle's axles and the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), are not exceeded. Say, for example, you have a 700 lb (318 kg) snow plow. The total weight of all occupants and cargo inside the cab should not exceed 300 lb (135 kg). This means that you may only be able to carry one passenger. But, even this may be too much if you have got other equipment already adding to the weight of your vehicle. Here are some guidelines for safely carrying a snow plow on your vehicle: • Make sure the weight on the front and rear axles does not exceed the axle rating for each. • For the front axle, if more cargo or passengers must be carried, appropriate counter ballast must be installed rear of the rear axle. Counter ballast must be properly secured so it will not move during driving. • Follow the snow plow manufacturer's recommendations regarding rear ballast. Rear ballast may be required to ensure a proper front and rear weight distribution ratio, even though the actual weight at the front axle may be less than the front axle rating. Q: How heavy can a snow plow safely be? A: The plow your vehicle can carry depends on many things, such as: The options your vehicle came with, and the weight of those options. The weight and number of passengers you intend to carry. The weight of items you have added to your vehicle. The total weight of any additional cargo you intend to carry. 413