2011 Chevrolet Avalanche Owner's Manual - Page 347

Driving and Operating 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. 9-79 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. 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. See "Weight of the Trailer Tongue" in Trailer Towing on page 9‑75 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. 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. Weight‐Distributing Hitch Adjustment A. Body to Ground Distance B. Front of Vehicle When using a weight-distributing hitch, the spring bars should be adjusted so the distance (A) is the same after coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle and adjusting the hitch.