2011 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 244

9-46 Driving and Operating 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 9‑12 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. Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only the driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the required trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight. Ask your dealer for trailering information or advice, or write us at our Customer Assistance Offices. See Customer Assistance Offices (U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑5 or Customer Assistance Offices (Mexico) on page 13‑5 for more information. 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-Loading Information label. See Vehicle Load Limits on page 9‑12. Make sure not to go over the GVW limit for the vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue. Weight of the Trailer Tongue The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects the total gross weight of the vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo carried in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. The trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10‐15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B).