2014 Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - Page 272

9-64 Driving and Operating Weight of the Trailer How heavy can a trailer safely be? It should never weigh more than 454 kg (1,000 lb). But even that can be too heavy. It depends on how the rig is used. For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature, and how much the vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all important. It can depend on any special equipment on the vehicle, and the amount of tongue weight the vehicle can carry. See "Weight of the Trailer Tongue" later in this section. 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 on page 13-3. lubricant, belts, cooling system, and brake system. It is a good idea to inspect these before and during the trip. Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are tight. Weight of the Trailer Tongue The tongue load (1) 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. 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 9-10. Trailer Towing (eAssist) The vehicle is neither designed nor intended to tow a trailer. Trailer Towing (All except eAssist) Before pulling a trailer, three important considerations have to do with weight: ... Weight of the trailer. Weight of the trailer tongue. Total weight on your vehicle's tires.