2004 GMC Sierra 1500 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 362

In order to calculate the amount of weight any front accessory, such as a snow plow, is adding to the front axle, use the following formula: For example, adding a 700 lb. (318 kg) snow plow actually adds more than 700 lb. (318 kg) to the front axle. Using the formula, if the snow plow is 4 ft. (122 cm) in front of the front axle and the wheel base is 10 ft. (305 cm), then: W = 700 lb. (318 kg) A = 4 ft. (122 cm) W.B. = 10 ft. (305 cm) (W x (A + W.B.))/W.B. = (700 x (4 + 10))/10 = 980 lb. (445 kg) So, if your truck's front axle reserve capacity is more than 980 lb. (445 kg), you could add the snow plow without exceeding the front GAWR. Q: What if I want to add heavier equipment to my vehicle? (W x (A + W.B.)) /W.B.= Weight the accessory is adding to the front axle. Where: W = Weight of added accessory A = Distance that the accessory is in front of the front axle W.B. = Vehicle Wheelbase A: You can add heavier equipment on the front of the vehicle if you compensate for it by carrying fewer passengers, less cargo, or by positioning cargo towards the rear. This has the effect of reducing the load on the front. However, the front GAWR, rear GAWR and the GVWR must never be exceeded. 4-66