2012 GMC Sierra Owner's Manual - Page 382

9-106 Driving and Operating Some vehicles are built with a special snow plow prep package, called RPO VYU. If the 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 Rating (GVWR), are not exceeded. The plow the vehicle can carry depends on many things, such as: . Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment Before installing a snow plow on the vehicle, here are some things you need to know: Notice: If the vehicle does not have the snow plow prep package, adding a plow can damage the vehicle, and the repairs would not be covered by warranty. Unless the vehicle was built to carry a snow plow, do not add one to the vehicle. If the vehicle has the snow plow prep package, called RPO VYU, then the payload the vehicle can carry will be reduced when a snow plow is installed. The vehicle can be damaged if either the front or rear axle ratings or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) are exceeded. (300 lb). This means that you may only be able to carry one passenger. But, even this may be too much if there is other equipment already adding to the weight of the vehicle. Here are some guidelines for safely carrying a snow plow on the 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. The options the vehicle came with, and the weight of those options. The weight and number of passengers intended to be carried. The weight of items added to the vehicle, like a tool box or truck cap. The total weight of any additional cargo intended to be carried. . . . . . Say, for example, you have a 318 kg (700 lb) snow plow. The total weight of all occupants and cargo inside the cab should not exceed 135 kg