Chevrolet Avalanche Owner's Manual page 315

Here are some guidelines for safely carrying a snow
plow on your 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 snow plow manufacturer or installer can assist
you in determining the amount of rear ballast
required, to help make sure your snowplow/vehicle
combination does not exceed the GVW rating, the
front and rear axle ratings, and the front and rear
weight distribution ratio.
•
The total vehicle must not exceed the GVW rating.
Q:
What is front axle reserve capacity, and how do
I calculate it?
A:
Front axle reserve capacity is the difference
between your front gross axle weight rating (GAWR)
and the front axle weight of your vehicle with full
fuel and passengers. Basically, it is the amount of
weight you can add to your front axle before
reaching your front GAWR.
The front axle reserve capacity for your vehicle can be
found in the lower right corner of the Certification/Tire
label, as shown.
United States Canada
4-55