Pontiac 2009 Vibe Owner's Manual page 251

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.
You can ask your dealer/retailer for
our trailering information or advice,
or you can write us at our Customer
Assistance Offices. See Customer
Assistance Offices on page 12-4 for
more information.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer
is an important weight to measure
because it affects the total or gross
weight of your vehicle. The Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the
curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo
you may carry in it, and the people
who will be riding in the vehicle.
And if you tow a trailer, you must add
the tongue load to the GVW because
your vehicle will be carrying that
weight, too. See Loading the Vehicle
on page 8-32 for more information
about your vehicle's maximum load
capacity.
If using a weight-carrying hitch or a
weight-distributing hitch, the trailer
tongue (A) should weigh 10 to
15 percent of the total loaded trailer
weight (B).
Vehicle Service and Care
After the trailer is loaded, weigh
the trailer and then the tongue,
separately, to see if the weights
are proper. If they are not, you may
be able to get them right simply
by moving some items around in
the trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's
Tires
Be sure your vehicle's tires are
inflated to the upper limit for cold
tires. These numbers are located on
the Tire and Loading Information
label located on the vehicle's center
pillar (B-pillar). See Loading the
Vehicle on page 8-32. Then be sure
you do not go over the GVW limit
for your vehicle, including the weight
of the trailer tongue.
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