Towing Equipment - Chevrolet Malibu 2024 Owner's Manual

216 Driving and Operating
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
For information about the vehicle's
maximum load capacity, see Vehicle Load
Limits 0 171. When calculating the GVWR
with a trailer attached, the trailer tongue
weight must be included as part of the
weight the vehicle is carrying.
Maximum Trailer Weight
The trailer should never weigh more than
454 kg (1,000 lb). The maximum allowable
weight of the trailer may be lower based on
the weight of the passengers and cargo in
your trailer.
The maximum trailer weight rating 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.
Trailer Load Balance
The correct trailer load balance must be
maintained to ensure trailer stability.
Incorrect load balance is a leading cause of
trailer sway.
The trailer tongue weight (1) should be
10 15% of the total loaded trailer weight (2).
Some specific trailer types, such as boat
trailers, fall outside of this range. Always
refer to the trailer owner s manual for the
recommended trailer tongue weight for each
trailer. Never exceed the maximum loads for
your vehicle, hitch and trailer.
The trailer load balance percentage is
calculated as: weight (1) divided by
weight (2) times 100.
After loading the trailer, separately weigh
the trailer and then the trailer tongue to see
if the weights are appropriate for your
vehicle. If the trailer weight is too high, it
may be possible to transfer some of the
cargo into your vehicle. If the trailer tongue
weight is too high or too low, it may be
possible to rearrange some of the cargo
inside of the trailer.
Do not exceed the maximum allowable
tongue weight for your vehicle. Use the
shortest hitch extension available to position
the hitch ball closer to your vehicle. This will
help reduce the effect of the trailer tongue
weight on the trailer hitch and the rear axle.
If a cargo carrier is used in the trailer hitch
receiver, choose a carrier that positions the
load as close to the vehicle as possible.
Make sure the total weight, including the
carrier, is no more than half of the
maximum allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle or 227 kg (500 lb), whichever is less.
Ask your dealer for trailering information or
assistance.

Towing Equipment

Hitches
Always use the correct hitch equipment for
your vehicle. Crosswinds, large trucks going
by, and rough roads can affect the trailer
and the hitch.