Chevrolet 2003 Silverado Owner's Manual page 344

Here are some guidelines for safely carrying a snow
plow on your vehicle:
•
Make sure the weight on the front and rear axles
doesn't 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 won't 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.
4-62
Q:
What is front axle reserve capacity, and how do
I calculate it?
A:
Front axle reserve capacity is the difference
between your front GAWR and the front axle weight
of your truck with full fuel and passengers.
Basically, it's 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.
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