GMC Sierra Classic 2007 Owner's Manual page 411

Say, for example, you have a 700 lb (318 kg)
snow plow. The total weight of all occupants and
cargo inside the cab should not exceed 300 lb
(135 kg). This means that you may only be able to
carry one passenger. But, even this may be too
much if you have got other equipment already
adding to the weight of your vehicle.
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.
411