Chevrolet SUBURBAN - 2011 Owner's Manual page 388

9-100 Driving and Operating
For example, adding a 700 lb
(318 kg) snow plow actually adds
more than 700 lbs (318 kg) to the
front axle. Using the formula, if the
snow plow is 4 ft (122 cm) in front of
the front axle and the wheel base is
10 ft (305 cm), then:
W = 700 lb (318 kg)
A = 4 ft (122 cm)
W.B. = 10 ft (305 cm)
(W x (A + W.B.))/W.B. =
(700 x (4 + 10))/10 = 980 lbs (445 kg)
So, if your vehicle's front axle
reserve capacity is more than
980 lbs (445 kg), you could add the
snow plow without exceeding the
front GAWR.
You can add heavier equipment on
the front of the vehicle if you
compensate for it by carrying fewer
passengers, less cargo, or by
positioning cargo towards the rear.
This has the effect of reducing the
load on the front. However, the front
GAWR, rear GAWR, and the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
must never be exceeded.
WARNING
On some vehicles that have
certain front mounted equipment,
such as a snow plow, it may be
possible to load the front axle to
the front gross axle weight rating
(GAWR) but not have enough
weight on the rear axle to have
proper braking performance.
If your brakes can not work
properly, you could have a crash.
To help your brakes work properly
when a snow plow is installed,
always follow the snow plow
WARNING (Continued)
manufacturer or installer's
recommendation for rear ballast
to ensure a proper front and rear
weight distribution ratio, even
though the actual front weight
may be less than the front
GAWR, and the total vehicle
weight is less than the gross
vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
Maintaining a proper front and
rear weight distribution ratio is
necessary to provide proper
braking performance.
(Continued)