2001 GMC SIERRA Owner's Manual

4-67
K-2500 Regular Cab Long Box HD (4WD)*
Engine Axle
RatioMax. Trailer Wt.
6000 V8 4.10 10,400 lbs. (4 717 kg)
8100 V8 3.73 13,700 lbs. (6 214 kg)**
4.10 15,700 lbs. (7 121 kg)**
6600 V8 Diesel 3.73 15,600 lbs. (7 076 kg)**
4.10 15,600 lbs. (7 076 kg)**K-2500 Extended Cab Long Box HD (4WD)*
Engine Axle
RatioMax. Trailer Wt.
6000 V8 4.10 10,200 lbs. (4 627 kg)
8100 V8 3.73 13,500 lbs. (6 123 kg)**
4.10 15,500 lbs. (7 031 kg)**
6600 V8 Diesel 3.73 15,500 lbs. (7 031 kg)**
4.10 15,500 lbs. (7 031 kg)**
* Weight
-distributing hitch tongue weight 10% to 15% of trailer weight 1,200 lb. (544 kg) maximum.
Fifth
-wheel hitch tongue weight 15% to 25% of trailer weight 2,500 lb. (1 134 kg) maximum.
** Fifth
-wheel hitch rating; weight distributing hitch rating is limited to 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) maximum.

4-68
K-2500 Crew Cab Short Box HD (4WD)*
Engine Axle
RatioMax. Trailer Wt.
6000 V8 4.10 10,000 lbs. (4 536 kg)
8100 V8 3.73 13,200 lbs. (5 987 kg)**
4.10 15,200 lbs. (6 895 kg)**
6600 V8 Diesel 3.73 15,200 lbs. (6 895 kg)**
4.10 15,200 lbs. (6 895 kg)**K-2500 Crew Cab Long Box HD (4WD)*
Engine Axle
RatioMax. Trailer Wt.
6000 V8 4.10 9,900 lbs. (4 491 kg)
8100 V8 3.73 13,200 lbs. (5 987 kg)**
4.10 15,200 lbs. (6 895 kg)**
6600 V8 Diesel 3.73 15,100 lbs. (6 849 kg)**
4.10 15,100 lbs. (6 849 kg)**
* Weight
-distributing hitch tongue weight 10% to 15% of trailer weight 1,200 lb. (544 kg) maximum.
Fifth
-wheel hitch tongue weight 15% to 25% of trailer weight 2,500 lb. (1 134 kg) maximum.
** Fifth
-wheel hitch rating; weight distributing hitch rating is limited to 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) maximum.

4-69
C-3500 Regular Cab HD (2WD)*
Engine Axle
RatioMax. Trailer Wt.
6000 V8 4.10 10,400 lbs. (4 717 kg)
8100 V8 4.10 15,700 lbs. (7 121 kg)**
6600 V8 Diesel 3.73 15,800 lbs. (7 167 kg)**
4.10 15,800 lbs. (7 167 kg)**
C
-3500 Extended Cab (2WD)*
Engine Axle
RatioMax. Trailer Wt.
6000 V8 4.10 10,100 lbs. (4 581 kg)
8100 V8 4.10 15,400 lbs. (6 985 kg)**
6600 V8 Diesel 3.73 15,500 lbs. (7 031 kg)**C
-3500 Crew Cab (2WD)*
Engine Axle
RatioMax. Trailer Wt.
6000 V8 4.10 9,900 lbs. (4 491 kg)
8100 V8 4.10 15,300 lbs. (6 940 kg)**
6600 V8 Diesel 3.73 15,400 lbs. (6 985 kg)**
4.10 15,400 lbs. (6 985 kg)**
K
-3500 Regular Cab (4WD)*
Engine Axle
RatioMax. Trailer Wt.
6000 V8 4.10 10,100 lbs. (4 582 kg)
8100 V8 4.10 15,500 lbs. (7 031 kg)**
6600 V8 Diesel 3.73 15,400 lbs. (6 985 kg)**
4.10 15,400 lbs. (6 985 kg)**
* Weight
-distributing hitch tongue weight 10% to 15% of trailer weight 1,200 lb. (544 kg) maximum.
Fifth
-wheel hitch tongue weight 15% to 25% of trailer weight 2,500 lb. (1 134 kg) maximum.
** Fifth
-wheel hitch rating; weight distributing hitch rating is limited to 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) maximum.

4-70
K-3500 Extended Cab (4WD)*
Engine Axle
RatioMax. Trailer Wt.
6000 V8 4.10 9,800 lbs. (4 445 kg)
8100 V8 4.10 15,100 lbs. (6 849 kg)**
6600 V8 Diesel 3.73 14,800 lbs. (6 713 kg)**
4.10 14,800 lbs. (6 713 kg)**K-3500 Crew Cab (4WD)*
Engine Axle
RatioMax. Trailer Wt.
6000 V8 4.10 9,800 lbs. (4 445 kg)
8100 V8 4.10 15,100 lbs. (6 849 kg)**
6600 V8 Diesel 3.73 15,200 lbs. (6 895 kg)**
4.10 15,200 lbs. (6 895 kg)**
* Weight
-distributing hitch tongue weight 10% to 15% of trailer weight 1,200 lb. (544 kg) maximum.
Fifth
-wheel hitch tongue weight 15% to 25% of trailer weight 2,500 lb. (1 134 kg) maximum.
** Fifth
-wheel hitch rating; weight distributing hitch rating is limited to 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) maximum.

4-71
You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or
advice, or you can write us at the address listed in your
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information Booklet.
In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163
-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
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 will tow a trailer,
you must add the tongue load to the GVW because your
vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See ªLoading
Your Vehicleº in the Index for more information about
your vehicle's maximum load capacity.

4-72
If you're using a weight-carrying or a weight-distributing
hitch, the trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent
to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B).
Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weight
for your vehicle.
After you've loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they aren't, 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. You'll find these numbers on the
Certification label at the rear edge of the driver's door or
see ªTire Loadingº in the Index. Then be sure you
don't go over the GVW limit for your vehicle, including
the weight of the trailer tongue.
Hitches
It's important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads
are a few reasons why you'll need the right hitch.
Here are some rules to follow:

If you use a step
-bumper hitch, your bumper
could be damaged in sharp turns. Make sure you
have ample room when turning to avoid contact
between the trailer and the bumper.

If you'll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than the capacity stamped on your
step bumper, be sure to use a properly mounted,
weight
-distributing hitch and sway control of the
proper size. This equipment is very important for
proper vehicle loading and good handling when
you're driving.

4-73 Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from
contacting the road if it becomes separated from the
hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be provided
by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.
For trailers up to 5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg) you may
attach the safety chains to the attaching points on the
bumper. For heavier trailers, follow the trailer or hitch
manufacturer's recommendation for attaching safety
chains. Always leave just enough slack so you can
turn with your rig. Never allow safety chains to drag
on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 2,000 lbs. (900 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes
-- and they must be
adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for
the trailer brakes so you'll be able to install, adjust and
maintain them properly.Your trailer brake system can tap into the vehicle's
hydraulic brake system only if:

The trailer parts can withstand 3,000 psi
(20 650 kPa) of pressure.

The trailer's brake system will use less than
0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of fluid from your vehicle's
master cylinder. Otherwise, both braking systems
won't work well. You could even lose your brakes.
If everything checks out this far, make the brake tap at
the port on the master cylinder that sends the fluid to
the rear brakes. But don't use copper tubing for this.
If you do, it will bend and finally break off. Use steel
brake tubing.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you'll want to
get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel
of handling and braking with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you
are driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.

4-74
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
While towing a trailer or when exposed to long periods
of sunshine, the floor of the truck bed may become very
warm. Avoid putting items in the truck bed that might be
affected by high ambient temperatures.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require heavy
braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You'll need more passing distance up ahead when
you're towing a trailer. And, because you're a good deal
longer, you'll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that
hand to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move
your hand to the right. Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone guide you.
Making Turns
NOTICE:
Making very sharp turns while trailering could
cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you're turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so your trailer won't strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.