2005 GMC SIERRA trailer

It is recommended to use this system as follows:
For optimum ride comfort in an unloaded vehicle
the button should be out. The indicator light will
not be lit. This button position indicates NORMAL
levels of ride control or damping.
For optimum ride comfort when trailering, fully
loaded, driving off-road, or when personal
preferences demand more control, the button
should be pressed in with the indicator light lit.
This switch position indicates FIRM levels of ride
control or damping.
The following guide can also be used to help determine
the best setting.
NORMAL:The indicator light will not be lit when the
system is in this setting. Use for normal city and highway
driving. This setting provides a smooth, soft ride when
the vehicle is unloaded.
FIRM (Unloaded):Press the button to activate this
setting, the indicator light will be lit. Use this setting
when road conditions or personal preference demand
more control. This setting provides more “feel” or
response to the road conditions.FIRM (Loaded):Press the button to activate this
setting, the indicator light will be lit. Use this setting to
minimize trailer inputs to the vehicle or when the vehicle
is fully loaded. This setting is also appropriate for
off-road driving.
You can select a setting at any time based on road and
trailering conditions to provide the best ride and
handling. Select a new setting whenever driving
conditions change.
Locking Rear Axle
If your vehicle has this feature, your locking rear axle
can give you additional traction on snow, mud, ice, sand
or gravel. It works like a standard axle most of the
time, but when one of the rear wheels has no traction
and the other does, this feature will allow the wheel with
traction to move the vehicle.
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QUADRASTEER™
The QUADRASTEER™ System has a control and
diagnostic module that monitors and records current
system status and operational information.
If your vehicle is equipped with the 4-Wheel Steer
system, it has the ability to steer the vehicle with all
four wheels.
Once the 4-Wheel Steer mode is selected, it is
recommended to leave the vehicle in this mode at all
times, and during all driving and weather conditions.
You can select this mode at any speed, however, if you
are turning, the system will not engage until the turn
is complete.
The 4-Wheel Steer system is equipped with three
different driving modes:
2:Two-wheel steering
4:Four-wheel steering
_:Four-wheel steering with a trailer modeThe switch is located on the instrument panel.
2:In this mode, the vehicle will operate like any other
vehicle with two-wheel steering. If you want to use
2-wheel steer mode and your vehicle is not in this mode,
press the button until the 2 indicator, located to the
right of the 4-Wheel Steer button, lights up. If the
2 indicator is ashing, you will have to center the
steering wheel by turning it to the left or right.
Your vehicle will return to 2 when the transmission is
shifted into NEUTRAL (N), for example when entering a
car wash.
If you want to use tire chains, the vehicle needs to be in
2-wheel steer mode. For more information seeTire
Chains on page 5-90.
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_(4-Wheel Steer Tow Mode):When towing a
trailer, the 4-wheel steer tow mode provides enhanced
stability allowing the trailer to follow the path of the
tow vehicle more closely, especially during lane
changes.
In this mode the system operates much like the 4 mode,
but is enhanced for trailer towing. It is recommended
for all types and weights of trailers.
To engage the 4-Wheel Steer tow mode, press the
button until the 4 and tow mode indicators light up on
the instrument panel. If the tow indicator is ashing, you
will have to center the steering wheel by turning it to
the left or right. While in the 4-wheel steer tow mode, it
is possible the steering wheel may be slightly off
center. For more information, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-68.Car Washes for QUADRASTEER™
Equipped Vehicles
Notice:Because your vehicle has a wider rear track
a small number of older car washes may be too
narrow for your vehicle. Conveyor systems on some
automatic car washes may damage your vehicle.
Only use conveyor system car washes with 13-inch
(33 cm) wide conveyor rails and/or stationary washes
with at least 82 inches (208 cm) between the rails.
Before using the car wash check with the manager.
A. 13 inches (33 cm)
B. 82 inches (208 cm)
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There is also important loading information on the
vehicle Certication/Tire label. It tells you the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axles.
See “Certication/Tire Label” later in this section.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX
kg or XXX pounds” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and
passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
4. The resulting gure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if
the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs and there will be
ve 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount
of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650
lbs (1400−750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and
cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight
may not safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, the load from
your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to determine how this reduces
the available cargo and luggage load capacity of
your vehicle. SeeTowing a Trailer on page 4-68for
important information on towing a trailer, towing
safety rules and trailering tips.
Item Description Total
AVehicle Capacity Weight
for Example 1=1,000 lbs (453 kg)
BSubtract Occupant
Weight 150 lbs
(68 kg)×2=300 lbs (136 kg)
CAvailable Occupant and
Cargo Weight=700 lbs (317 kg) Example 1
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Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab
General Motors is aware that some vehicle owners may
consider having the pickup box removed and a
commercial or recreational body installed. Before you do
so, rst contact GM Customer Assistance for information
on such conversions specic to this vehicle. Owners
should be aware that, as manufactured, there are
differences between a chassis cab and a pickup with
the box removed which may affect vehicle safety.
The components necessary to adapt a pickup to permit
its safe use with a specialized body should be
installed by a body builder in accordance with the
information available from GM Customer Assistance.
SeeCustomer Assistance Offices on page 7-4.
Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your disabled vehicle towed. See
Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-5.
If you want to tow your vehicle behind another vehicle
for recreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome),
see “Recreational Vehicle Towing” following.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing your vehicle
behind another vehicle – such as behind a motorhome.
The two most common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as dinghy towing, towing your vehicle
will all four wheels on the ground, and dolly towing,
towing your vehicle with two wheels on the ground and
two wheels up on a device known as a “dolly”.
With the proper preparation and equipment, many
vehicles can be towed in these ways. See “Dinghy
Towing” and “Dolly Towing” following.
Here are some important things to consider before you
do recreational vehicle towing:
What’s the towing capacity of the towing vehicle?
Be sure you read the tow vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendations.
How far will you tow? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how long they can tow.
Do you have the proper towing equipment?
See your dealer or trailering professional for
additional advice and equipment recommendations.
Is your vehicle ready to be towed? Just as you
would prepare your vehicle for a long trip, you’ll
want to make sure your vehicle is prepared to be
towed. SeeBefore Leaving on a Long Trip on
page 4-41.
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{CAUTION:
Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle’s transfer
case into NEUTRAL can cause your vehicle to
roll even if the transmission is in Park (P) for
an automatic transmission, or if your vehicle is
in gear, for a manual transmission. You or
others could be injured. Make sure the parking
brake is rmly set before you shift the transfer
case to NEUTRAL.
5. Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL. See
Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-37.
6. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle
being towed is rmly attached to the tow vehicle.
7. Turn the ignition to LOCK.
Trailer Recommendations
You must subtract your hitch loads from the CWR for
your vehicle. Weigh your vehicle with the trailer
attached, so that you won’t go over the GVWR or
GAWR. If you are using a weight-distributing hitch,
weigh the vehicle without the spring bars in place.
You’ll get the best performance if you spread out the
weight of your load the right way, and if you choose the
correct hitch and trailer brakes.
For more information, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-68.
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Towing a Trailer
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeNew Vehicle
Break-In on page 2-21.
{CAUTION:
If you do not use the correct equipment and
drive properly, you can lose control when you
pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work well — or even
at all. You and your passengers could be
seriously injured. Pull a trailer only if you have
followed all the steps in this section. Ask your
dealer for advice and information about towing
a trailer with your vehicle.
Notice:Pulling a trailer improperly can damage
your vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered
by your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow
the advice in this part, and see your dealer for
important information about towing a trailer with
your vehicle.
To identify the vehicle trailering capacity of your vehicle,
you should read the information in “Weight of the
Trailer” that appears later in this section.If yours was built with trailering options, as many are,
it’s ready for heavier trailers. But trailering is different
than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means
changes in acceleration, braking, handling, durability
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has to be used properly.
That’s the reason for this part. In it are many time-tested,
important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of
these are important for your safety and that of your
passengers. So please read this section carefully before
you pull a trailer.
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:
There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
your rig will be legal, not only where you live
but also where you’ll be driving. A good source for
this information can be state or provincial police.
Consider using a sway control. See “Hitches” later
in this section.
Don’t tow a trailer at all during the rst 500 miles
(800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
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Then, during the rst 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, don’t drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and don’t make starts at full throttle. This helps your
engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.
If you have an automatic transmission, you can tow
in DRIVE (D). You may want to shift the
transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower
gear selection if the transmission shifts too often,
such as under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
If you have a manual transmission and you are
towing a trailer, it’s better not to use the highest
gear. SeeTow/Haul Mode Light on page 3-49.
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
The weight of the trailer
The weight of the trailer tongue
The weight on your vehicle’s tires
Tow/Haul Mode
Tow/Haul is a feature on automatic transmission
equipped vehicles that assists when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load. Tow/Haul mode adjusts
the transmission’s shift pattern to reduce shift cycling
(rapid up and downshifts/gear hunting), providing
increased performance, vehicle control, and transmission
cooling when towing or hauling heavy loads.Automatic transmission equipped vehicles are provided
with a button at the end of the shift lever which when
pressed enables Tow/Haul. When the button is pressed,
a light on the instrument panel will illuminate to
indicate that Tow/Haul has been selected. Tow/Haul
may be turned off by pressing the button again, at which
time the indicator light on the instrument panel will
turn off. The vehicle will automatically turn off Tow/Haul
every time it is started.
Tow/Haul is designed to be most effective when the
vehicle and trailer combined weight is at least 75 percent
of the vehicle’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
See “Weight of the Trailer” later in the section. Tow/Haul
is most useful under the following driving conditions:
When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load
through rolling terrain.
When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load
in stop and go traffic.
When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load
in busy parking lots where improved low speed
control of the vehicle is desired.
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