2009 GMC SIERRA Owner's Manual

Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
1500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Short Box (c)
4.8L V8 3.42 5,400 lbs (2 449 kg) 11,000 lbs (4 990 kg)
5.3L V8 3.42 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.42 9,500 lbs (4 309 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804kg)
6.0L, 6.2L V8 3.42 6,300 lbs (2 858 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
6.0L, 6.2L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.42 9,300 lbs (4 218 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804kg)
6.0L V8 NHT Max Trailering
Pkg — Fifth-Wheel Trailer3.73 9,900 lbs (4 491 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
6.0L, 6.2L V8 NHT Max Trailering
Pkg — Conventional Trailer3.73 10,400 lbs (4 717 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
1500 Series 4WD Regular Cab Long Box (b)
4.3L V6 (c) 3.73 4,900 lbs (2 223 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
4.8L V8 (c) 3.42 5,800 lbs (2 631 kg) 11,000 lbs (4 990 kg)
5.3L V8 3.42 6,300 lbs (2 858 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg — Fifth-Wheel Trailer3.42 9,500 lbs (4 309 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg — Conventional Trailer3.42 9,800 lbs (4 445 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804kg)
5.3L V8 — Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.73 7,800 lbs (3 538 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
4-59

Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
5.3L V8 — Conventional Trailer 3.73 7,900 lbs (3 583 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
5.3L V8 — Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.10 8,800 lbs (3 992 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
5.3L V8 — Conventional Trailer 4.10 8,900 lbs (4 037 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
1500 Series 4WD Extended Cab Long Box (b)
5.3L V8 (c) 3.42 5,700 lbs (2 586 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg — Fifth-Wheel Trailer3.42 7,700 lbs (3 493 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg — Conventional Trailer3.42 9,200 lbs (4 173 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
5.3L LMG V8 3.73 7,600 lbs (3 447 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
5.3L LY5 V8 3.73 7,300 lbs (3 311 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
2500 Series 2WD Extended Cab Standard Box HD (d)
6.0L V83.73
4.1010,200 lbs (4 627 kg)
12,700 lbs (5 761 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
2500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Standard Box HD (d)
6.0L V83.73
4.1010,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
12,500 lbs (5 670 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
2500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Long Box HD (d)
6.0L V83.73
4.1010,500 lbs (4 763 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
4-60

Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
2500 Series 2WD Extended Cab Long Box HD (d)
6.0L V83.73
4.1010,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
12,500 lbs (5 670 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
2500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Long Box HD (d)
6.0L V83.73
4.109,900 lbs (4 491 kg)
12,400 lbs (5 625 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
2500 Series 4WD Extended Cab Standard Box HD (d)
6.0L V83.73
4.109,900 lbs (4 491 kg)
12,400 lbs (5 625 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
2500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Standard Box HD (d)
6.0L V83.73
4.109,800 lbs (4 445 kg)
12,300 lbs (5 579 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
2500 Series 4WD Regular Cab Long Box HD (d)
6.0L V83.73
4.1010,200 lbs (4 627 kg)
12,700 lbs (5 761 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
2500 Series 4WD Extended Cab Long Box HD (d)
6.0L V83.73
4.109,800 lbs (4 445 kg)
12,300 lbs (5 579 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
4-61

Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
2500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Long Box HD (d)
6.0L V83.73
4.109,600 lbs (4 355 kg)
12,100 lbs (5 489 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
3500 Series 2WD Extended Cab (e)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)3.73
4.109,900 lbs (4 491 kg)
12,400 lbs (5 625 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels)3.73
4.109,500 lbs (4 309 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
3500 Series 2WD Crew Cab (e)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)3.73
4.109,700 lbs (4 400 kg)
12,200 lbs (5 534 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels)3.73
4.109,300 lbs (4 218 kg)
11,800 lbs (5 352 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
3500 Series 4WD Regular Cab (e)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)3.73
4.1010,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
12,500 lbs (5 670 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels)3.73
4.109,700 lbs (4 400 kg)
12,200 lbs (5 534 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
4-62

Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
3500 Series 4WD Extended Cab (e)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)3.73
4.109,600 lbs (4 355 kg)
12,100 lbs (5 489 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels)3.73
4.109,200 lbs (4 173 kg)
11,700 lbs (5 307 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
3500 Series 4WD Crew Cab (e)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)3.73
4.109,400 lbs (4 264 kg)
11,900 lbs (5 398 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels)3.73
4.109,100 lbs (4 128 kg)
11,600 lbs (5 262 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
(a) The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle
and trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment and conversions. The GCWR for the vehicle should not be
exceeded.
(b) Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg)
maximum.
(c) This model is neither designed nor intended to tow fth-wheel or gooseneck trailers.
(d) Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to
3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) maximum.
(e) Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to
3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) maximum.
Ask your dealer/retailer for our trailering information or advice, or write us at our Customer Assistance Offices.
SeeCustomer Assistance Offices on page 7-6for more information.
4-63

Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight
to measure because it affects the total gross weight of the
vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the
curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo carried in it, and the
people who will be riding in the vehicle. If there are a lot of
options, equipment, passengers or cargo in the vehicle, it
will reduce the tongue weight the vehicle can carry, which
will also reduce the trailer weight the vehicle can tow.
If towing a trailer, the tongue load must be added to the
GVW because the vehicle will be carrying that weight,
too. See for more information about the vehicle’s
maximum load capacity.The trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent
to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight, up to a
maximum of 600 lbs (272 kg) for the 1500 or 2500 series,
and up to a maximum of 750 lbs (340 kg) for the 2500 HD
or 3500 series with a weight carrying hitch. The trailer
tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent to 15 percent
of the total loaded trailer weight, up to a maximum of
1,000 lbs (453 kg) for the 1500 series and up to a
maximum of 1,500 lbs (680 kg) for the 2500, 2500 HD
or 3500 series with a weight distributing hitch.
4-64

Fifth wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be
15 to 25 percent of the trailer weight up to the maximum
amount specied in the trailering chart for the vehicle.
See “Weight of the Trailer”, and “Fifth-Wheel and
Gooseneck Trailering” in this section.
Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weight
for the vehicle. Choose the shortest hitch extension that
will position the hitch ball closest to the vehicle. This
will help reduce the effect of trailer tongue weight on
the rear axle.
After loading the trailer, weigh the trailer and then the
tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper.
If they are not, adjustments might be made by moving
some items around in the trailer.
Trailering may be limited by the vehicle’s ability to carry
tongue weight. Tongue weight cannot cause the vehicle
to exceed the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) or
the RGAWR (Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating). The effect
of additional weight may reduce the trailering capacity
more than the total of the additional weight.Consider the following example:
A vehicle model base weight is 5,500 lbs (2 495 kg);
2,800 lbs (1 270 kg) at the front axle and 2,700 lbs
(1 225 kg) at the rear axle. It has a GVWR of 7,200 lbs
(3 266 kg), a RGAWR of 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) and
a GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating) of
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg). The trailer rating should be:
Expect tongue weight to be at least 10 percent of trailer
weight (850 lbs (386 kg)) and because the weight is
applied well behind the rear axle, the effect on the rear
axle is greater than just the weight itself, as much as
1.5 times as much. The weight at the rear axle could be
850 lbs (386 kg) X 1.5 = 1,275 lbs (578 kg). Since the
rear axle already weighs 2,700 lbs (1 225 kg), adding
1,275 lbs (578 kg) brings the total to 3,975 lbs (1 803 kg).
This is very close to, but within the limit for RGAWR
as well. The vehicle is set to trailer up to 8,500 lbs
(3 856 kg).
4-65

If the vehicle has many options and there is a front
seat passenger and two rear seat passengers with some
luggage and gear in the vehicle as well. 300 lbs (136 kg)
could be added to the front axle weight and 400 lbs
(181 kg) to the rear axle weight. The vehicle now weighs:
Weight is still below 7,200 lbs (3 266 kg) and you
might think 700 additional pounds (318 kg) should be
subtracted from the trailering capacity to stay within
GCWR limits. The maximum trailer would only be
7,800 lbs (3 538 kg). You may go further and think the
tongue weight should be limited to less than 1,000 lbs
(454 kg) to avoid exceeding GVWR. But the effect on the
rear axle must still be considered. Because the rear axle
now weighs 3,100 lbs (1 406 kg), 900 lbs (408 kg) can
be put on the rear axle without exceeding RGAWR.The effect of tongue weight is about 1.5 times the actual
weight. Dividing the 900 lbs (408 kg) by 1.5 leaves only
600 lbs (272 kg) of tongue weight that can be handled.
Since tongue weight is usually at least 10 percent of total
loaded trailer weight, expect that the largest trailer the
vehicle can properly handle is 6,000 lbs (2 721 kg).
It is important that the vehicle does not exceed any of
its ratings — GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR, Maximum Trailer
Rating or Tongue Weight. The only way to be sure it
is not exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh
the vehicle and trailer.
Total Weight on the Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure the vehicle’s tires are inated to the upper
limit for cold tires. These numbers can be found on the
Certication label at the rear edge of the drivers door
or seeLoading the Vehicle on page 4-32for more
information. Make sure not to go over the GVW limit for
the vehicle, or the GAWR, including the weight of the
trailer tongue. If using a weight distributing hitch, make
sure not to go over the rear axle limit before applying the
weight distribution spring bars.
4-66