2010 GMC SIERRA tow

Four‐Wheel‐Drive Vehicles
Use the following procedure to dolly tow a
four-wheel-drive vehicle from the rear:1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the dolly.
3. Firmly set the parking brake. See Parking Brake
on page 3‑50.
4. Put the transmission in P (Park).
5. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the manufacturer's instructions.
6. Use an adequate clamping device designed for towing to ensure that the front wheels are locked
into the straight position.
{WARNING:
Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle's transfer case
into N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle to roll even
if the transmission is in P (Park). The driver or
others could be injured. Make sure the parking
brake is firmly set before the transfer case is
shifted to N (Neutral).
7. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting
into Neutral” underFour-Wheel Drive
on
page 3‑36for the proper procedure to select the
neutral position for the vehicle.
8. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
After towing, see “Shifting Out of Neutral” under
Four-Wheel Drive on page 3‑36.
5-49

Towing a Trailer
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the DURAMAX®
Diesel manual for more information.
If the vehicle has a two–mode hybrid engine, see the
Two–mode Hybrid manual for more information.
Do not tow a trailer during break‐in. SeeNew Vehicle
Break-In
on page 3‑21for more information.
{WARNING:
The driver can lose control when pulling a trailer if
the correct equipment is not used or the vehicle is
not driven properly. For example, if the trailer is
too heavy, the brakes may not work well or even
at all. The driver and passengers could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged; the resulting repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer only
if all the steps in this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer/retailer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with the vehicle. Notice:
Pulling a trailer improperly can damage the
vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by
the vehicle warranty. To pull a trailer correctly,
follow the advice in this section and see your
dealer/retailer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
To identify the trailering capacity of the vehicle, read the
information in “Weight of the Trailer” that appears later
in this section.
Trailering is different than just driving the vehicle by
itself. Trailering means changes in handling,
acceleration, braking, durability and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and
it has to be used properly.
The following information has 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
pulling a trailer.
5-50

Pulling A Trailer
Here are some important points:
.There are many different laws, including speed
limit restrictions, having to do with trailering.
Make sure the rig will be legal, not only where
you live but also where you will 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.
.Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(800 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
.During the first 500 miles (800 km) that a trailer
is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and
do not make starts at full throttle. This helps the
engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in
at the heavier loads.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the transmission
shifts too often under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions. Important considerations that have to do with weight:
.The weight of the trailer
.The weight of the trailer tongue
.The weight on the vehicle's tires
.And the weight of the trailering combination
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how the rig is used. Speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature and how much the vehicle
is used to pull a trailer are all important. It can depend
on any special equipment on the vehicle, and the
amount of tongue weight the vehicle can carry. See
“Weight of the Trailer Tongue”
later in this section for
more information.
Trailer weight rating (TWR) is calculated assuming the
tow vehicle has only the driver but all required trailering
equipment. Weight of additional optional equipment,
passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle must be
subtracted from the trailer weight rating.
Use the following chart to determine how much the
vehicle can weigh, based upon the vehicle model
and options.
Weights listed apply for conventional trailers and
fifth-wheel trailers unless otherwise noted.
5-51

VehicleAxle 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 fifth-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 trailering information or advice, or write us at our Customer Assistance Offices.
See Customer Assistance Officeson page 8‑6for more information.
5-59

Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is very important
because it is also part of the vehicle weight. 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 as well as trailer tongue weight.
Vehicle options, equipment, passengers and cargo in
the vehicle reduce the amount of tongue weight the
vehicle can carry, which will also reduce the trailer
weight the vehicle can tow. See“Loading the Vehicle”
for more information about the vehicle's maximum
load capacity.
Trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent to
15 percent and fifth wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight
should be 15 to 25 percent of the loaded trailer weight
up to the maximums for vehicle series and hitch type
shown below:
Vehicle Series Hitch Type Maximum
Tongue Weight
1500 Weight Carrying 272 kg (600 lbs)
2500HD/3500 Weight Carrying 453 kg (1,000 lbs)
1500 Weight Distributing 499 kg (1,100 lbs)
2500HD/3500 Weight Distributing 680 kg (1,500 lbs)
1500 Fifth Wheel
Gooseneck
680 kg (1,500 lbs)
2500HD Fifth Wheel
Gooseneck1 134 kg
(2,500 lbs)
3500 Single
Rear Wheels Fifth Wheel
Gooseneck1 360 kg
(3,000 lbs)
3500 Dual Rear
Wheels Fifth Wheel
Gooseneck1 587 kg
(3,500 lbs)
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.
5-60

Trailering may be limited by the vehicle's ability to carry
tongue weight. Tongue or kingpin weight cannot cause
the vehicle to exceed the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) or the RGAWR (Rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating). See“Total Weight on the Vehicle's Tires” later
in this section for more information.
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.
Total Weight on the Vehicle's Tires
Be sure the vehicle's tires are inflated to the inflation
pressures found on the Certification label on the drivers
door or see Loading the Vehicle
on page 5‑30for more
information. Make sure not to exceed the GVWR limit
for the vehicle, or the RGAWR, with the tow vehicle and
trailer fully loaded for the trip including the weight of the
trailer tongue. If using a weight distributing hitch, make
sure not to exceed the RGAWR before applying the
weight distribution spring bars.
Weight of the Trailering Combination
It is important that the combination of the tow
vehicle and trailer does not exceed any of its weight
ratings —GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR, Trailer Weight
Rating or Tongue Weight. The only way to be sure it is
not exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh the tow
vehicle and trailer combination, fully loaded for the trip,
getting individual weights for each of these items.
Hitches
The correct hitch equipment helps maintain combination
control. Most small-to-medium trailers can be towed
with a weight carrying hitch which simply features a
coupler latched to the hitch ball. Larger trailers may
require a weight distributing hitch that uses spring bars
to distribute the trailer tongue weight among the two
vehicle and trailer axles. Fifth wheel and gooseneck
hitches may also be used. See “Weight of the Trailer
Tongue” earlier in this section for rating limits with
various hitch types.
If a step-bumper hitch will be used, the bumper could
be damaged in sharp turns. Make sure there is ample
room when turning to avoid contact between the trailer
and the bumper.
Consider using sway controls with any trailer. Ask a
trailering professional about sway controls or refer to
the trailer manufacturer's recommendations and
instructions.
5-61

Weight‐Distributing Hitch Adjustment
A :Body to Ground Distance
B : Front of Vehicle
When using a weight-distributing hitch, the spring
bars should be adjusted so the distance (A) is the
same after coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle and
adjusting the hitch.
Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Trailering
Fifth wheel and gooseneck trailers can be used
with many pickup models. These trailers place a
larger percentage of the weight (kingpin weight) on the
tow vehicle than conventional trailers. Make sure this
weight does not cause the vehicle to exceed GAWR
or GVWR.
Fifth wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be
15 to 25 percent of the trailer weight up to the maximum
amount specified in the trailering chart for the vehicle.
See “Weight of the Trailer” in this section for more
information.
The hitch should be located in the pickup bed so that
its centerline is over or slightly in front of the rear axle.
Take care that it is not so far forward that it will contact
the back of the cab in sharp turns. This is especially
important for short box pickups. Trailer pin box
extensions and sliding fifth wheel hitch assemblies can
help this condition. There should be at least six inches
of clearance between the top of the pickup box and the
bottom of the trailer shelf that extends over the box.
Make sure the hitch is attached to the tow vehicle frame
rails. Do not use the pickup box for support.
5-62

Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the vehicle and the
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. If the trailer
being towed weighs up to 5,000 lbs (2 271 kg) with a
factory-installed step bumper, safety chains may be
attached to the attaching points on the bumper,
otherwise, safety chains should be attached to holes on
the trailer hitch platform. Always leave just enough
slack so the combination can turn. Never allow safety
chains to drag on the ground.
Tow/Haul Mode
Pressing this button
at the end of the shift
lever turns on and off
the tow/haul mode.
This indicator light on
the instrument panel
cluster comes on when
the tow/haul mode is on.
Tow/Haul is a feature that assists when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load. See Tow/Haul Mode
on
page 3‑34for more information.
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.
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul when lightly loaded
or with no trailer at all will not cause damage. However,
there is no benefit to the selection of Tow/Haul when the
5-63