Black plate (61,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-61
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
5.3L V8 Automatic Transmission,
ZQ8 Sport Suspension 3.42
1 724 kg (3,800 lbs) 3 856 kg (8,500 lbs)
4WD Regular Cab 2.9L L4 Automatic Transmission 3.731 406 kg (3,100 lbs) 3 175 kg (7,000 lbs)
2.9L L4 Manual Transmission 3.73953 kg (2,100 lbs) 2 722 kg (6,000 lbs)
3.7L L5 Automatic Transmission 3.731 814 kg (4,000 lbs) 4 082 kg (9,000 lbs)
4WD Extended Cab 2.9L L4 Automatic Transmission 3.731 315 kg (2,900 lbs) 3 175 kg (7,000 lbs)
2.9L L4 Manual Transmission 3.73861 kg (1,900 lbs) 2 722 kg (6,000 lbs)
3.7L L5 Automatic Transmission 3.732 495 kg (5,500 lbs) 4 445 kg (9,800 lbs)
5.3L V8 Automatic Transmission 3.42
4.102 722 kg (6,000 lbs) 4 717 kg (10,400 lbs)
4WD Crew Cab 3.7L L5 Automatic Transmission 3.732 495 kg (5,500 lbs) 4 445 kg (9,800 lbs)
5.3L V8 Automatic Transmission 3.42
4.10
2 722 kg (6,000 lbs) 4 717 kg (10,400 lbs)
*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.
Black plate (62,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
9-62 Driving and Operating
Ask your dealer for our trailering
information or advice, or write us at
our Customer Assistance Offices.
SeeCustomer Assistance Offices
(U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑5 or
Customer Assistance Offices
(Mexico) on page 13‑6 for more
information.
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 Vehicle Load Limits on page 9‑18
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 226 kg (500 lbs) with a
weight carrying hitch.
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.
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.
Black plate (63,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-63
Total Weight on the
Vehicle's Tires
Be sure the vehicle's tires are
inflated to the upper limit for cold
tires. These numbers can be found
on the Certification/Tire label
located at the bottom of the center
pillar on the driver's side of the
vehicle, or seeVehicle Load Limits
on page 9‑18. 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.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
It is important to have the correct
hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large
trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why the right hitch
is needed.
Weight-Distributing Hitches
and Weight Carrying Hitches
A step bumper hitch can be used for
trailers up to 907 kg (2,000 lbs) total
weight, and 90 kg (200 lbs) tongue
weight.
Notice: If a step-bumper hitch is
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.
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. For trailers up to
907 kg (2,000 lbs) safety chains may
be attached 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 the rig
can turn. Never allow safety chains
to drag on the ground.
Black plate (64,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
9-64 Driving and Operating
Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more
than 450 kg (1,000 lbs) needs to
have its own brake system that is
adequate for the weight of the
trailer. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer brakes
so they are installed, adjusted and
maintained properly.
Since the vehicle is equipped with
StabiliTrak
®, the trailer cannot tap
into the vehicle's hydraulic brake
system.
Trailer Wiring Harness
The vehicle may be equipped
with a four‐pin trailer towing
harness. This harness has a
four‐pin trailer connector that is
attached to a bracket on the hitch
platform. The four‐wire harness
contains the following trailer circuits:
.Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
.Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal
.Brown: Taillamps/Park lamps
.White: Ground
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
Notice: Do not add anything
electrical to the vehicle unless
you check with your dealer first.
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle and the
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle's warranty. Some
add-on electrical equipment can
keep other components from
working as they should.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12‐volt battery, even if the
vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 3‑33 andAdding
Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 3‑34.
Pickup Conversion to
Chassis Cab
We are aware that some vehicle
owners might consider having the
pickup box removed and a
commercial or recreational body
installed. However, we recommend
that conversions of this type not be
done to pickups. Owners should be
aware that, as manufactured, there
are differences between a chassis
cab and a pickup with the box
removed which could affect
vehicle safety.
Black plate (51,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-51
Tire Designations
Tire Size
The following is an example of a
typical passenger vehicle
tire size.
(A) Passenger (P‐Metric) Tire:
The United States version of a
metric tire sizing system. The
letter P as the first character in
the tire size means a passenger
vehicle tire engineered to
standards set by the U.S. Tire
and Rim Association.
(B) Tire Width
:The three‐digit
number indicates the tire section
width in millimeters from
sidewall to sidewall. (C) Aspect Ratio
:A two‐digit
number that indicates the tire
height‐to‐width measurements.
For example, if the tire size
aspect ratio is 60, as shown in
item C of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire's sidewall is
60 percent as high as it is wide.
(D) Construction Code
:
A letter code is used to indicate
the type of ply construction in
the tire. The letter R means
radial ply construction; the
letter D means diagonal or bias
ply construction; and the letter B
means belted‐bias ply
construction.
(E) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of
the wheel in inches.
(F) Service Description
:These
characters represent the load
index and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents
the load carrying capacity a tire is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a
tire is certified to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and
Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of
air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch
of the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight
:The
combined weight of optional
accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
steering, power brakes, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship
of a tire's height to its width.
Black plate (52,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
10-52 Vehicle Care
Belt:A rubber coated layer of
cords that is located between
the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains
steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto
the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire
in which the plies are laid at
alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch)
before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure
on page 10‑54.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded
into the sidewall of a tire
signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation
(DOT) Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also
identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand, and
date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating. See Vehicle Load Limits
on page 9‑18.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle.
See Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9‑18. GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the rear axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9‑18.
Intended Outboard Sidewall
:
The side of an asymmetrical tire,
that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
:The metric
unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT‐Metric) Tire
:
A tire used on light duty trucks
and some multipurpose
passenger vehicles.
Load Index
:An assigned
number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure
:
The maximum air pressure to
which a cold tire can be inflated.
The maximum air pressure is
molded onto the sidewall.
Black plate (53,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-53
Maximum Load Rating:
The load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible inflation
pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle
Weight
:The sum of curb
weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight, and
production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight
:
The number of occupants a
vehicle is designed to seat
multiplied by 68 kg (150 lbs).
See Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9‑18.
Occupant Distribution
:
Designated seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall
:The
side of an asymmetrical tire that
has a particular side that faces
outward when mounted on a
vehicle. The side of the tire that
contains a whitewall, bears
white lettering, or bears manufacturer, brand, and/or
model name molding that is
higher or deeper than the same
moldings on the other sidewall
of the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
:
A tire used on passenger cars
and some light duty trucks and
multipurpose vehicles.
Recommended Inflation
Pressure
:Vehicle
manufacturer's recommended
tire inflation pressure as shown
on the tire placard. See Tire
Pressure on page 10‑54 and
Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9‑18.
Radial Ply Tire
:A pneumatic
tire in which the ply cords that
extend to the beads are laid at
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread. Rim
:A metal support for a tire
and upon which the tire beads
are seated.
Sidewall
:The portion of a tire
between the tread and the bead.
Speed Rating
:
An alphanumeric code assigned
to a tire indicating the maximum
speed at which a tire can
operate.
Traction
:The friction between
the tire and the road surface.
The amount of grip provided.
Tread
:The portion of a tire that
comes into contact with
the road.
Treadwear Indicators
:
Narrow bands, sometimes called
wear bars, that show across the
tread of a tire when only 1.6 mm
(1/16 in) of tread remains. See
When It Is Time for New Tires
on page 10‑62.
Black plate (54,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
10-54 Vehicle Care
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality
Grading Standards)
:A tire
information system that provides
consumers with ratings for a
tire's traction, temperature,
and treadwear. Ratings are
determined by tire
manufacturers using
government testing procedures.
The ratings are molded into the
sidewall of the tire. See Uniform
Tire Quality Grading on
page 10‑65.
Vehicle Capacity Weight
:
The number of designated
seating positions multiplied by
68 kg (150 lbs) plus the rated
cargo load. See Vehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑18.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the
Tire
:Load on an individual tire
due to curb weight, accessory
weight, occupant weight, and
cargo weight. Vehicle Placard
:A label
permanently attached to a
vehicle showing the vehicle
capacity weight and the original
equipment tire size and
recommended inflation pressure.
See “Tire and Loading
Information Label” underVehicle
Load Limits on page 9‑18.
Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount
of air pressure to operate
effectively.
Notice: Neither tire
underinflation nor
overinflation is good.
Underinflated tires, or tires
that do not have enough air,
can result in:
.Tire overloading and
overheating which could
lead to a blowout.
.Premature or
irregular wear.
.Poor handling.
.Reduced fuel economy.
Overinflated tires, or tires that
have too much air, can
result in:
.Unusual wear.
.Poor handling.
.Rough ride.
.Needless damage from
road hazards.
The Tire and Loading
Information label on the vehicle
indicates the original equipment
tires and the correct cold tire
inflation pressures. The
recommended pressure is the
minimum air pressure needed to
support the vehicle's maximum
load carrying capacity.