2014 GMC SIERRA Owner's Manual

Black plate (75,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - CRC - 6/6/14
Driving and Operating 9-75
Before starting, check all trailer hitch
parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires, and mirrors. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the
combination moving and then apply
the trailer brake controller by hand
to be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure
and the lamps and any trailer
brakes still work.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid heavy
braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. The
combination will not accelerate as
quickly and is longer so it is
necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before
returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, 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
{Caution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so
the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees,
or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance. If the trailer turn signal bulbs burn
out, the arrows on the instrument
cluster will still flash for turns. It is
important to check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear
before starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might get hot and no longer
work well.
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.
The Tow/Haul Mode may be used if
the transmission shifts too often.
See Tow/Haul Mode on page 9-38.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, consider the
following: Engine coolant will boil at
a lower temperature than at normal
altitudes. If the engine is turned off

Black plate (76,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - CRC - 6/6/14
9-76 Driving and Operating
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few
minutes before turning the engine
off. If the overheat warning comes
on, seeEngine Overheating on
page 10-23.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface. If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do
not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if facing
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular brakes
until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake. 5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is
clear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11-3. Things that are
especially important in trailer
operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system, and
brake system. It is a good idea to
inspect these before and during
the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.

Black plate (77,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - CRC - 6/6/14
Driving and Operating 9-77
Trailer Towing
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
If the vehicle is bi-fuel, see the
bi-fuel supplement.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
SeeNew Vehicle Break-In on
page 9-23.
{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.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Pull a trailer only if all the steps in
this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer
with the vehicle.
{Caution
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 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” 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. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.

Black plate (78,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - CRC - 6/6/14
9-78 Driving and Operating
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. For kingpin weight and trailer
tongue weight information, see
“Weight of the Trailer Tongue”
later
in this section.
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.

Black plate (79,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - CRC - 6/6/14
Driving and Operating 9-79
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
1500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Standard Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.232 903 kg (6,400 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)
4.3L V6 (b) 4.102 223 kg (4,900 lb) 4 309 kg (9,500 lb)
5.3L V8 3.083 311 kg (7,300 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 218 kg (9,300 lb) 6 350 kg (14,000 lb)
1500 Series 2WD Double Cab Standard Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.232 722 kg (6,000 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.083 130 kg (6,900 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 491 kg (9,900 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.735 216 kg (11,500 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 3.424 445 kg (9,800 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.735 443 kg (12,000 lb) 7 938 kg (17,500 lb)
1500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Standard Box
4.3L V6 (b) 3.232 631 kg (5,800 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.083 039 kg (6,700 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 400 kg (9,700 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.735 126 kg (11,300 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)

Black plate (80,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - CRC - 6/6/14
9-80 Driving and Operating
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
6.2L V8 3.424 355 kg (9,600 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.735 443 kg (12,000 lb) 7 938 kg (17,500 lb)
1500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Short Box (b) 4.3L V6 3.232 676 kg (5,900 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.083 084 kg (6,800 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 445 kg (9,800 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.735 171 kg (11,400 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 3.424 400 kg (9,700 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.735 443 kg (12,000 lb) 7 938 kg (17,500 lb)
1500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Long Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.232 858 kg (6,300 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.083 266 kg (7,200 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 627 kg (10,200 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
1500 Series 4WD Regular Cab Standard Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.423 447 kg (7,600 lb) 5 625 kg (12,400 lb)
5.3L V8 3.083 221 kg (7,100 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 350 kg (14,000 lb)

Black plate (81,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - CRC - 6/6/14
Driving and Operating 9-81
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
1500 Series 4WD Double Cab Standard Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.423 221 kg (7,100 lb) 5 625 kg (12,400 lb)
5.3L V8 3.082 994 kg (6,600 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 354 kg (9,600 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.735 080 kg (11,200 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 3.424 309 kg (9,500 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.735 352 kg (11,800 lb) 7 938 kg (17,500 lb)
1500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Standard Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.423 175 kg (7,000 lb) 5 625 kg (12,400 lb)
5.3L V8 3.082 948 kg (6,500 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 309 kg (9,500 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.735 035 kg (11,100 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 3.424 264 kg (9,400 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.735 307 kg (11,700 lb) 7 938 kg (17,500 lb)
1500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Short Box (b) 4.3L V6 3.423 221 kg (7,100 lb) 5 625 kg (12,400 lb)
5.3L V8 3.082 994 kg (6,600 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)

Black plate (82,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - CRC - 6/6/14
9-82 Driving and Operating
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
5.3L V8 3.424 354 kg (9,600 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.735 080 kg (11,200 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 3.424 309 kg (9,500 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.735 352 kg (11,800 lb) 7 938 kg (17,500 lb)
1500 Series 4WD Regular Cab Long Box
4.3L V6 (b) 3.423 357 kg (7,400 lb) 5 625 kg (12,400 lb)
5.3L V8 3.083 130 kg (6,900 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 491 kg (9,900 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
2500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Standard Box
6.0L V8 3.734 400 kg (9,700 lb) 7 257 kg (16,000 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 441 kg (14,200 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
2500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Long Box
6.0L V8 3.734 627 kg (10,200 lb) 7 257 kg (16,000 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 668 kg (14,700 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)