
Black plate (15,1)GMC 2015i Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-8431504) - 2015 - CRC - 7/30/14
Driving and Operating 9-15
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how
much weight your vehicle can
carry. This weight is called the
vehicle capacity weight and
includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo and all
nonfactory-installed options.
Two labels on your vehicle show
how much weight it was
designed to carry, the Tire and
Loading Information label and
the Certification/Tire label.
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the
maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
This can cause systems to
break and change the way the
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a
crash. Overloading can also
shorten the life of the vehicle.
Tire and Loading Information
Label
Label Example
A vehicle specific Tire and
Loading Information label is
attached to the center pillar
(B-pillar). With the driver door open, you will find the label
attached below the door lock
post (striker). The tire and
loading information label shows
the number of occupant seating
positions (1), and the maximum
vehicle capacity weight (2) in
kilograms and pounds.
The Tire and Loading
Information label also shows the
size of the original equipment
tires (3) and the recommended
cold tire inflation pressures (4).
For more information on tires
and inflation see
Tires on
page 10-41 andTire Pressure
on page 10-48.
There is also important loading
information on the vehicle
Certification/Tire label. It tells
you the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) and the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for

Black plate (17,1)GMC 2015i Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-8431504) - 2015 - CRC - 7/30/14
Driving and Operating 9-17
Example 2
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight forExample 2 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs)
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 5 = 136 kg
(750 lbs)
3. Available Cargo Weight = 113 kg (250 lbs)
Example 3
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight forExample 3 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs)
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 91 kg (200 lbs) × 5 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs)
3. Available Cargo Weight = 0 kg (0 lbs)
Refer to your vehicle's tire and
loading information label for
specific information about your
vehicle's capacity weight and
seating positions. The combined weight of the driver, passengers
and cargo should never exceed
your vehicle's capacity weight.
Certification/Tire Label
A vehicle specific Certification/
Tire label is attached to the
center pillar (B-pillar). The label
shows the size of your vehicle's
original tires and the inflation
pressures needed to obtain the
gross weight capacity of your
vehicle. This is called Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).

Black plate (31,1)GMC 2015i Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-8431504) - 2015 - CRC - 7/30/14
Driving and Operating 9-31
Use D (Drive) and Tow/Haul Mode
when towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, driving on steep hills,
or driving off-road. Shift the
transmission to a lower gear
selection if the transmission shifts
too often.
Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding. See“Skidding”under
Loss of Control on page 9-5.
The vehicle has a shift stabilization
feature that adjusts the transmission
shifting to the current driving
conditions in order to reduce rapid
upshifts and downshifts. This shift
stabilization feature is designed to
determine, before making an
upshift, if the engine is able to
maintain vehicle speed by analyzing
things such as vehicle speed,
throttle position, and vehicle load.
If the shift stabilization feature
determines that a current vehicle
speed cannot be maintained, the
transmission does not upshift and
instead holds the current gear. In some cases, this could appear to
be a delayed shift, however the
transmission is operating normally.
The transmission uses adaptive
shift controls. The adaptive shift
control process continually
compares key shift parameters to
pre-programmed ideal shifts stored
in the transmission’s computer. The
transmission constantly makes
adjustments to improve vehicle
performance according to how the
vehicle is being used, such as with
a heavy load or when the
temperature changes. During this
adaptive shift control process,
shifting might feel different as the
transmission determines the best
settings.
When temperatures are very cold,
the transmission's gear shifting
could be delayed providing more
stable shifts until the engine warms
up. Shifts could be more noticeable
with a cold transmission. This
difference in shifting is normal.
M (Manual Mode):
This position
allows selection of a range of gears
appropriate for current driving
conditions. If equipped, see “Range
Selection Mode” underManual
Mode on page 9-32.
{Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill
using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission.
The repair will not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. If you are
stuck, do not spin the tires. When
stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
Normal Mode Grade Braking
If equipped with a gasoline engine
and an automatic transmission,
Normal Mode Grade Braking is
enabled when the vehicle is started,
but is not enabled in Range
Selection Mode. It assists in
maintaining desired vehicle speeds

Black plate (33,1)GMC 2015i Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-8431504) - 2015 - CRC - 7/30/14
Driving and Operating 9-33
In vehicles with gasoline engines, when the shift lever is moved from
D (Drive) to M (Manual Mode), a downshift may occur. The gear that the
transmission is operating in when the shift lever is moved from D (Drive) to
M (Manual Mode) determines if a downshift occurs. See the following chart.Gear before
shifting from D
(Drive) to M
(Manual Mode) 8th 7th 6th 5th 4th 3rd 2nd 1st
Range after
shifting from
D (Drive) to
M (Manual Mode)
– Tow/Haul not
engaged M6 M6 M5 M4 M3 M3 M2 M1
Range after
shifting from
D (Drive) to
M (Manual Mode)
– Tow/Haul
engaged M6 M5 M4 M3 M3 M3 M2 M1
Grade Braking is not available when
Range Selection Mode is active.
See Tow/Haul Mode on page 9-34. While using Range Selection Mode,
cruise control and the Tow/Haul
Mode can be used.{Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill
using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission.
The repair will not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. If you are
stuck, do not spin the tires. When
stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
Low Traction Mode
Low Traction Mode assists in
vehicle acceleration when road
conditions are slippery, such as with
ice or snow. While the vehicle is at a
stop, select M2 using Range
Selection Mode. This will limit
torque to the wheels and help to
prevent the tires from spinning.

Black plate (35,1)GMC 2015i Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-8431504) - 2015 - CRC - 7/30/14
Driving and Operating 9-35
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive
If equipped, four-wheel drive
engages the front axle for extra
traction. Read the appropriate
section for transfer case operation
before using.
{Caution
Driving on clean, dry pavement in
four-wheel drive for an extended
period of time may cause
premature wear on the system.
The damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Driving on clean, dry pavement in
four-wheel drive may:
.Cause a vibration to be felt in
the steering system.
.Cause tires to wear faster.
.Make the transfer case harder to
shift, and cause it to run noisier.
{Warning
Shifting the transfer case to
N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). You or someone else
could be seriously injured. Be
sure to set the parking brake
before placing the transfer case in
N (Neutral). See Parking Brake on
page 9-39.
{Caution
Extended high-speed operation in
4
nmay damage or shorten the
life of the drivetrain.
Engagement noise and bump when
shifting between 4
nand 4mor from
N (Neutral), with the engine running,
is normal. Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction
Control and StabiliTrak®off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control on page 9-41.
Two Speed Automatic
Transfer Case
Use the transfer case knob next to
the steering wheel to shift into and
out of four-wheel drive.
Indicator lights display which setting
the transfer case is in. N (Neutral) is
indicated on the knob. The indicator
lights will display briefly when the

Black plate (71,1)GMC 2015i Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-8431504) - 2015 - CRC - 7/30/14
Driving and Operating 9-71
{Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of
the vehicle and enter if the
liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window is open.
When towing a trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
.Also adjust the climate
control system to a setting
that brings in only outside air.
See“Climate Control
Systems” in the Index.
For more information about
Carbon Monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 9-28. Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. The
combination you are driving is
longer and not as responsive as the
vehicle itself. Get acquainted with
the handling and braking of the rig
before setting out for the open road.
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.
(Continued)

Black plate (76,1)GMC 2015i Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-8431504) - 2015 - CRC - 7/30/14
9-76 Driving and Operating
Trailer tongue weight (1) should be
10 % to 15 % of the loaded trailer
weight (2) up to the maximums for
vehicle series and hitch type.Vehicle Series Hitch Type
Maximum Tongue
Weight
1500 Weight Carrying 272 kg (600 lb)
1500 Weight Distributing 453 kg (1,000 lb)
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.
Trailer rating 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). See “Total Weight
on the Vehicle's Tires” following.
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.
If a cargo carrier is used in the
trailer hitch receiver, choose a
carrier that positions the load as
close to the vehicle as possible.
Make sure the total weight,
including the carrier, is no more than
half of the maximum allowable
tongue weight for the vehicle or
227 kg (500 lb), whichever is less.
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 center pillar or see
Vehicle Load
Limits on page 9-15. Make sure not

Black plate (84,1)GMC 2015i Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-8431504) - 2015 - CRC - 7/30/14
9-84 Driving and Operating
Trailer Sway
Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak have a
TSC feature. Trailer sway is
unintended side-to-side motion of a
trailer while being towed. If the
vehicle is towing a trailer and the
TSC detects that sway is increasing,
the vehicle brakes are selectively
applied at each wheel, to help
reduce excessive trailer sway. If the
vehicle is equipped with the
Integrated Trailer Brake Control
(ITBC) system, and the trailer has
the electric actuated brake system,
StabiliTrak may also apply the trailer
brakes.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction
Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
warning light will flash on the
instrument cluster. Vehicle speed
must be reduced. If trailer sway
continues, StabiliTrak can reduce
engine torque to help slow the
vehicle. SeeTraction Control/
Electronic Stability Control on
page 9-41.
{Warning
Even if the vehicle is equipped
with TSC, trailer sway could result
in loss of control and the vehicle
could crash. If excessive trailer
sway is detected, slow down to a
safe speed. Check the trailer and
vehicle to help correct possible
causes. These could include an
improperly or overloaded trailer,
unrestrained cargo, improper
trailer hitch configuration,
excessive vehicle-trailer speed,
or improperly inflated or incorrect
vehicle or trailer tires. See Towing
Equipment on page 9-77 for
trailer ratings and hitch setup
recommendations.
Adding non-dealer accessories can
affect the vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications on
page 10-3.
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Caution
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and
would not be covered by the
warranty. Always check with your
dealer before adding electrical
equipment.
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 3-37 andAdding
Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 3-37.