
GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
324 Driving and Operating
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 TurnsCaution
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 0292. 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
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, see
Engine Overheating 0375.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.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 325
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 0454.
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.
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.
See New Vehicle Break-In 0277.
{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
or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load, the
vehicle may not stop as expected.
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 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
(Continued)

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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326 Driving and Operating
Caution (Continued)
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.
See Vehicle Load Limits 0269 for
more information about the vehicle's
maximum load capacity.
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.
Weight of the Trailer
Safe trailering requires monitoring
the weight, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature, and
how frequently the vehicle is used to
pull a trailer. Take into consideration
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) for
pickup models is calculated
assuming the tow vehicle has the
driver, a front seat passenger, and
all required trailering equipment.
Weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers, and cargo
in the tow vehicle must be
subtracted from the trailer weight
rating.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or advice. 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.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 331
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
5.3L V8 3.73 4 899 kg (10,800 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 3.23 4 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.42 5 307 kg (11,700 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)
1500 Series 4WD Regular Cab Long Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.42 3 357 kg (7,400 lb) 5 806 kg (12,800 lb)
5.3L V8 3.08 2 948 kg (6,500 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.42 4 309 kg (9,500 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
2500 Series 2WD Double Cab Standard Box 6.0L V8 3.73 4 536 kg (10,000 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 577 kg (14,500 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
2500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Standard Box 6.0L V8 3.734 445 kg (9,800 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 486 kg (14,300 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
2500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 3.734 672 kg (10,300 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
332 Driving and Operating
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.106 577 kg (14,500 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 713 kg (14,800 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
2500 Series 2WD Double Cab Long Box
6.0L V8 3.734 491 kg (9,900 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.106 532 kg (14,400 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 532 kg (14,400 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
2500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Long Box
6.0L V8 3.734 400 kg (9,700 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.106 486 kg (14,300 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 441 kg (14,200 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
2500 Series 4WD Double Cab Standard Box
6.0L V8 3.734 400 kg (9,700 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 441 kg (14,200 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
2500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Standard Box 6.0L V8 3.734 309 kg (9,500 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Driving and Operating 333
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 350 kg (14,000 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
2500 Series 4WD Regular Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 3.734 536 kg (10,000 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.106 577 kg (14,500 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 577 kg (14,500 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
2500 Series 4WD Double Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 3.734 354 kg (9,600 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.106 346 kg (14,100 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 346 kg (14,100 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
2500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 3.734 264 kg (9,400 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.106 305 kg (13,900 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 305 kg (13,900 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
3500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Long Box
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.734 581 kg (10,100 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 4.106 577 kg (14,500 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.734 445 kg (9,800 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
334 Driving and Operating
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 4.10 6 486 kg (14,300 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
3500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Standard Box 6.0L V8 3.73 4 400 kg (9,700 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 441 kg (14,200 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
3500 Series 2WD Double Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.734 400 kg (9,700 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 4.106 441 kg (14,200 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels)
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.73
4 218 kg (9,300 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 4.106 260 kg (13,800 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
3500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.734 354 kg (9,600 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Conventional Trailer 4.10
6 396 kg (14,100 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.734 173 kg (9,200 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 4.106 214 kg (13,700 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Driving and Operating 335
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
3500 Series 4WD Regular Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.73 4 445 kg (9,800 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Conventional Trailer 4.10 6 486 kg (14,300 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.73 4 264 kg (9,400 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 4.10 6 305 kg (13,900 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
3500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Standard Box
6.0L V8 3.73 4 264 kg (9,400 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 305 kg (13,900 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
3500 Series 4WD Double Cab Long Box
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.734 264 kg (9,400 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 4.106 305 kg (13,900 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.734 082 kg (9,000 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 4.106 123 kg (13,500 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
3500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.734 173 kg (9,200 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)