GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
Driving and Operating 323
Trailer Towing If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
See New Vehicle Break-In 0 273 .
{ WarningThe 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. CautionPulling 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.
See Vehicle Load Limits 0 265 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.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
Driving and Operating 351Caution (Continued)damaged if either the front or rear
axle ratings or the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) are
exceeded.
The plow the vehicle can carry
depends on many things, such as:
.
The options the vehicle came
with, and the weight of those
options.
.
The weight and number of
passengers to be carried.
.
The weight of items added to the
vehicle, like a tool box or
truck cap.
.
The total weight of any
additional cargo to be carried.
For example, if the snow plow
weighs 318 kg (700 lb), the total
weight of all occupants and cargo
inside the cab should not exceed
135 kg (300 lb). This means that you
may only be able to carry one
passenger. Even this may be too much if there is other equipment
already adding to the weight of the
vehicle.
To safely carry a snow plow on the
vehicle:
.
Follow all aftermarket snow plow
manufacturer ’ s instructions for
the operation and transportation
of the snow plow.
.
With a snow plow attached, the
engine coolant temperature
gauge may show a higher
temperature than while driving
without one. The snow plow
could block the airflow to the
radiator. This could be more
noticeable as vehicle speed
increases. At speeds above
72 km (45 mph), this may cause
the engine coolant to overheat.
.
To increase the airflow, move the
snow plow blade postion.
.
If driving more than 24 km
(15 mi), angle the plow blade
position.
.
Make sure the weight on the
front and rear axles does not
exceed the axle rating for each. .
For the front axle, if more cargo
or passengers must be carried,
appropriate counter ballast must
be installed rear of the rear axle.
Counter ballast must be properly
secured so it will not move
during driving.
.
Rear ballast may be required to
ensure a proper front and rear
weight distribution ratio, even
though the actual weight at the
front axle may be less than the
front axle rating.
.
The snow plow manufacturer or
installer can assist in
determining the amount of rear
ballast required, to help make
sure the snow plow/vehicle
combination does not exceed
the GVW rating, the front and
rear axle ratings, and the front
and rear weight distribution ratio.
.
The total vehicle must not
exceed the GVW rating.
Front axle reserve capacity is the
difference between the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) and the front
axle weight of the vehicle with full
fuel and passengers. This is the
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
Driving and Operating 353For example, adding a 318 kg
(700 lb) snow plow actually adds
more than 318 kg (700 lb) to the
front axle. Using the formula, if the
snow plow is 122 cm (4 ft) in front of
the front axle and the wheelbase is
305 cm (10 ft), then:
W = 318 kg (700 lb)
A = 122 cm (4 ft)
W.B. = 305 cm (10 ft)
(W x (A + W.B.)/W.B. =
(318 x (122 + 305))/305 = 445 kg
(980 lb)
This means if the front axle reserve
capacity is more than 445 kg
(980 lb), the snow plow could be
added without exceeding the
front GAWR.
Heavier equipment can be added on
the front of the vehicle if less cargo
or fewer passengers are carried,
or by positioning cargo toward the
rear. This reduces the load on the
front. However, the front GAWR,
rear GAWR, and Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) must never
be exceeded. { WarningOn some vehicles that have
certain front mounted equipment,
such as a snow plow, it may be
possible to load the front axle to
the front Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) but not have
enough weight on the rear axle to
have proper braking performance.
If the brakes cannot work
properly, the vehice could crash.
Always follow the snow plow
manufacturer or installer's
recommendation for rear ballast
to ensure a proper front and rear
weight distribution ratio.
Maintaining a proper front and
rear weight distribution ratio is
necessary to provide proper
braking performance.
Total vehicle reserve capacity is the
difference between the GVWR and
the weight of the truck with full fuel
and passengers. It is the amount of
weight that can be added to the
vehicle before reaching the GVWR. Reserve capacity numbers are
intended as a guide when selecting
the amount of equipment or cargo
the truck can carry. If unsure of the
vehicle's front, rear, or total weight,
go to a weigh station and weigh the
vehicle. Your dealer can also help
with this.
The total vehicle reserve capacity
for the vehicle is in the lower right
corner of the Certification/Tire label
as shown previously.
See your dealer for additional
advice and information about using
a snow plow on the vehicle. Also,
see Vehicle Load Limits 0 265 .
Emergency Roof Lamp
Provisions Vehicles with the RPO VYU snow
plow prep package also have an
emergency roof lamp provision
package, RPO TRW. Wiring for the
emergency roof lamp is provided
above the overhead console. See
Auxiliary Roof-Mounted Lamp 0 183
for switch location.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
Vehicle Care 407maximum 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
0 265 .
GAWR FRT :
Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0 265 .
GAWR RR :
Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the rear axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0 265 . 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.
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 lb). See Vehicle Load
Limits 0 265 .
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.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
Vehicle Care 409Caution
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.
For additional information
regarding how much weight the
vehicle can carry, and an
example of the Tire and Loading
Information label, see Vehicle
Load Limits 0 265 . How the
vehicle is loaded affects vehicle
handling and ride comfort. Never
load the vehicle with more
weight than it was designed to
carry.
When to Check
Check the tires once a month
or more. Do not forget the spare tire,
if the vehicle has one. See
Full-Size Spare Tire 0 434 for
additional information.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type
gauge to check tire pressure.
Proper tire inflation cannot be
determined by looking at the tire.
Check the tire inflation pressure
when the tires are cold, meaning
the vehicle has not been driven
for at least three hours or no
more than 1.6 km (1 mi).
Remove the valve cap from the
tire valve stem. Press the tire
gauge firmly onto the valve to
get a pressure measurement.
If the cold tire inflation pressure
matches the recommended
pressure on the Tire and
Loading Information label, no
further adjustment is necessary.
If the inflation pressure is low,
add air until the recommended
pressure is reached. If the
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
Vehicle Care 447Lamp covers are made of plastic,
and some have a UV protective
coating. Do not clean or wipe them
while they are dry.
Do not use any of the following on
lamp covers:
.
Abrasive or caustic agents.
.
Washer fluids and other cleaning
agents in higher concentrations
than suggested by the
manufacturer.
.
Solvents, alcohols, fuels,
or other harsh cleaners.
.
Ice scrapers or other hard items.
.
Aftermarket appearance caps or
covers while the lamps are
illuminated, due to excessive
heat generated.
Caution
Failure to clean lamps properly
can cause damage to the lamp
cover that would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. CautionUsing wax on low gloss black
finish stripes can increase the
gloss level and create a
non-uniform finish. Clean low
gloss stripes with soap and
water only.
Air Intakes Clear debris from the air intakes,
between the hood and windshield,
when washing the vehicle.
Windshield and Wiper Blades Clean the outside of the windshield
with glass cleaner.
Clean rubber blades using a lint-free
cloth or paper towel soaked with
windshield washer fluid or a mild
detergent. Wash the windshield
thoroughly when cleaning the
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and
a buildup of vehicle wash/wax
treatments may cause wiper
streaking. Replace the wiper blades if they are
worn or damaged. Damage can be
caused by extreme dusty
conditions, sand, salt, heat, sun,
snow, and ice.
Weatherstrips Apply Dielectric silicone grease on
weatherstrips to make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak. Lubricate weatherstrips
once a year. Hot, dry climates may
require more frequent application.
Black marks from rubber material on
painted surfaces can be removed by
rubbing with a clean cloth. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0 464 .
Tires Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to
clean the tires.
Caution
Using petroleum-based tire
dressing products on the vehicle
may damage the paint finish and/
(Continued)
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
Technical Data 471Application Capacities
Metric English
6.0L V8 5.7 L 6.0 qt
Fuel Tank
1500 Series Standard and Short Box 98.4 L 26.0 gal
1500 Series Long Box 128.7 L 34.0 gal
2500 Series and 3500 Series Standard Box 136.3 L 36.0 gal
2500 Series and 3500 Series Long Box 136.3 L 36.0 gal
3500 Series Chassis Cab 240.4 L 63.5 gal
3500 Chassis Cab – Front Tank 89.0 L 23.5 gal
3500 Chassis Cab – Rear Tank (if equipped) 151.4 L 40.0 gal
Transfer Case Fluid 1.5 L 1.6 qt
Wheel Nut Torque 190 Y 140 lb ft
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.