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GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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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.
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GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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326 Driving and Operating 1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups – SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission with Enhanced
Towing Package – Conventional
Trailer 3.42 5 035 kg (11,100 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission with Enhanced
Towing Package – Gooseneck/
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42 4 990 kg (11,000 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 – Conventional Trailer 3.73 5 035 kg (11,100 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 – Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.73 4 990 kg (11,000 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 – Conventional Trailer 3.23 4 264 kg (9,400 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 – Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.23 4 082 kg (9,000 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 – Conventional Trailer 3.42 5 670 kg (12,500 lb) 8 255 kg (18,200 lb)
6.2L V8 – Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.42 5 307 kg (11,700 lb) 8 255 kg (18,200 lb)
1500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Standard Box
4.3L V6 3.23 2 449 kg (5,400 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)
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GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
Driving and Operating 3271500/2500/3500 Series Pickups – SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
5.3L V8 3.08 2 858 kg (6,300 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 – Conventional Trailer 3.42 4 218 kg (9,300 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 6-speed automatic
transmission – Gooseneck/
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42 3 901 kg (8,600 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission – Gooseneck/
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42 3 674 kg (8,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission with Enhanced
Towing Package – Conventional
Trailer 3.42 4 944 kg (10,900 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission with Enhanced
Towing Package – Gooseneck/
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42 4 808 kg (10,600 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 – Conventional Trailer 3.73 4 990 kg (11,000 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 – Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.73 4 853 kg (10,700 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 – Conventional Trailer 3.23 4 218 kg (9,300 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
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GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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328 Driving and Operating 1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups – SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
6.2L V8 – Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.23 3 856 kg (8,500 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 – Conventional Trailer 3.42 5 398 kg (11,900 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)
6.2L V8 – Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.42 4 808 kg (10,600 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)
1500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Short Box (b)
4.3L V6 3.23 2 495 kg (5,500 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.08 2 903 kg (6,400 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 6-speed automatic
transmission 3.42 4 264 kg (9,400 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission 3.42 4 218 kg (9,300 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission with Enhanced
Towing Package 3.42 4 990 kg (11,000 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 3.73 4 990 kg (11,000 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 3.23 4 218 kg (9,300 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.42 5 670 kg (12,500 lb) 8 255 kg (18,200 lb)
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GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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330 Driving and Operating 1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups – SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
5.3L V8, 6-speed automatic
transmission – Gooseneck/
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42 4 082 kg (9,000 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission – Gooseneck/
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42 4 173 kg (9,200 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission with Enhanced
Towing Package 3.42 4 899 kg (10,800 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 – Conventional Trailer 3.73 4 944 kg (10,900 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 – Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.73 4 899 kg (10,800 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 – Conventional Trailer 3.23 4 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 – Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.23 3 901 kg (8,600 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 – Conventional Trailer 3.42 5 352 kg (11,800 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)
6.2L V8 – Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.42 5 126 kg (11,300 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)
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GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Driving and Operating 3311500/2500/3500 Series Pickups – SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
1500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Standard Box
4.3L V6 3.42 3 175 kg (7,000 lb) 5 806 kg (12,800 lb)
5.3L V8 – Conventional Trailer 3.08 2 767 kg (6,100 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 – Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.08 2 722 kg (6,000 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 – Conventional Trailer 3.42 4 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 6-speed automatic
transmission – Gooseneck/
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42 3 674 kg (8,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission – Gooseneck/
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42 3 765 kg (8,300 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission with Enhanced
Towing Package 3.42 4 853 kg (10,700 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 – Conventional Trailer 3.73 4 899 kg (10,800 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 – Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.73 4 853 kg (10,700 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 – Conventional Trailer 3.23 4 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
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GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
332 Driving and Operating 1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups – SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
6.2L V8 – Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.23 3 719 kg (8,200 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 – Conventional Trailer 3.42 5 307 kg (11,700 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)
6.2L V8 – Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.42 4 763 kg (10,500 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)
1500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Short Box (b)
4.3L V6 3.42 3 175 kg (7,000 lb) 5 806 kg (12,800 lb)
5.3L V8 3.08 2 767 kg (6,100 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.42 4 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission with Enhanced
Towing Package 3.42 4 899 kg (10,800 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
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 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)
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GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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340 Driving and Operating 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/Tire label
on the center pillar or see Vehicle
Load Limits 0 265 . Make sure not to
exceed the GVWR limit for the
vehicle, or the RGAWR, with the tow
vehicle and trailer fully loaded for
the trip including the weight of the
trailer tongue. If using a
weight-distributing hitch, make sure
not to exceed the RGAWR before
applying the weight distribution
spring bars. Weight of the Trailering
Combination It is important that the combination
of the tow vehicle and trailer does
not exceed any of its weight ratings
— GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR, Trailer
Weight Rating, or Tongue Weight.
The only way to be sure it is not
exceeding any of these ratings is to
weigh the tow vehicle and trailer
combination, fully loaded for the trip,
getting individual weights for each of
these items.
Towing Equipment Hitches The correct hitch equipment helps
maintain combination control. Many
trailers can be towed with a
weight-carrying hitch which simply
features a coupler latched to the
hitch ball, or a tow eye latched to a
pintle hook. Other trailers may
require a weight-distributing hitch
that uses spring bars to distribute
the trailer tongue weight among the
tow vehicle and trailer axles. Fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitches
may also be used. See “ Weight of
the Trailer Tongue ” under Trailer
Towing 0 323 for rating limits with
various hitch types.
If a step-bumper hitch will be 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.
Consider using sway controls with
any trailer. Ask a trailering
professional about sway controls or
refer to the trailer manufacturer's
recommendations and instructions.
Weight-Distributing Hitch and
Adjustment A weight-distributing hitch may be
useful with some trailers. Use the
following guidelines to determine if a
weight-distributing hitch should
be used.