GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
336 Driving and Operating 1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups – SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
3500 Series 2WD Double Cab Long Box
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.73 4 400 kg (9,700 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 4.10 6 441 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) 4.10 6 260 kg (13,800 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
3500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Long Box
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.73 4 354 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) 3.73 4 173 kg (9,200 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 4.10 6 214 kg (13,700 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
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)
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
Driving and Operating 3371500/2500/3500 Series Pickups – SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
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 4.10 5 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 – Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.10 6 305 kg (13,900 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
3500 Series 4WD Double Cab Long Box
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.73 4 264 kg (9,400 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 4.10 6 305 kg (13,900 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.73 4 082 kg (9,000 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 4.10 6 123 kg (13,500 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
3500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Long Box
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.73 4 173 kg (9,200 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Conventional Trailer 4.10 6 214 kg (13,700 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.73 3 992 kg (8,800 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 4.10 6 033 kg (13,300 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
3500 Series Chassis Cab 2WD/4WD
6.0L V8 3.73 (d) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
338 Driving and Operating 1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups – SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
6.0L V8 4.10 (d) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
(a) The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle
and trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment, and conversions. The GCWR for the vehicle should not be
exceeded.
(b) This model is neither designed nor intended to tow fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailers.
(c) For pickup box delete vehicles, choose an appropriate hitch and load the truck and trailer within the limits of
GCWR, GVWR, and RGAWR.
(d) Maximum Trailer Weight cannot be provided because total vehicle weight is unknown.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or advice.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue The tongue load (1) of any trailer is
very important because it is also
part of the vehicle weight. The
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
includes the curb weight of the
vehicle, any cargo carried in it, and
the people who will be riding in the
vehicle as well as trailer tongue
weight. Vehicle options, equipment, passengers and cargo in the vehicle
reduce the amount of tongue weight
the vehicle can carry, which will also
reduce the trailer weight the vehicle
can tow.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
Driving and Operating 339Trailer tongue weight (1) should be
10-15% and fifth-wheel or
gooseneck kingpin weight should be
15-25% 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 318 kg (700 lb)
1500 Weight-Distributing 567 kg (1,250 lb)
2500/3500
Standard Box Weight-Carrying or
Weight-Distributing 680 kg (1,500 lb)
2500/
3500 Long Box Weight-Carrying or
Weight-Distributing 907 kg (2,000 lb)
2500 Fifth-Wheel Gooseneck 1 361 kg (3,000 lb)
3500 Single Rear
Wheels Fifth-Wheel Gooseneck 1 814 kg (4,000 lb)
3500 Dual Rear
Wheels Fifth-Wheel Gooseneck 2 495 kg (5,500 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 or kingpin 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 ” later
in this section.
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.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
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.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
Driving and Operating 341Vehicle Series Trailer Weight Weight-Distributing Hitch
Usage Hitch Distribution
1500 Up to 3 175 kg (7,000 lb) Optional Refer to trailer
manufacturer ’ s
recommendation
1500 Over 3 175 kg (7,000 lb) Required 50%
2500/3500 Up to 9 080 kg (20,000 lb) Optional Refer to trailer
manufacturer ’ s
recommendation
1. Front of Vehicle
2. Body to Ground Distance When using a weight-distributing
hitch, measure distance (2) before
coupling the trailer to the hitch ball.
Measure the height again after the
trailer is coupled and adjust the
spring bars so the distance (2) is as
close as possible to halfway
between the two measurements.
Fifth-Wheel and Gooseneck
Trailering
Fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers
can be used with many pickup
models. These trailers place a
larger percentage of the weight
(kingpin weight) on the tow vehicle than conventional trailers. Make
sure this weight does not cause the
vehicle to exceed GAWR or GVWR.
Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin
weight should be 15 to 25% of the
trailer weight up to the maximum
amount specified in the trailering
chart for the vehicle. See “ Weight of
the Trailer ” under Trailer Towing
0 323 .
The hitch should be located in the
pickup bed so that its centerline is
over or slightly in front of the rear
axle. Take care that it is not so far
forward that it will contact the back
of the cab in sharp turns. This is
especially important for short box
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
344 Driving and Operating .
White: Ground
.
White/Green: Back-up Lamps
.
Red/Green: Battery Feed
.
Dark Blue: Trailer Brake
If the vehicle is equipped with the
heavy-duty trailering option, see
“ Heavy-Duty Trailer Wiring Harness
Package ” earlier in this section.
When the camper-wiring harness is
ordered without the heavy-duty
trailering package, a seven-wire
harness with a seven-pin connector
is at the rear of the vehicle and is
tied to the vehicle's frame.
Electric Brake Control Wiring
Provisions These wiring provisions are
included with the vehicle as part of
the trailer wiring package. These
provisions are for an electric brake
controller.
The harness should be installed by
your dealer or a qualified service
center. Tow/Haul Mode
Pressing this button at the end of
the shift lever turns on and off the
Tow/Haul Mode.
This indicator light on the instrument
cluster comes on when the Tow/
Haul Mode is on. Tow/Haul is a feature that assists
when pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load. See Tow/Haul
Mode 0 288 .
Tow/Haul is designed to be most
effective when the vehicle and
trailer combined weight is at least
75% of the vehicle's Gross
Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
See “ Weight of the Trailer ” under
Trailer Towing 0 323 . Tow/Haul is
most useful under the following
driving conditions:
.
When pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load through
rolling terrain.
.
When pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load in
stop-and-go traffic.
.
When pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load in busy
parking lots where improved low
speed control of the vehicle is
desired.
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul
when lightly loaded or with no trailer
at all will not cause damage.
However, there is no benefit to the
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