
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Driving and Operating 253CautionOverloading the vehicle may
cause damage. Repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not overload the
vehicle.
Remember not to exceed the
Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) of the front or
rear axle.
* Equipment Maximum
Weight
Ladder Rack
and Cargo 340 kg (750 lb)
Cross Toolbox
and Cargo 181 kg (400 lb)
Side Boxes
and Cargo 113 kg per
side (250 lb
per side)
* The combined weight for all
rail-mounted equipment should
not exceed 454 kg (1,000 lb). Loading Points
1. Primary Load Points
2. Secondary Load Areas
3. GM Approved Accessory
Mounting Points
Structural members (1) and (2) are
included in the pickup box design.
Additional accessories should use
these load points. Depending on the
accessory design, use a spacer
under the accessory at the load
points to remove gap. The holes for
GM approved accessories (3) are
not intended for aftermarket equipment. See www.gmupfitter.com
for additional pickup box load
bearing structural information.
Truck-Camper Loading
Information A vehicle-specific Truck-Camper
Loading Information label is
attached to the inside of the
vehicle's glove box. This label
indicates if a slide-in camper
can be carried, how much of a
load the vehicle can carry, and
how to correctly spread out the
load. It will help to match the
right slide-in camper to the
vehicle.
Your dealer can help make a
good vehicle-camper match and
help determine the Cargo
Weight Rating (CWR).
When installing and loading a
slide-in camper, check the
manufacturer's instructions.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
254 Driving and Operating When carrying a slide-in
camper, the total cargo load of
the vehicle is the weight of the
camper plus: .
Everything added to the
camper after it left the
factory..
Everything in the camper..
All the people inside.
The CWR is the maximum
weight of the load the vehicle
can carry. It does not include the
weight of the people inside. But,
use about 68 kg (150 lb) for
each seat.
The total cargo load must not be
more than the vehicle's CWR.
Refer to the Truck-Camper
Loading Information label in the
glove box for dimensions A and
B as shown in the following
illustration. Use the rear edge of the load
floor for measurement purposes.
The recommended location for
the cargo center of gravity is at
point C for the CWR. It is the
point where the mass of a body
is concentrated and,
if suspended at that point, would
balance the front and rear.
Here is an example of proper
truck and camper match: 1.
Camper Center of
Gravity 2.
Recommended Center of
Gravity Location Zone
When the truck is used to carry
a slide-in camper, the total cargo
load of the truck consists of the
manufacturer's camper weight
figure, the weight of installed
additional camper equipment not
included in the manufacturer's
camper weight figure, the weight
of camper cargo, and the weight
of passengers in the camper.
The total cargo load should not

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Driving and Operating 255exceed the truck's cargo weight
rating, and the camper's center
of gravity (1) should fall within
the truck's recommended center
of gravity zone (2) when
installed.
Any accessories or other
equipment that are added to the
vehicle must be weighed. Then,
subtract this extra weight from
the CWR. This extra weight may
shorten the center of gravity
zone of the vehicle.
If the slide-in camper and its
load weighs less than the CWR,
the center of gravity zone for the
vehicle may be larger.
Secure loose items to prevent
weight shifts that could affect the
balance of the vehicle. When the
truck-camper is loaded, drive to
a scale and weigh on the front and on the rear wheels
separately to determine axle
loads. Individual axle loads
should not exceed either of the
gross axle weight ratings
(GAWR). The total axle loads
should not exceed the vehicle's
gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR). These ratings are
given on the Certification/
Tire label attached to the
B-pillar. See “ Certification/Tire
Label ” under Vehicle Load
Limits 0 248 . If weight ratings
are exceeded, move or remove
items to bring all weights below
the ratings.
See your dealer for more
information on curb weights,
cargo weights, Cargo Weight
Rating, and the correct center of
gravity zone. Starting and
Operating New Vehicle Break-In CautionThe vehicle does not need an
elaborate break-in. But it will
perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
.
Keep the vehicle speed at
88 km/h (55 mph) or less for
the first 805 km (500 mi).
.
Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
for the first 805 km (500 mi).
Do not make full-throttle
starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
.
Avoid making hard stops for
the first 322 km (200 mi) or
so. During this time the new
brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with
new linings can mean
(Continued)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Driving and Operating 263If you have to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, be sure the
vehicle is in P (Park) and the
parking brake is firmly set before
you leave it. After you move the shift
lever into P (Park), hold the regular
brake pedal down. Then, see if you
can move the shift lever away from
P (Park) without first pulling it toward
you. If you can, it means that the
shift lever was not fully locked into
P (Park).
Torque Lock If you are parking on a hill and you
do not shift the transmission into
P (Park) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on
the parking pawl in the
transmission. You may find it difficult
to pull the shift lever out of P (Park).
This is called torque lock. To
prevent torque lock, set the parking
brake and then shift into P (Park)
properly before you leave the
driver seat. When you are ready to drive, move
the shift lever out of P (Park) before
you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may
need to have another vehicle push
yours a little uphill to take some of
the pressure from the parking pawl
in the transmission. You will then be
able to pull the shift lever out of
P (Park).
Shifting out of Park This vehicle is equipped with an
electronic shift lock release system.
The shift lock release system is
designed to prevent movement of
the shift lever out of P (Park), unless
the ignition is on and the brake
pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always
functional except in the case of an
uncharged or low voltage (less than
9 volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. See Jump Starting - North
America 0 426 . To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of
P (Park):
1. Ease the pressure on the shift
lever.
2. While holding down the brake
pedal, push the shift lever all
the way into P (Park).
3. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If you are still having a problem
shifting, then have the vehicle
serviced soon.
This vehicle may have the Seat Belt
Assurance System, which may
prevent the vehicle from shifting out
of P (Park).

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Driving and Operating 307Maintenance when Trailer
Towing The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule 0 448 .
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.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
0 363 . 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 0 255 .
{ 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 0 248 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.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
308 Driving and Operating 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.
A step-bumper trailer hitch is limited
to 2,271 kg (5,000 lb) total trailer
weight. If a trailer hitch ball is added
to the step-bumper, ensure that the
ball is rated to pull the trailer's
weight. 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
gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailers unless
otherwise noted.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Driving and Operating 3091500/2500/3500 Series Pickups – SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
1500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Standard Box
4.3L V6 3.23 2 722 kg (6,000 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)
4.3L V6 4.10 2 087 kg (4,600 lb) 4 309 kg (9,500 lb)
5.3L V8 3.08 3 130 kg (6,900 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.42 4 037 kg (8,900 lb) 6 350 kg (14,000 lb)
1500 Series 2WD Double Cab Standard Box
4.3L V6 3.23 2 540 kg (5,600 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 – Conventional
Trailer 3.42 4 264 kg (9,400 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission – Gooseneck/
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42 4 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
310 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 5 262 kg (11,600 lb) 8 255 kg (18,200 lb)
1500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Standard Box
5.3L V8 3.08 2 858 kg (6,300 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)