GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
Keys, Doors, and Windows 31
Alternate Method
When applying any load to the tailgate,
distribute the weight evenly across the
width of the tailgate. This applies to all
tailgate types.
.Use a load-distributing member (1).
.Secure the ramp to the bumper (2).
Transporting Items That Can
Catch Fire
{Warning
To avoid personal injury and/or vehicle
damage when transporting items that
can catch fire, such as leaves, mulch, hay,
or cardboard, in the truck bed:
.Make sure items are securely
contained inside the truck bed. Never
allow them to hang over the sides or
fall in between the truck bed and
the cab.
.Never place items between the cab
and the truck bed. They could touch
hot exhaust parts and ignite.
{Warning
Keep cigarettes, sparks, and other ignition
sources away from the area between the
bed of the truck and cab. They could fall
onto the fuel system below and start a
fire. You or others could be injured
and/or the vehicle damaged.
Power Assist Steps
{Warning
To avoid personal injury or property
damage, before entering or exiting the
vehicle, be sure the power assist step is
fully extended. Do not step on the power
assist step while it is moving. Never place
hands or other body parts between the
extended power assist step and the
vehicle.
If equipped, the power assist steps will
deploy when the door is opened and
automatically retract three seconds after the
door is closed. The power assist steps will
retract immediately if the vehicle starts
moving. Check the step position before
exiting the vehicle.
Disable the power assist steps before jacking
or placing any object under the vehicle.
Too much ice buildup may prevent
deployment of the power assist steps. If this
happens, disable the power assist steps,
clear the ice, then enable the assist steps
and confirm normal function prior to use.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
Driving and Operating 213
Using heavier suspension components
to get added durability might not
change the weight ratings. Ask your
dealer to help load the vehicle the
right way.
{Warning
Things you put inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a sudden
stop or turn, or in a crash.
.Put things in the cargo area of the
vehicle. Try to spread the weight
evenly.
.Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so
that some of them are above the
tops of the seats.
.Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint in the vehicle.
.When you carry something inside
the vehicle, secure it whenever
you can.
.Do not leave a seat folded down
unless you need to. There is also important loading
information for off-road driving in this
manual. See
“Loading the Vehicle for
Off-Road Driving“ underOff-Road
Driving 0203.
Two-Tiered Loading
Depending on the model of the pickup,
an upper load platform can be created
by positioning three or four 5 cm (2 in)
by 15 cm (6 in) wooden planks across
the width of the pickup box. The planks
must be inserted in the pickup box
depressions.
When using this upper load platform,
be sure the load is securely tied down
to prevent it from shifting. The load's
center of gravity should be positioned
in a zone over the rear axle. The zone is
located in the area between the front
of each wheel well and the rear of each
wheel well. The center of gravity height
must not extend above the top of the
pickup box flareboard. Any load that extends beyond the
vehicle's taillamp area must be properly
marked according to local laws and
regulations.
Remember not to exceed the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) of the front or
rear axle.
Add-On Equipment
When carrying removable items, a limit
on how many people carried inside the
vehicle may be necessary. Be sure to
weigh the vehicle before buying and
installing the new equipment.
Caution
Overloading 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.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
Driving and Operating 299
.Trailer Width: 120 cm (47.2 in)–260 cm
(102.3 in). Measure from the left edge of
the trailer to the right edge.
.Trailer Height: 1 cm (0.39 in) –450 cm
(177.1 in). Measure from the ground to
tallest point of the trailer.
.Hitching Point Length: 180 cm (70.8 in) –
970 cm (381.8 in). Measure from the
center of the coupler to the middle of
tires.
.Trailer Tongue Length: 50 cm (19.6 in) –
220 cm (86.6 in). Measure from the center
of the coupler to the trailer front wall if
trailer has a flat front. If it does not have
a flat front, measure from the center of
the coupler to the point where the taper
meets the full width of the trailer.
.Vehicle Hitch Height: 10 cm (3.9 in) –
100 cm (39.3 in). Measure from the
ground to the top of coupler.
.Vehicle Hitch Length: 10 cm (3.9 in) –
100 cm (39.3 in). Measure from the hitch
receiver to the center of ball.
Dimensions for a bed hitch (gooseneck or
fifth wheel) trailer:
.Trailer Length: 300 cm (118.1 in) –2500 cm
(984.2 in). Measure from the front bottom
corner of the trailer to the furthest rear
point of the trailer.
.Trailer Box Width: 3 cm (1 in) –300 cm
(118.1 in). Measure the flat width at the
front bottom corners of the trailer.
.Hitching Point Length: 3 cm (1 in) –
1524 cm (600 in). Measure from the center
of the king pin (for fifth wheel) or coupler
(for gooseneck) to the middle of tires.
.Vehicle Cab to Trailer Length: 3 cm (1 in) –
610 cm (240.2 in). Measure from the back
of the vehicle cab to the front bottom
corner of the trailer.
.Vehicle Cab to Hitch Length: 3 cm (1 in) –
305 cm (120.1 in). Measure from the back
of vehicle cab to the center of the king
pin (for fifth wheel) or coupler (for
gooseneck).
Rear Trailer Guidance Setup
If equipped, a rear trailer camera must be
mounted on the trailer and electrically
connected to the vehicle before rear trailer
guidance feature can be used. See Assistance
Systems for Parking or Backing 0253.
Follow the on-screen instructions to enter
trailer dimensions.
Trailer dimensions must be in range to
enable this feature.
.Trailer Length: 300 cm (118.1 in) –1300 cm
(511.8 in). Measure from center of coupler
to furthest rear point on the trailer.
1. If trailer dimensions are out of range, this feature will be unavailable.
2. Ensure rear trailer camera is connected.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to drive forward to complete calibration.
Jack-Knife Alert Setup
If equipped, follow the on-screen instructions
to drive forward to complete calibration.
Trailer Length Indicator Setup
If equipped, follow the on-screen instructions
to drive forward to complete calibration.
Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert Setup
If equipped, trailer dimensions must be in
range to enable this feature.
Follow the on-screen instructions to enter
trailer dimensions.
.Trailer Length: 300 cm (118.1 in) –1200 cm
(472.4 in). Measure from center of coupler
to furthest rear point on the trailer.
.Vehicle Hitch Length: 10 cm (3.9 in) –
100 cm (839.3 in). Measure from the hitch
receiver to the center of ball.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
346 Vehicle Care
provide adequate performance for most
winter driving conditions, but they may not
offer the same level of traction or
performance as winter tires on snow or
ice-covered roads. SeeWinter Tires0346.
Winter Tires
This vehicle was not originally equipped
with winter tires. Winter tires are designed
for increased traction on snow and
ice-covered roads. Consider installing winter
tires on the vehicle if frequent driving on ice
or snow covered roads is expected. See your
dealer for details regarding winter tire
availability and proper tire selection. Also,
see Buying New Tires 0360.
With winter tires, there may be decreased
dry road traction, increased road noise, and
shorter tread life. After changing to winter
tires, be alert for changes in vehicle
handling and braking.
If using winter tires:
.Use tires of the same brand and tread
type on all four wheel positions.
.Use only radial ply tires of the same size,
load range, and speed rating as the
original equipment tires. Winter tires with the same speed rating as
the original equipment tires may not be
available for H, V, W, Y, and ZR speed rated
tires. If winter tires with a lower speed
rating are chosen, never exceed the tire's
maximum speed capability.
All-Terrain Tires
This vehicle may have all-terrain or
mud-terrain tires. These tires provide good
performance on most road surfaces, weather
conditions, and for off-road driving. See
Off-Road Driving
0203.
The tread pattern on these tires may wear
more unevenly than other tires. Consider
rotating the tires more frequently than at
12 000 km (7,500 mi) intervals if irregular
wear is noted when the tires are inspected.
See Tire Inspection 0356.
Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is
molded into its sidewall. The example
shows a typical light truck tire sidewall.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
(1) Tire Size:The tire size code is a
combination of letters and numbers
used to define a particular tire's width,
height, aspect ratio, construction type,
and service description. See the “Tire
Size” illustration later in this section for
more detail.
(2) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria
Specification)
:Original equipment tires
designed to GM's specific tire
performance criteria have a TPC
specification code molded onto the
sidewall. GM's TPC specifications meet
or exceed all federal safety guidelines.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
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Vehicle Care 347
(3) Dual Tire Maximum Load:
Maximum load that can be carried and
the maximum pressure needed to
support that load when used in a dual
configuration. For information on
recommended tire pressure seeTire
Pressure 0350 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0210.
(4) DOT (Department of
Transportation)
:The Department of
Transportation (DOT) code indicates that
the tire is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards.
DOT Tire Date of Manufacture
:The last
four digits of the TIN indicate the tire
manufactured date. The first two digits
represent the week and the last two
digits, the year. For example, the third
week of the year 2020 would have a
4-digit DOT date of 0320. Week 01 is
the first full week (Sunday through
Saturday) of each year. (5) Tire Identification Number (TIN)
:
The letters and numbers following the
DOT code are the Tire Identification
Number (TIN). The TIN shows the
manufacturer and plant code, tire size,
and date the tire was manufactured.
The TIN is molded onto both sides of
the tire, although only one side may
have the date of manufacture.
(6) Tire Ply Material
:The type of cord
and number of plies in the sidewall and
under the tread.
(7) Single Tire Maximum Load
:
Maximum load that can be carried and
the maximum pressure needed to
support that load when used as a
single. For information on
recommended tire pressure see Tire
Pressure 0350 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0210.
Tire Designations
Tire Size
The examples show a typical light truck
tire size.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
(1) Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:The
United States version of a metric tire
sizing system. The letters LT as the first
two characters in the tire size mean a
light truck tire engineered to standards
set by the U.S. Tire and Rim
Association.
(2) Tire Width
:The 3-digit number
indicates the tire section width in
millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
(3) Aspect Ratio
:A 2-digit number that
indicates the tire height-to-width
measurements. For example, if the tire
size aspect ratio is 75, as shown in
item (3) of the light truck (LT-Metric)
tire illustration, it would mean that the
tire's sidewall is 75 percent as high as it
is wide.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
348 Vehicle Care
(4) Construction Code:A letter code is
used to indicate the type of ply
construction in the tire. The letter R
means radial ply construction; the
letter D means diagonal or bias ply
construction.
(5) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of the
wheel in inches.
(6) Load Range
:Load Range.
(7) Service Description
:The service
description indicates the load index and
speed rating of a tire. If two numbers
are given as in the example, 120/116,
then this represents the load index for
single versus dual wheel usage (single/
dual). The speed rating is the maximum
speed a tire is certified to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside
the tire pressing outward on each
square inch of the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal) or psi
(pounds per square inch).
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a
tire's height to its width. Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords
that is located between the plies and
the tread. Cords may be made from
steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel
wires wrapped by steel cords that hold
the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in which
the plies are laid at alternate angles
less than 90 degrees to the centerline
of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The amount of air
pressure in a tire, measured in kPa
(kilopascal) or psi (pounds per square
inch) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure0350.
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 0210.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight Rating
for the front axle. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0210.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight Rating
for the rear axle. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0210.
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.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
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Vehicle Care 361
If the vehicle tires must be replaced
with a tire that does not have a TPC
Spec number, make sure they are the
same size, load range, speed rating, and
construction (radial) as the original
tires.
The Tire and Loading Information label
indicates the original equipment tires
on the vehicle. SeeVehicle Load Limits
0 210.
Different Size Tires and Wheels
If wheels or tires are installed that are a
different size than the original equipment
wheels and tires, vehicle performance,
including its braking, ride and handling
characteristics, stability, and resistance to
rollover may be affected. If the vehicle has
electronic systems such as antilock brakes,
rollover airbags, traction control, electronic
stability control, or All-Wheel Drive, the
performance of these systems can also be
affected.
{Warning
If different sized wheels are used, there
may not be an acceptable level of
performance and safety if tires not
recommended for those wheels are
selected. This increases the chance of a
crash and serious injury. Only use GM
specific wheel and tire systems developed
for the vehicle, and have them properly
installed by a GM certified technician.
See Buying New Tires 0360 and
Accessories and Modifications 0310.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
The following information relates to the
system developed by the United States
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), which grades
tires by treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This applies
only to vehicles sold in the United
States. The grades are molded on the
sidewalls of most passenger car tires.
The Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQG) system does not apply to deep
tread, winter tires, compact spare tires, tires with nominal rim diameters of
10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), or to some
limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General
Motors passenger cars and light trucks
may vary with respect to these grades,
they must also conform to federal
safety requirements and additional
General Motors Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) standards.
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to
Federal Safety Requirements In Addition
To These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the
tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government
test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1½)
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
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Vehicle Care 363
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel that
is needed.
Each new wheel should have the same
load-carrying capacity, diameter, width,
offset, and be mounted the same way as
the one it replaces.
Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel nuts,
or Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
sensors with new GM original equipment
parts.
{Warning
Using the wrong replacement wheels,
wheel bolts, or wheel nuts can be
dangerous. It could affect the braking and
handling of the vehicle. Tires can lose air
and cause loss of control, resulting in a
crash. Always use the correct wheel,
wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for
replacement.
{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used one is
dangerous. How it has been used or how
far it has been driven may be unknown.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
It could fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a new GM
original equipment wheel.
Caution
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer or odometer calibration,
headlamp aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
Tire Chains
{Warning
If the vehicle has LT275/65R20,
LT265/60R22, or LT305/70R18E size tires,
do not use tire chains. There is not
enough clearance. Tire chains used on a
vehicle without the proper amount of
clearance can cause damage to the
brakes, suspension, or other vehicle parts.
The area damaged by the tire chains
could cause loss of control and a crash.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Use another type of traction device only
if its manufacturer recommends it for the
vehicle’s tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To avoid vehicle damage,
drive slow and readjust or remove the
traction device if it is contacting the
vehicle. Do not spin the wheels.
If traction devices are used, install them
on the rear tires.
Caution
Use tire chains only where legal and only
when necessary. Use chains that are the
proper size for the tires. If the vehicle has
LT235/80R17 size tires, install the chains
on the tires of the rear axle only. If the
vehicle has LT245/75R17, LT265/70R17,
or LT275/70R18 size tires, install the
chains on the tires of the front and rear
axle. Tighten them as tightly as possible
with the ends securely fastened. Drive
slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer’s instructions. If the chains
contact the vehicle, stop and retighten
(Continued)