GMC SIERRA 2005 Owner's Manual

Here are some guidelines for safely carrying a snow
plow on your vehicle:
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.
Follow the snow plow manufacturer’s
recommendations regarding rear ballast. 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
you in determining the amount of rear ballast
required, to help make sure your snowplow/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.
Q:What is front axle reserve capacity, and how do
I calculate it?
A:Front axle reserve capacity is the difference
between your front GAWR and the front axle weight
of your truck with full fuel and passengers.
Basically, it is the amount of weight you can add to
your front axle before reaching your front GAWR.
The front axle reserve capacity for your vehicle can be
found in the lower right corner of the Certication/Tire
label, as shown.
United States
Canada
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In order to calculate the amount of weight any front
accessory, such as a snow plow, is adding to the front
axle, use the following formula:
(W x (A + W.B.)) /W.B.= Weight the accessory is adding
to the front axle.
Where:
W = Weight of added accessory
A = Distance that the accessory is in front of the
front axle
W.B. = Vehicle WheelbaseFor example, adding a 700 lb (318 kg) snow
plow actually adds more than 700 lbs (318 kg) to the
front axle. Using the formula, if the snow plow is
4 ft (122 cm) in front of the front axle and the wheel
base is 10 ft (305 cm), then:
W = 700 lb (318 kg)
A = 4 ft (122 cm)
W.B. = 10 ft (305 cm)
(W x (A + W.B.))/W.B. = (700 x (4 + 10))/10 = 980 lbs
(445 kg)
So, if your truck’s front axle reserve capacity is more
than 980 lbs (445 kg), you could add the snow plow
without exceeding the front GAWR.
Q:What if I want to add heavier equipment to my
vehicle?
A:You can add heavier equipment on the front of the
vehicle if you compensate for it by carrying fewer
passengers, less cargo, or by positioning cargo
towards the rear. This has the effect of reducing the
load on the front. However, the front GAWR, rear
GAWR and the GVWR must never be exceeded.
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{CAUTION:
On some vehicles equipped with certain front
mounted equipment, such as a snow plow, it
may be possible to load the front axle to the
front GAWR but not have enough weight on
the rear axle to have proper braking
performance. If your brakes can not work
properly, you could have a crash. To help your
brakes work properly when a snow plow is
installed, always follow the snow plow
manufacturer or installer’s recommendation for
rear ballast to ensure a proper front and rear
weight distribution ratio, even though the
actual front weight may be less than the front
GAWR, and the total vehicle weight is less
than the GVWR. Maintaining a proper front and
rear weight distribution ratio is necessary to
provide proper braking performance.
Q:What is total vehicle reserve capacity?
A:This is the difference between your GVWR and the
weight of your truck with full fuel and passengers. It
is the amount of weight you can add to your
vehicle before reaching your GVWR. Keep in mind
that reserve capacity numbers are intended as
a guide when selecting the amount of equipment or
cargo your truck can carry. If you are unsure of
your truck’s front, rear or total weight, go to a weigh
station and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can
also help you with this.
The total vehicle reserve capacity for your vehicle
can be found in the lower right corner of the
Certication/Tire label as shown previously.
See your dealer for additional advice and information
about using a snow plow on your vehicle. Also,
seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-50.
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Truck-Camper Loading Information
This label is inside your glove box. It will tell you if
your vehicle can carry a slide-in camper, how much of a
load your vehicle can carry, and how to correctly
spread out your load. Also, it will help you match the
right slide-in camper to your vehicle.
When you carry a slide-in camper, the total cargo load
of your vehicle is the weight of the camper, plus the
following:
Everything else added to the camper after it left the
factory
Everything in the camper
All the people inside
The Cargo Weight Rating (CWR) is the maximum
weight of the load your vehicle can carry. It doesn’t
include the weight of the people inside. But, you
can gure about 150 lbs (68 kg) for each seat.
The total cargo load must not be more than your
vehicle’s CWR.Refer to the Truck-Camper Loading Information label in
glove box for dimensions A and B as shown in the
following illustration.
Use the rear edge of the load oor 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.
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Here is an example of proper truck and camper match:
A. Camper Center of Gravity
B. Recommended Center of Gravity Location Zone
The camper’s center of gravity should fall within the
center of gravity zone for your vehicle’s cargo load.
You must weigh any accessories or other equipment
that you add to your vehicle. Then, subtract this
extra weight from the CWR. This extra weight may
shorten the center of gravity zone of your vehicle.
Your dealer can help you with this.
If your slide-in camper and its load weighs less than the
CWR, the center of gravity zone for your vehicle may
be larger.Your dealer can help you make a good vehicle-camper
match. He’ll also help you determine your CWR.
After you’ve loaded your vehicle and camper, drive to a
weigh station and weigh the front and rear wheels
separately. This will tell you the loads on your axles.
The loads on the front and rear axles shouldn’t be more
than either of the GAWRs. The total of the axle loads
should not be more than the GVWR.
Open your driver’s door and look at the Certication/Tire
label to nd out your GAWR and GVWR.
If you’ve gone over your weight ratings, move or take
out some things until all the weight falls below the
ratings. Of course, you should always tie down any
loose items when you load your vehicle or camper.
When you install and load your slide-in camper, check
the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you want more information on curb weights, cargo
weights, Cargo Weight Rating and the correct center of
gravity zone for your vehicle, your dealer can help
you. Just ask for a copy of″Consumer Information,
Truck-Camper Loading.″
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Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab
General Motors is aware that some vehicle owners may
consider having the pickup box removed and a
commercial or recreational body installed. Before you do
so, rst contact GM Customer Assistance for information
on such conversions specic to this vehicle. Owners
should be aware that, as manufactured, there are
differences between a chassis cab and a pickup with
the box removed which may affect vehicle safety.
The components necessary to adapt a pickup to permit
its safe use with a specialized body should be
installed by a body builder in accordance with the
information available from GM Customer Assistance.
SeeCustomer Assistance Offices on page 7-4.
Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your disabled vehicle towed. See
Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-5.
If you want to tow your vehicle behind another vehicle
for recreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome),
see “Recreational Vehicle Towing” following.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing your vehicle
behind another vehicle – such as behind a motorhome.
The two most common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as dinghy towing, towing your vehicle
will all four wheels on the ground, and dolly towing,
towing your vehicle with two wheels on the ground and
two wheels up on a device known as a “dolly”.
With the proper preparation and equipment, many
vehicles can be towed in these ways. See “Dinghy
Towing” and “Dolly Towing” following.
Here are some important things to consider before you
do recreational vehicle towing:
What’s the towing capacity of the towing vehicle?
Be sure you read the tow vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendations.
How far will you tow? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how long they can tow.
Do you have the proper towing equipment?
See your dealer or trailering professional for
additional advice and equipment recommendations.
Is your vehicle ready to be towed? Just as you
would prepare your vehicle for a long trip, you’ll
want to make sure your vehicle is prepared to be
towed. SeeBefore Leaving on a Long Trip on
page 4-41.
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Dinghy Towing
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Notice:If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground, the drivetrain components could
be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. Do not tow your vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not be towed with all
four wheels on the ground. Two-wheel-drive
transmissions have no provisions for internal lubrication
while being towed.
Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles Equipped with
Transfer Case (NP1, NP2 and NP8)
Use the following procedure to tow your vehicle:
1. Shift an automatic transmission to PARK (P), or a
manual transmission to FIRST (1).
2. Turn the engine off, but leave the ignition on.
3. Firmly set the parking brake.
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4. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the
tow vehicle.
{CAUTION:
Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle’s transfer
case into NEUTRAL can cause your vehicle to
roll even if the transmission is in Park (P) for
an automatic transmission, or if your vehicle is
in gear, for a manual transmission. You or
others could be injured. Make sure the parking
brake is rmly set before you shift the transfer
case to NEUTRAL.
5. Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL. See
Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-37for the proper
procedure to select the neutral position for
your vehicle.
6. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle
being towed is rmly attached to the towing
vehicle.
7. Turn the ignition off and leave the steering column
unlocked.
Dolly Towing
Front Towing (Front Wheels Off
the Ground)
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Notice:If you tow a two-wheel-drive vehicle with
the rear wheels on the ground, the transmission
could be damaged. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Never tow your vehicle
with the rear wheels on the ground.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not be towed with the
rear wheels on the ground. Two-wheel-drive
transmissions have no provisions for internal lubrication
while being towed.
To dolly tow a two-wheel-drive vehicle, you must tow
the vehicle with the rear wheels on the dolly. See “Rear
Towing (Rear Wheels Off the Ground)” later in this
section for more information.
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Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Use the following procedure to tow your vehicle:
1. Drive the vehicle up onto the tow dolly.
2. Shift an automatic transmission to PARK (P), or a
manual transmission to FIRST (1).
3. Turn the engine off, but leave the ignition on.4. Firmly set the parking brake.
5. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to
the tow dolly.
{CAUTION:
Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle’s transfer
case into NEUTRAL can cause your vehicle to
roll even if the transmission is in Park (P) for
an automatic transmission, or if your vehicle is
in gear, for a manual transmission. You or
others could be injured. Make sure the parking
brake is rmly set before you shift the transfer
case to NEUTRAL.
6. Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL. See
Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-37for the proper
procedure to select the neutral position for
your vehicle.
7. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle
being towed is rmly attached to the towing
vehicle.
8. Turn the ignition off and lock the steering column.
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Rear Towing (Rear Wheels Off
the Ground)
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Use the following procedure to tow your vehicle from
the rear:
1. Drive the vehicle onto the dolly.
2. Firmly set the parking brake. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-48.
3. Put an automatic transmission in PARK (P) or a
manual transmission in FIRST (1).
4. Follow the dolly manufacturer’s instructions to
attach and secure the vehicle being towed to
the dolly and then the loaded dolly to the tow
vehicle. Make sure the wheels are straight
before towing.
For manual transmission vehicles, make sure the
wheels are straight before proceeding to the
next steps. On automatic transmission vehicles, use
an adequeate clamping device to ensure that the
front wheels are locked into the straight position.
5. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle
being towed is rmly attached to the tow vehicle.
6. Turn the ignition to LOCK.
Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Use the following procedure to tow your vehicle from
the rear:
1. Drive the vehicle onto the dolly.
2. Firmly set the parking brake. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-48.
3. Put an automatic transmission in PARK (P) or a
manual transmission in FIRST (1).
4. Follow the dolly manufacturer’s instructions to
attach and secure the vehicle being towed to
the dolly and then the loaded dolly to the tow
vehicle.
For manual transmission vehicles, make sure the
wheels are straight before proceeding to the
next steps. On automatic transmission vehicles, use
an adequeate clamping device to ensure that the
front wheels are locked into the straight position.
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