load capacity GMC SIERRA 2007 Owner's Manual

Luggage Carrier
The vehicle may have a luggage carrier that can
be used to load things on top of the vehicle.
The luggage carrier has siderails attached to the
roof. It may also have crossrails which can be
moved back and forth to help secure cargo. Tie the
load to the siderails or siderail supports.
Notice:Loading cargo on the luggage carrier
that weighs more than 200 lbs (91 kg) or
hangs over the rear or sides of the vehicle
may damage your vehicle. Load cargo so that
it rests on the slats as far forward as
possible and against the side rails, making
sure to fasten it securely.
Do not exceed the maximum vehicle capacity
when loading your vehicle. For more information
on vehicle capacity and loading, seeLoading Your
Vehicle on page 425.
To prevent damage or loss of cargo while you are
driving, check to make sure the luggage and
cargo are still securely fastened.Be sure the cargo is properly loaded.If small heavy objects are placed on the roof,
cut a piece of 3/8 inch plywood to t inside
the crossrails and siderails to spread the load.
Tie the plywood to the siderail supports.
Tie the load to the crossrails or the siderail
supports. Use the crossrails only to keep the
load from sliding. To move a crossrail, lift the
release lever, on both sides of the rail, up to
loosen it. Slide the crossrail to the desired
position balancing the force side to side. Press
the release lever on both sides of the rail, down
to tighten it. Try to slide the crossrail back and
forth slightly to be sure it is tight.
If you need to carry long items, move the
crossrails as far apart as they will go. Tie the
load to the crossrails and the siderails or
siderail supports. Also tie the load to the
bumpers. Do not tie the load so tightly that the
crossrails or siderails are damaged.
After moving a crossrail, be sure it is securely
locked into the siderail.
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StabiliTrak®Indicator Light
If equipped, this warning
light should come on
briey when the engine
is started.
If the warning light does not come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a
problem. If it stays on, or comes on when you are
driving, there may be a problem with your
StabiliTrak
®system and your vehicle may need
service. When this warning light is on, the system
is off and will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
This light will also ash when the StabiliTrak
®
system is active.
If the StabiliTrak
®system warning light comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time
when the system is turned on, your vehicle needs
service. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 381
for more information.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
It also provides an indicator of how hard your
vehicle is working. During a majority of the
operation, the gage will read 210°F (100°C) or
less. If you are pulling a load or going up hills, it is
normal for the temperature to uctuate and go
over the 235°F (113°C) mark. However, if the gage
reaches the 260°F (125°C) mark, it indicates
that the cooling system is working beyond
its capacity.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 516.
United StatesCanada
258

Loading Your Vehicle
It is very important to know how much weight your
vehicle can carry. This weight is called the
vehicle capacity weight and includes the weight of
all occupants, cargo, and all nonfactory-installed
options. Two labels on your vehicle show how
much weight it was designed to carry, the Tire and
Loading Information label and the Certication/Tire
label.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, and it
can change the way your vehicle handles.
These could cause you to lose control
and crash. Also, overloading can shorten
the life of your vehicle.
Tire and Loading Information Label
A vehicle specic Tire and Loading Information
label is attached to the center pillar (B-pillar). With
the driver’s door open, you will nd the label
attached below the door lock post (striker). The
tire and loading information label shows the
number of occupant seating positions (A), and the
maximum vehicle capacity weight (B) in kilograms
and pounds.
Label Example
425

The Tire and Loading Information label also shows
the size of the original equipment tires (C) and
the recommended cold tire ination pressures (D).
For more information on tires and ination see
Tires on page 550andInation - Tire Pressure on
page 559.
There is also important loading information on the
vehicle Certication/Tire label. It tells you the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and
the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the
front and rear axles. See “Certication/Tire Label”
later in this section.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should never
exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on your
vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver
and passengers that will be riding in your
vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.4. The resulting gure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals
1400 lbs and there will be ve 150 lb
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs (1400−750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in
Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, the load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 445for important information
on towing a trailer, towing safety rules and
trailering tips.
426

Item Description Total
AVehicle Capacity Weight
for Example 3=1,000 lbs (453 kg)
BSubtract Occupant
Weight 200 lbs
(91 kg)×5=1000 lbs (453 kg)
C Available Cargo Weight=0 lbs (0 kg)
Refer to your vehicle’s tire and loading information
label for specic information about your vehicle’s
capacity weight and seating positions. The
combined weight of the driver, passengers, and
cargo should never exceed your vehicle’s capacity
weight.
Certication/Tire Label
A vehicle specic Certication/Tire label is found
on the rear edge of the driver’s door. The
label shows the size of your vehicle’s original tires
and the ination pressures needed to obtain the
gross weight capacity of your vehicle. This is called
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The
GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, fuel, and cargo.
The Certication/Tire label also tells you the
maximum weights for the front and rear axles,
called Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
Example 3
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To nd out the actual loads on your front and rear
axles, you need to go to a weigh station and
weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can help you with
this. Be sure to spread out your load equally on
both sides of the centerline.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the
GAWR for either the front or rear axle.
The Certication/Tire label also contains important
information about your Front Axle Reserve
Capacity. See “What is front axle reserve capacity,
and how do I calculate it?” underAdding a
Snow Plow or Similar Equipment on page 432.
{CAUTION:
In the case of a sudden stop or collision,
things carried in the bed of your truck
could shift forward and come into the
passenger area, injuring you and others. If
you put things in the bed of your truck,
you should make sure they are properly
secured.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, and it
can change the way your vehicle handles.
These could cause you to lose control
and crash. Also, overloading can shorten
the life of your vehicle.
Notice:Overloading your vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not overload your vehicle.
Using heavier suspension components to get
added durability might not change your weight
ratings. Ask your dealer to help you load
your vehicle the right way.
429

For 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 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
must never be exceeded.
{CAUTION:
On some vehicles that have certain front
mounted equipment, such as a snow
plow, it may be possible to load the front
axle to the front gross axle weight rating
(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 gross
vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Maintaining
a proper front and rear weight distribution
ratio is necessary to provide proper
braking performance.
435

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
vehicle’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 425.
Emergency Roof Lamp Provisions
Vehicles with the RPO VYU snow plow prep
package also have an emergency roof lamp
provision package, RPO TRW. Wiring for the
emergency roof lamp is provided above the
overhead console. SeeAuxiliary Roof Mounted
Lamp on page 225for switch location.
Truck-Camper Loading Information
A vehicle specic Truck-Camper Loading
information label is attached to the inside of your
vehicle’s glove box. This label 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 the 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
436

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 your vehicle should not be
exceeded.
You can ask your dealer for our trailering
information or advice, or you can write us at our
Customer Assistance Offices. SeeCustomer
Assistance Offices on page 648for more
information.Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important
weight to measure because it affects the total
or gross weight of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle
Weight (GVW) includes the curb weight of the
vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it, and
the people who will be riding in the vehicle. If you
have a lot of options, equipment, passengers
or cargo in your vehicle, it will reduce the tongue
weight your vehicle can carry, which will also
reduce the trailer weight your vehicle can tow. And
if you will tow a trailer, you must add the tongue
load to the GVW because your vehicle will be
carrying that weight, too. SeeLoading Your
Vehicle on page 425for more information about
your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
459

The trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent
to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight, up to
a maximum of 600 lbs (272 kg) for the 1500 or
2500 series, and up to a maximum of 750 lbs
(340 kg) for the 2500 HD or 3500 series with a
weight carrying hitch. The trailer tongue weight (A)
should be 10 percent to 15 percent of the total
loaded trailer weight, up to a maximum of 1,000 lbs
(453 kg) for the 1500 series and up to a maximum
of 1,500 lbs (680 kg) for the 2500, 2500 HD or
3500 series with a weight distributing hitch.Fifth wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be
15 to 25 percent of the trailer weight up to the
maximum amount specied in the trailering chart
for your vehicle. See “Weight of the Trailer”,
and “Fifth-Wheel and Gooseneck Trailering” in this
section.
Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue
weight for your 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.
After you have loaded the trailer, weigh the trailer
and then the tongue separately, to see if the
weights are proper. If they are not, you may be
able to get them right by moving some items
around in the trailer.
Trailering may be limited by the vehicle’s ability to
carry tongue weight. Tongue weight cannot
cause the vehicle to exceed the GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) or the RGAWR (Rear
Gross Axle Weight Rating). The effect of additional
weight may reduce your trailering capacity more
than the total of the additional weight.
460