GMC SIERRA 1500 2012 Owners Manual

Black plate (15,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
Driving and Operating 9-15
If it takes some time for help to
arrive, now and then when you run
the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs
faster than the idle speed. This
keeps the battery charged to restart
the vehicle and to signal for help
with the headlamps. Do this as little
as possible to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
See“Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It
Out” later in this section.
If the vehicle has a traction system,
it can often help to free a stuck
vehicle. Refer to the vehicle's
traction system in the Index. If stuck
too severely for the traction system
to free the vehicle, turn the traction
system off and use the rocking
method.
{WARNING
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you
or others could be injured. The
vehicle can overheat, causing an
engine compartment fire or other
damage. Spin the wheels as little
as possible and avoid going
above 56 km/h (35 mph).
For information about using tire
chains on the vehicle, see Tire
Chains on page 10‑74.
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get
It Out
Turn the steering wheel left and
right to clear the area around the
front wheels. For four-wheel-drive
vehicles, shift into Four‐Wheel High. For vehicles with StabiliTrak
®, turn
the traction control part of the
system off. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a forward
gear, spinning the wheels as little as
possible. To prevent transmission
wear, wait until the wheels stop
spinning before shifting gears.
Release the accelerator pedal while
shifting, and press lightly on the
accelerator pedal when the
transmission is in gear. Slowly
spinning the wheels in the forward
and reverse directions causes a
rocking motion that could free the
vehicle. If that does not get the
vehicle out after a few tries, it might
need to be towed out. Recovery
hooks can be used, if the vehicle
has them. If the vehicle does need
to be towed out, see Towing the
Vehicle on page 10‑93.

Black plate (16,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
9-16 Driving and Operating
Recovery Hooks
{WARNING
Never pull on recovery hooks
from the side. The hooks could
break and you and others could
be injured. When using recovery
hooks, always pull the vehicle
straight out.
Notice:Never use recovery
hooks to tow the vehicle. Your
vehicle could be damaged and
it would not be covered by
warranty.
For vehicles with recovery hooks at
the front of the vehicle, you can use
them if you are stuck off-road and
need to be pulled to some place
where you can continue driving.
Vehicle Load Limits
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 Certification/Tire label.
{WARNING
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the
maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
This can cause systems to
break and change the way the
(Continued)

Black plate (17,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
Driving and Operating 9-17
WARNING (Continued)
vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a
crash. Overloading can also
shorten the life of the vehicle.
Tire and Loading Information
Label
Label Example
A vehicle specific Tire and
Loading Information label is
attached to the center pillar
(B-pillar). With the driver door open, you will find 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.
The Tire and Loading
Information label also shows the
size of the original equipment
tires (C) and the recommended
cold tire inflation pressures (D).
For more information on tires
and inflation see
Tires on
page 10‑50 andTire Pressure
on page 10‑58.
There is also important loading
information on the vehicle
Certification/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
“Certification/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.

Black plate (18,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
9-18 Driving and Operating
4.The resulting figure equals
the available amount of cargo
and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the“XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs
and there will be five 150 lb
passengers in your vehicle,
the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs (1400−750 (5x150) =
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. See
Trailer
Towing on page 9‑78 for
important information on
towing a trailer, towing safety
rules and trailering tips.
Example 1
A. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 1 = (453 kg) (1,000 lbs)
B. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 2 = 136 kg
(300 lbs)
C. Available Occupant and Cargo Weight = 317 kg (700 lbs)
Example 2
A. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 2 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs)
B. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 5 = 340 kg
(750 lbs)
C. Available Cargo Weight = 113 kg (250 lbs)

Black plate (19,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
Driving and Operating 9-19
Example 3
A. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 3 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs)
B. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 91 kg (200 lbs) × 5 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs)
C. Available Cargo Weight = 0 kg (0 lbs)
Refer to your vehicle's tire and
loading information label for
specific 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.
Certification/Tire Label
A vehicle specific Certification/
Tire label is found on the rear
edge of the driver door. The
label shows the size of your
vehicle's original tires and the
inflation 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 Certification/Tire label also
tells you the maximum weights
for the front and rear axles,
called Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). To find 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.

Black plate (20,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
9-20 Driving and Operating
The Certification/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 9‑106.
{WARNING
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.
{WARNING
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the
maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
This can cause systems to
break and change the way the
vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a
crash. Overloading can also
shorten the life of the vehicle.
Notice: Overloading the
vehicle may cause damage.
Repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Do
not overload the 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.
If you put things inside your
vehicle
—like suitcases,
tools, packages, or anything
else —they go as fast as the
vehicle goes. If you have to stop
or turn quickly, or if there is a
crash, they will keep going.

Black plate (21,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
Driving and Operating 9-21
{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
Your Vehicle for Off-Road
Driving“under Off-Road Driving
on page 9‑6.
Two-Tiered Loading
Depending on the model of your
pick‐up, an upper load platform
can be created by positioning
three or four 5 cm (2 inches) by
15 cm (6 inches) 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.

Black plate (22,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
9-22 Driving and Operating
Add-On Equipment
When you carry removable
items, you may need to put a
limit on how many people you
carry inside your vehicle. Be
sure to weigh your vehicle
before you buy and install the
new equipment.
Notice: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. * Equipment
Maximum
Weight
Ladder Rack
and Cargo 340 kg
(750 lbs)
Cross Toolbox
and Cargo 181 kg
(400 lbs)
Side Boxes
and Cargo 113 kg per
side (250 lbs
per side)
* The combined weight for all
rail‐mounted equipment should
not exceed 454 kg (1,000 lbs).Loading Points
A. Primary Load Points
B. Secondary Load Areas
C. Cargo Management Option Holes
Structural members (A) and (B) are
included in the pick-up 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.

Black plate (23,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
Driving and Operating 9-23
The holes for the Cargo
Management System (C) are not
intended for attachment of
aftermarket equipment. See
www.gmupfitter.com for additional
pick-up 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.
When carrying a slide-in
camper, the total cargo load of
the vehicle is the weight of the
camper, plus the following:
.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 lbs) 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.

Black plate (24,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
9-24 Driving and Operating
Here is an example of proper
truck and camper match:
A.Camper Center of Gravity
B.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
exceed the truck's cargo weight
rating, and the camper's center
of gravity (A) should fall within
the truck's recommended
center of gravity zone (B) 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
your 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 frontand 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 your vehicle's
gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR). These ratings are
given on the vehicle certification
label attached to the rear
edge of the driver door. See
“Certification/Tire Label”
under
Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9‑16. 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.