trailer GMC SIERRA 1500 2013 Service Manual

Black plate (83,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
Driving and Operating 9-83
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
6.0L V8 —Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 532 kg (14,400 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)
2500 Series 4WD Extended Cab Long Box HD
6.0L V8 3.734 264 kg (9,400 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)
6.0L V8 —Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)
6.0L V8 —Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 305 kg (13,900 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)
2500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Long Box HD 6.0L V8 3.734 218 kg (9,300 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)
6.0L V8 —Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)
6.0L V8 —Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 260 kg (13,800 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)
3500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Conventional Trailer 4.10
5 897 kg (13,000 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.10
6 577 kg (14,500 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.734 354 kg (9,600 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels)
Conventional Trailer 4.10
6 396 kg (14,100 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)

Black plate (84,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
9-84 Driving and Operating
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels)
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.10
6 441 kg (14,200 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)
3500 Series 2WD Extended Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.734 309 kg (9,500 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Conventional Trailer 4.10
5 897 kg (13,000 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.10
6 350 kg (14,000 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels)
Conventional Trailer 3.73
4 128kg (9,100 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels)
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.73
4 173kg (9,200 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels)
Conventional Trailer 4.10
6 169 kg (13,600 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels)
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.10
6 214 kg (13,700 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)
3500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Standard Box 6.0L V8 3.734 309kg (9,500 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)
6.0L V8 —Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)

Black plate (85,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
Driving and Operating 9-85
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
6.0L V8 Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 350 kg (14,000 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)
3500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Long Box
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.734 264 kg (9,400 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Conventional Trailer 4.10
5 897 kg (13,000 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.10
6 305 kg (13,900 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.734 082 kg (9,000 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 4.106 123 kg (13,500 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)
3500 Series 4WD Regular Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.734 400 kg (9,700 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Conventional Trailer 4.10
5 897 kg (13,000 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.10
6 441 kg (14,200 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.734 218 kg (9,300 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 4.106 260 kg (13,800 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)

Black plate (86,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
9-86 Driving and Operating
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
3500 Series 4WD Extended Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.734 173 kg (9,200 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Conventional Trailer 4.10
5 897 kg (13,000 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.10
6 214 kg (13,700 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.734 037 kg (8,900 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 4.106 078 kg (13,400 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)
3500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Standard Box
6.0L V8 3.734 173 kg (9,200 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)
6.0L V8 —Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)
6.0L V8 —Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 214 kg (13,700 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)
3500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Long Box
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.734 128 kg (9,100 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Conventional Trailer 4.10
5 897 kg (13,000 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.10
6 169 kg (13,600 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)

Black plate (87,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
Driving and Operating 9-87
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.733 946 kg (8,700 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 4.105 987 kg (13,200 lbs) 9 299 kg (20,500 lbs)
(a) 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 the vehicle should not be
exceeded.
(b) This model is neither designed nor intended to tow fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailers.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or advice.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is
very important because it is also
part of the vehicle weight. The
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
includes the curb weight of the
vehicle, any cargo carried in it, and
the people who will be riding in the
vehicle as well as trailer tongue
weight. Vehicle options, equipment,
passengers and cargo in the vehicle
reduce the amount of tongue weight
the vehicle can carry, which will also
reduce the trailer weight the vehicle can tow. See
“Vehicle Load Limits”
for more information about the
vehicle's maximum load capacity.
Trailer tongue weight (A) should be
10 to 15 percent and fifth-wheel or
gooseneck kingpin weight should be
15 to 25 percent of the loaded trailer
weight up to the maximums for
vehicle series and hitch type.

Black plate (88,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
9-88 Driving and Operating
Vehicle Series Hitch TypeMaximum Tongue
Weight
1500 Weight Carrying 363 kg (800 lb)
1500 Weight Distributing 499 kg (1,100 lb)
2500/3500
Standard Box Weight Carrying or
Weight Distributing 680 kg (1,500 lb)
2500/
3500 Long Box Weight Carrying or
Weight Distributing 907 kg (2,000 lb)
2500 Fifth-Wheel Gooseneck 1 361 kg (3,000 lb)
3500 Single Rear
Wheels Fifth-Wheel Gooseneck 1 814 kg (4,000 lb)
3500 Dual Rear
Wheels Fifth-Wheel Gooseneck 2 495 kg (5,500 lb)
Do not exceed the maximum
allowable tongue weight for the
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. Trailer rating may be limited by the
vehicle's ability to carry tongue
weight. Tongue or kingpin weight
cannot cause the vehicle to exceed
the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) or the RGAWR (Rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating). See
“Total
Weight on the Vehicle's Tires” later
in this section for more information. After loading the trailer, weigh the
trailer and then the tongue,
separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they are not, adjustments
might be made by moving some
items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on the Vehicle's
Tires
Be sure the vehicle's tires are
inflated to the inflation pressures
found on the Certification Tire label
on the drivers door or see
Vehicle
Load Limits on page 9‑15 for more
information. Make sure not to
exceed the GVWR limit for the
vehicle, or the RGAWR, with the tow
vehicle and trailer fully loaded for
the trip including the weight of the
trailer tongue. If using a
weight-distributing hitch, make sure
not to exceed the RGAWR before
applying the weight distribution
spring bars.

Black plate (89,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
Driving and Operating 9-89
Weight of the Trailering
Combination
It is important that the combination
of the tow vehicle and trailer does
not exceed any of its weight ratings
—GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR, Trailer
Weight Rating, or Tongue Weight.
The only way to be sure it is not
exceeding any of these ratings is to
weigh the tow vehicle and trailer
combination, fully loaded for the trip,
getting individual weights for each of
these items.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
The correct hitch equipment helps
maintain combination control. Many
trailers can be towed with a
weight-carrying hitch which simply
features a coupler latched to the
hitch ball, or a tow eye latched to a
pintle hook. Other trailers may
require a weight-distributing hitch
that uses spring bars to distribute
the trailer tongue weight among the
two vehicle and trailer axles.
Fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitches
may also be used. See “Weight of
the Trailer Tongue” underTrailer
Towing on page 9‑73 for rating limits
with various hitch types. If a step-bumper hitch will be used,
the bumper could be damaged in
sharp turns. Make sure there
is ample room when turning to avoid
contact between the trailer and the
bumper.
Consider using sway controls with
any trailer. Ask a trailering
professional about sway controls or
refer to the trailer manufacturer's
recommendations and instructions.
Weight-Distributing Hitch and
Adjustment
A weight distributing hitch may be
useful with some trailers. Use the
following guidelines to determine if a
weight distributing hitch should
be used.

Black plate (90,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
9-90 Driving and Operating
Vehicle SeriesTrailer WeightWeight Distributing Hitch
Usage Hitch Distribution
1500 Up to 7000 lbsOptionalRefer to trailer
manufacturer ’s
recommendation
1500 7001 to 9900 lbsRequired50%
1500 Over 9900 lbsRequired100%
2500/3500 Up to 18000 lbsOptionalRefer to trailer
manufacturer ’s
recommendation
A. Body to Ground Distance B. Front of Vehicle
When using a weight-distributing
hitch, measure distance (A) before
coupling the trailer to the hitch ball.
If the hitch requires 50%
distribution, measure the height
again after the trailer is coupled and
adjust the spring bars so the
distance (A) is as close as possible
to halfway between the two
measurements. When 100%
distribution is required the spring
bars should be adjusted so the
distance (A) is the same as theinitial measurement after coupling
the trailer to the tow vehicle and
adjusting the hitch.
Fifth-Wheel and Gooseneck
Trailering
Fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers
can be used with many pickup
models. These trailers place a
larger percentage of the weight
(kingpin weight) on the tow vehicle
than conventional trailers. Make
sure this weight does not cause the
vehicle to exceed GAWR or GVWR.

Black plate (91,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
Driving and Operating 9-91
Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin
weight should be 15 to 25 percent of
the trailer weight up to the maximum
amount specified in the trailering
chart for the vehicle. See“Weight of
the Trailer” underTrailer Towing on
page 9‑73 for more information.
The hitch should be located in the
pickup bed so that its centerline is
over or slightly in front of the rear
axle. Take care that it is not so far
forward that it will contact the back
of the cab in sharp turns. This is
especially important for short box
pickups. Trailer pin box extensions
and sliding fifth-wheel hitch
assemblies can help this condition.
There should be at least six inches
of clearance between the top of the
pickup box and the bottom of the
trailer shelf that extends over
the box.
Make sure the hitch is attached to
the tow vehicle frame rails. Do not
use the pickup box for support.Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. Cross the
safety chains under the tongue of
the trailer to help prevent the tongue
from contacting the road if it
becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains
may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer. If the trailer being
towed weighs up to 2 271 kg
(5,000 lbs) with a factory-installed
step bumper, safety chains may be
attached to the attaching points on
the bumper; otherwise, safety
chains should be attached to holes
on the trailer hitch platform. Always
leave just enough slack so the
combination can turn. Never allow
safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more
than 900 kg (2,000 lbs) needs to
have its own brake system that is
adequate for the weight of the
trailer. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes
so they are installed, adjusted, and
maintained properly.
Do not tap into the vehicle's
hydraulic brake system.
Auxiliary Battery
The auxiliary battery provision can
be used to supply electrical power
to additional equipment that may be
added, such as a slide-in camper.
If the vehicle has this provision, this
relay will be located on the driver
side of the vehicle, next to the
underhood electrical center.
Be sure to follow the proper
installation instructions included with
any electrical equipment that is
installed.
Notice:
Leaving electrical
equipment on for extended
periods will drain the battery.
Always turn off electrical
equipment when not in use and
do not use equipment that

Black plate (92,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
9-92 Driving and Operating
exceeds the maximum amperage
rating of 40 amperes for the
auxiliary battery provision.
Trailer Wiring Harness
The vehicle is equipped with one of
the following wiring harnesses for
towing a trailer or hauling a slide-in
camper.
Basic Trailer Wiring
All regular, extended cab and crew
cab pickups have a seven-wire
trailer towing harness.
For vehicles not equipped with
heavy duty trailering, the harness is
secured to the vehicle's frame
behind the spare tire mount. The
harness requires the installation of a
trailer connector, which is available
through your dealer.
If towing a light-duty trailer with a
standard four-way round pin
connector, an adapter is available
from your dealer.Heavy-DutyTrailer Wiring Harness
Package
For vehicles equipped with heavy
duty trailering, the harness
connector is mounted in the bumper.
The seven-wire harness contains
the following trailer circuits:
.Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
.Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn
Signal
.Brown: Taillamps
.White: Ground
.Light Green: Back-up Lamps
.Red: Battery Feed*
.Dark Blue: Trailer Brake*
*The fuses for these two circuits are
installed in the underhood electrical
center, but the wires are not
connected. They should be
connected by your dealer or a
qualified service center. The fuse
and wire for the ITBC is factory
installed and connected if the
vehicle is equipped with an ITBC.
The fuse for the battery feed is not
required if the vehicle has an
auxiliary battery. If the vehicle does
not have an auxiliary battery, have
your dealer or authorized service
center install the required fuse.
If charging a remote (non-vehicle)
battery, press the Tow/Haul Mode
button, if equipped, located at the
end of the shift lever. This will boost
the vehicle system voltage and
properly charge the battery. If the
trailer is too light for Tow/Haul
Mode, or the vehicle is not equipped
with Tow/Haul, turn on the