GMC SIERRA 1997 Owners Manual

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
everything else added to the camper after it left
the factory,
0 everything in the camper and
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
figure 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
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.
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Here is an example of proper truck and camper match:
r ‘J
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
CertificationRire label to find 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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Trailer Recommendations
You must subtract your hitch loads from the CWR for
your vehicle. Weigh your vehicle with the trailer attached,
so that you won’t go over the GVWR or GAWR.
You’ll get
the best performance if you spread out the
weight of your load the right way, and if you choose the
correct hitch and trailer brakes.
For more information, see ‘Trailer Towing”
in the Index.
Camper Wiring Harness (If Equipped)
A five-wire harness is stored in the front stake pocket on
the driver’s side of the bed. The harness has no connector
and should be wired by
a qualified electrical technician. It
must be routed out of your vehicle and securely attached
so that it won’t be pulled or rubbed while you’re using
it. Store the harness in its original position. Wrap the
harness together and tie
it neatly so it won’t be damaged.
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, first contact the GM Zone Office for your area for
information on such conversions specific to this vehicle.
(See the “Warranty and Owner Assistance” booklet for Zone
Office.) 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 the Zone Office.
Towing a Trailer
If you don’t use the correct equipment and drive
properly, you can lose control when you pull a
trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the
brakes may not work well
-- or even at all. You
and your passengers could be seriously injured.
Pull a trailer only if you have followed all the
steps in this section.
Ask your GM dealer for
advice and information about towing a trailer with your vehicle.
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NOTICE:
Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your
vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered
by
your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow
the advice in this part, and see your
GM dealer
for important information about towing a trailer with
your vehicle.
Every vehicle is ready for some trailer towing. If yours
was built with trailering options, as many are, it’s ready
for heavier trailers. But trailering is different than just
driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes
in handling, durability and fuel economy. Successful,
safe trailering takes correct equipment, and it has
to be
used properly.
That’s the reason for this part. In it are many
time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules.
Many
of these are important for your safety and that of
your passengers.
So please read this section carefully
before
you pull a trailer.
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:
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There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having
to do with trailering. Make sure
your
rig will be legal, not only where you live but
also where you’ll be driving.
A good source for this
information can be state
or provincial police.
Consider using
a sway control if your trailer will
weigh less than the capacity stamped on your step
bumper.
You should always use a sway control if
your trailer will weigh more than the capacity
stamped on your step bumper. You can ask
a hitch
dealer about sway controls.
Don’t tow a trailer at all during the first
500 miles
(800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
Then, during the first
500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, don’t drive over 50 mph (80 kmh) and
don’t make starts at full throttle. This helps your
engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
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a If you have an automatic transmission, you can tow
in OVERDRIVE (@). You may want to shift the
transmission to THIRD
(3) or, if necessary, a lower
gear selection if the transmission shifts too often
(e.g., under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions). If
you have a manual transmission and you are towing
a trailer, it’s better not to use FIFTH (5) gear. Just
drive in
FOURTH (4) gear (or, as you need to,
a lower gear).
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
the weight of the trailer,
the weight of the trailer tongue
and the weight on your vehicle’s tires.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For example,
speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and
how much your vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all
important. And, it can also depend
on any special
equipment that you have on your vehicle. Use
one of the following charts to determine how much
your vehicle can weigh, based upon your vehicle model
and options.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming the
driver and one passenger are in the tow vehicle and it
has all
the required trailering equipment. The weight of
additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in
the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the maximum
trailer weight.
Above the
2,000 lbs. (908 kg) trailer rating, the engine
oil cooler is required
on C/K-1500 and C/K-2500
models with gas engines. Refer to the Trailering Guide
for oil cooler recommendations.
Above the
5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg) trailer rating, heavy-duty
or gas shock absorbers are required on
C- 1500 models,
and heavy-duty shock absorbers or the off-road chassis
package are required on
K- 1500 models.
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4.3L (Manual) 5.0L
(Auto.)
5.0L (Manual)
5.7L
6.5L Diesel
C-1500 (2WD)
Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio
4.3L (Auto.) 3 .OS
3.42
3.73
3.08
3.42
3.73
3 .OS
3.42
3.08
3.42 3.08
3.42
3.73
3.08
3.42
Max. Trailer Wt.
4,000 lbs. (1 800 kg)
5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg)
5,500 lbs. (2 497 kg)
2,000 lbs. (908 kg)
2,500 lbs.
(1 135 kg)
3,000 lbs.
(1 362 kg)
4,500 lbs. (2 043 kg)
5,500 lbs. (2 497 kg)
2,000 lbs. (908 kg)
3,000 lbs.
(1 362 kg)
5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg)
6,000
lbs. (2 724 kg)
7,000 lbs. (3 178
kg)
6,000 lbs. (2 724 kg)
7,000 lbs. (3 178 kg)
K-1500 (4WD)
Engine (Trans.)
4.3L (Auto.)
4.3L (Manual)
5.0L (Auto.)
5.0L (Manual)
5.7L
6.5L Diesel
Axle Ratio
3.73
3.73
3.42
3.73
3.42
3.73
3.42
3.73
3.42
3.73
Max. Trailer Wt.
5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg)
2,500
lbs. (1 135 kg)
5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg)
6,000 lbs. (2 724 kg)
2,500 lbs.
(1 135 kg)
3,500
lbs. (1 589 kg)
5,500 lbs. (2 497 kg)
6,500 lbs. (2 95 1 kg)
6,000 lbs. (2 724 kg)
7,000
lbs. (3 178 kg)
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C-2500 (2WD) K-2500 (4WD)
5 .OL (Manual)
5.7L
Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt.
5.0L (Auto.) 3.42 5,500 lbs. (2 497 kg)
3.42 3,000 lbs.
(1 362 kg)
3.42 6,000 lbs. (2 724 kg)
4.10
8,000 lbs. (3 632 kg)
6.5L Diesel 3.42 6,500 lbs. (2 951 kg)
(Auto.) 3.73
7,500 lbs. (3 405 kg)
4.10 8,500 lbs. (3 859 kg)
7.4L (Auto.) 3.73 9,000 lbs.* (4 086 kg)
4.10
1 I ,OOO lbs.** (4 994 kg)
3.73 6,500
lbs.
(2 95 1 kg)
3.73
4,000 lbs. (1 800 kg)
3.73 7,000 lbs.
(3 178 kg)
*Fifth wheel hitch rating; weight distributing hitch
rating is limited to 9,000 lbs. (4 086 kg).
**Fifth wheel hitch rating; weight distributing hitch
rating is limited to 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg). 6.5L Diesel
Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt.
5.7L
3.73 6,000 lbs. (2 724 kg)
4.10 7,500 lbs. (3 405 kg)
3.42 6,000 lbs. (2 724 kg)
4.10 8,000 lbs. (3 632 kg)
7.4L (Auto.) 3.73
8,500 lbs.* (3 859 kg)
4.10 10,500 lbs.** (4 767 kg)
*Fifth wheel hitch rating; weight distributing hitch
rating is limited to
8,500 lbs. (3 859 kg).
**Fifth wheel hitch rating; weight distributing hitch
rating is limited to 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg).
3.73
6,500 lbs.
(2 951 kg)
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C-3500 (2WD) K-3500 (4WD)
6.5L Diesel
7.4L
Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt.
5.7L 4.10 7,500 lbs. (3 405 kg)
4.10
8,000 lbs. (3 632 kg)
4.56
9,000 lbs. (4 086 kg)
4.10 10,500 lbs.* (4 767 kg)
4.56 12,500 lbs.*
(5 675 kg)
*Fifth wheel hitch rating; weight distributing hitch
rating is limited to
10,000 Ibs. (4 540 kg).
Engine(Trans.) Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt.
5.7L 4.10 7,000 lbs. (3 178 kg)
6.5L Diesel 4.10 7,500 lbs. (3 405 kg)
7.4L 4.10 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg)
4.56 12,000 lbs.* (5 448 kg)
*Fifth wheel hitch rating; weight distributing hitch
rating is limited to
10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg).
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C-3500 Crew Cab (2WD)
6.5L Diesel
7.4L
Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt.
5.7L 4.10 7,000 lbs. (3 178 kg)
4.56 8,500 lbs.
(3 859 kg)
4.10 8,000 lbs.
(3 632 kg)
4.10 10,500 lbs.* (4 767 kg)
4.56 12,500 lbs.*
(5 675 kg)
*Fifth wheel hitch rating; weight distributing hitch
rating is limited to
10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg).
K-3500 Crew Cab (4WD)
6.5L Diesel
7.4L
Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt.
5.7L 4.10 6,500 lbs. (2 951 kg)
4.56
8,000 lbs. (3 632 kg)
4.10 7,500 lbs.
(3 405 kg)
4.10 10,000 lbs.* (4 540 kg)
4.56 12,000 Ibs.*
(5 448 kg)
*Fifth wheel hitch rating; weight distributing hitch
rating is limited to 10,000 lbs. (4
540 kg).
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C-3500 HD Chassis Cab
Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio
Max. Trailer
Wt.
6.5L Diesel 4.63 9,000 lbs. (4 086 kg)
5.13 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg)
4.63 12,000 lbs.*
(5 448 kg)
5.13
12,000 lbs.* (5 448 kg)
7.4L
*Fifth wheel hitch rating; weight distributing hitch
rating is limited to
10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg). You
can ask your dealer for our trailering information or
advice, or you can write us at the address listed in your
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information Booklet.
In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre 1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
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.
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.
See “Loading Your Vehicle” in the
Index for more information about your vehicle‘s
maximum load capacity.
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