weight GMC SIERRA 2001 User Guide

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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's 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
tire/certification label.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
A=front axle
W.B.=Vehicle Wheelbase

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For example, adding a 700 lb. (318 kg) snow plow
actually adds more than 700 lb. (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 lb. (445 kg)
So, if your truck's front axle reserve capacity is
more than 980 lb. (445 kg), you could add this
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 more
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.
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't 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.

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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's 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 weight station and weigh your
vehicle. Your dealer can also help you with this.
See your dealer for additional advice and information
about using a snow plow on your vehicle. Also, see
ªLoading Your Vehicleº earlier in this section.
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,

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.

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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.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.

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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
Certification/Tire 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 ªConsumer Information,
Truck
-Camper Loading.º
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. If you are using a weight
-distributing hitch,
weigh the vehicle without the equalizer bars in place.
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 ªTrailer Towingº in
the Index.
Camper Wiring Harness
(If Equipped)
If your vehicle is equipped with a camper wiring
harness, see ªTrailer Wiring Harnessº in the Index
for further information.

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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 dealer for
important information about towing a trailer
with your vehicle. Additional rear rear axle
maintenance is required for a vehicle used to tow
a trailer. See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº
in the Index.
To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for
your vehicle, you should read the information in
ªWeight of the Trailerº that appears later in this section.
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:

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.

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Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, don't drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and
don't make starts at full throttle. This helps your
engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.

If you have an automatic transmission, you can
tow in DRIVE (D). 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). See ªTow/Haul Modeº
in the Index.
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.Tow/Haul Mode (If Equipped)
Tow/haul is a feature on automatic transmission
equipped vehicles that assists when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load. The purpose of the
tow/haul mode is to:

Reduce the frequency and improve the predictability
of transmission shifts when pulling a heavy trailer
or a large or heavy load.

Provide the same solid shift feel when pulling a
heavy trailer or a large or heavy load as when the
vehicle is unloaded.

Improve control of vehicle speed while requiring
less throttle pedal activity when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load.
Automatic transmission equipped vehicles are provided
with a button at the end of the shift lever which when
pressed enables tow/haul. When the button is pressed,
a light on the instrument panel will illuminate to indicate
that tow/haul has been selected. Tow/haul may be turned
off by pressing the button again, at which time the
indicator light on the instrument panel will turn off.
The vehicle will automatically turn off tow/haul every
time it is started.

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Tow/haul is designed to be most effective when the
vehicle and trailer combined weight is at least 75% of
the vehicle's Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
Tow/haul is most useful under the following
driving conditions:

When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load
through rolling terrain.

When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load
in stop and go traffic.

When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load
in busy parking lots where improved low speed
control of the vehicle is desired.
Operating the vehicle in tow/haul when lightly loaded
or with no trailer at all will not cause damage. However,
there is no benefit to the selection of tow/haul when the
vehicle is unloaded. Such a selection when unloaded
may result in unpleasant engine and transmission
driving characteristics and reduced fuel economy.
Tow/haul is recommended only when pulling a
heavy trailer or a large or heavy load.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 5,000 lbs. (2 268 kg) trailer rating, the
handling/trailering suspension is required on C
-1500
models and the handling/trailering or off
-road
suspension is required on K
-1500 models. The engine
oil cooler is required on C/K
-2500 models with the
VORTEC 6000 engine. Refer to the Trailering Guide
for oil cooler recommendations.

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C-1500 Regular Cab Short Box (2WD)*
Engine (Trans.) Axle
RatioMax. Trailer Wt.
4300 V6 (Auto) 3.08 4,700 lbs. (2 132 kg)
3.42 5,200 lbs. (2 359 kg)
4300 V6 (Manual) 3.08 3,700 lbs. (1 678 kg)
3.42 4,200 lbs. (1 905 kg)
4800 V8 (Auto) 3.42 6,600 lbs. (2 994 kg)
3.73 7,600 lbs. (3 447 kg)
4800 V8 (Manual) 3.42 4,600 lbs. (2 087 kg)
3.73 5,600 lbs. (2 540 kg)
5300 V8 3.42 7,600 lbs. (3 447 kg)
3.73 8,600 lbs. (3 901 kg)C-1500 Extended Cab Short Box (2WD)*
Engine (Trans.) Axle
RatioMax. Trailer Wt.
4300 V6 (Auto) 3.42 4,900 lbs. (2 223 kg)
3.73 5,900 lbs. (2 676 kg)
4300 V6 (Manual) 3.42 3,900 lbs. (1 769 kg)
4800 V8 (Auto) 3.42 6,300 lbs. (2 858 kg)
3.73 7,300 lbs. (3 311 kg)
4800 V8 (Manual) 3.42 4,300 lbs. (1 950 kg)
3.73 5,300 lbs. (2 404 kg)
5300 V8 3.42 7,300 lbs. (3 311 kg)
3.73 8,300 lbs. (3 765 kg)
* Weight
-distributing hitch tongue weight 10% to 15% of trailer weight 1,000 lb. (454 kg) maximum.
Fifth
-wheel hitch tongue weight 15% to 25% of trailer weight 1,500 lb. (680 kg) maximum.

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C-1500 Crew Cab Short Box (2WD)*
Engine (Trans.) Axle
RatioMax. Trailer Wt.
6000 V8 3.73 8,300 lbs. (3 765 kg)
4.10 10,300 lbs. (4 672 kg)
C
-1500 Regular Cab Long Box (2WD)*
Engine (Trans.) Axle
RatioMax. Trailer Wt.
4300 V6 (Auto) 3.08 4,600 lbs. (2 087 kg)
3.42 5,100 lbs. (2 313 kg)
4300 V6 (Manual) 3.08 3,600 lbs. (1 633 kg)
3.42 4,100 lbs. (1 860 kg)
4800 V8 (Auto) 3.42 6,500 lbs. (2 948 kg)
3.73 7,500 lbs. (3 402 kg)
4800 V8 (Manual) 3.42 4,500 lbs. (2 041 kg)
3.73 5,500 lbs. (2 495 kg)
5300 V8 3.42 7,500 lbs. (3 402 kg)
3.73 8,500 lbs. (3 856 kg)C
-1500 Extended Cab Long Box (2WD)*
Engine (Trans.) Axle
RatioMax. Trailer Wt.
4800 V8 (Auto) 3.42 6,100 lbs. (2 767 kg)
3.73 7,100 lbs. (3 220 kg)
4800 V8 (Manual) 3.42 4,100 lbs. (1 860 kg)
3.73 5,100 lbs. (2 313 kg)
5300 V8 3.42 7,100 lbs. (3 220 kg)
3.73 8,100 lbs. (3 674 kg)
* Weight
-distributing hitch tongue weight 10% to 15% of trailer weight 1,000 lb. (454 kg) maximum.
Fifth
-wheel hitch tongue weight 15% to 25% of trailer weight 1,500 lb. (680 kg) maximum.