GMC SIERRA 2005 Owner's Manual

Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
C-2500 Regular Cab Long Box HD (2WD)*
6000 V8 4.10 10,600 lbs (4 808 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
8100 V83.73
4.1012,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)20,000 lbs (9 072 kg)
22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
C-2500 Extended Cab Short Box HD (2WD)*
6000 V8 4.10 10,300 lbs (4 676 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
8100 V83.73
4.1012,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)20,000 lbs (9 072 kg)
22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up
to 3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) maximum.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
C-2500 Extended Cab Long Box HD (2WD)*
6000 V8 4.10 10,100 lbs (4 581 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
8100 V83.73
4.1012,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)20,000 lbs (9 072 kg)
22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
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Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
C-2500 Crew Cab Short Box HD (2WD)**
6000 V8 4.10 10,100 lbs (4 581 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
8100 V83.73
4.1012,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)20,000 lbs (9 072 kg)
22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight
up to 3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) maximum.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
C-2500 Crew Cab Long Box HD (2WD)
6000 V8 4.10 9,900 lbs (4 491 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
8100 V83.73
4.1012,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)20,000 lbs (9 072 kg)
22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up
to 3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) maximum.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-1500 HD (4WD)*
6000 V83.73
4.107,900 lbs (3 583 kg)
9,900 lbs (4 491 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
6000 V8 w/4WS3.73
4.107,600 lbs (3 447 kg)
9,600 lbs (4 354 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up
to 3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) maximum.
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Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-2500 Regular Cab Long Box HD (4WD)*
6000 V8 4.10 10,300 lbs (4 672 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
8100 V83.73
4.1012,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)20,000 lbs (9 072 kg)
22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up
to 3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) maximum.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-2500 Extended Cab Short Box HD (4WD)*
6000 V8 4.10 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
8100 V83.73
4.1012,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)20,000 lbs (9 072 kg)
22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up
to 3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) maximum.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-2500 Extended Cab Long Box HD (4WD)**
6000 V8 4.10 9,900 lbs (4 490 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
8100 V83.73
4.1012,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)20,000 lbs (9 072 kg)
22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
4-79

Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-2500 Crew Cab Short Box HD (4WD)*
6000 V8 4.10 9,800 lbs (4 445 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
8100 V83.73
4.1012,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)20,000 lbs (9 072 kg)
22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up
to 3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) maximum.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-2500 Crew Cab Long Box HD (4WD)
6000 V8 4.10 9,600 lbs (4 354 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
8100 V83.73
4.1012,000 lbs (5 443kg)
12,000 lbs (5 443kg)20,000 lbs (9 072 kg)
22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443kg) 22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up
to 3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) maximum.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
C-3500 Extended Cab (2WD)
6000 V8 4.10 9,700 lbs (4 400 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
8100 V8 4.10 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)** 22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel (Manual) 3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)** 23,500 lbs (10 659 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel (Auto) 3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 23,500 lbs (10 659 kg)
4-80

Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
C-3500 Crew Cab (2WD)*
6000 V8 4.10 9,400 lbs (4 264 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
8100 V8 4.10 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)** 22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel (Manual) 3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)** 22,500 lbs (10 659 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel (Auto) 3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 22,500 lbs (10 659 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up
to 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) maximum.
**Limited to 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) with weight distributing hitch.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-3500 Regular Cab (4WD)
6000 V8 Dual Rear
Wheel4.10 9,800 lbs (4 445 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
6000 V8 Single Rear
Wheel4.10 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
8100 V8 Dual Rear
Wheel4.10 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
8100 V8 Single Rear
Wheel4.10 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Dual Rear
Wheel (Auto)3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 23,500 lbs (10 659 kg)
6.6L V8 Dual Rear
Wheel (Manual)3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 23,500 lbs (10 659 kg)
6.6L V8 Single Rear
Wheel3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
4-81

Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-3500 Extended Cab (4WD)*
6000 V8 Dual
Rear Wheel4.10 9,400 lbs (4 264 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
6000 V8 Single
Rear Wheel4.10 9,600 lbs (4 354 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
8100 V8 Dual
Rear Wheel4.10 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
8100 V8 Single
Rear Wheel4.10 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel Dual
Rear Wheel (Manual)3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 23,500 lbs (10 659 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel Dual
Rear Wheel (Auto)3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 23,500 lbs (10 659 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel Single
Rear Wheel3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up
to 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) maximum.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-3500 Crew Cab (4WD)*
6000 V8 Dual
Rear Wheel4.10 9,100 lbs (4 128 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 264 kg)
6000 V8 Single
Rear Wheel4.10 9,400 lbs (4 264 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 264 kg)
8100 V8 Dual
Rear Wheel4.10 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
4-82

Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
8100 V8 Single
Rear Wheel4.10 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel Single
Rear Wheel (Auto)3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel Single
Rear Wheel (Manual)3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel Dual
Rear Wheel (Auto)3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 23,500 lbs (10 659 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel Dual
Rear Wheel (Manual)3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 23,500 lbs (10 659 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up
to 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) maximum.
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 the address listed in your
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information Booklet.
In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communications Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
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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 4-50
for more information about your vehicle’s maximum
load capacity.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.
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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.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inated to the upper limit
for cold tires. You’ll nd these numbers on the
Certication label at the rear edge of the driver’s door or
see Loading Your Vehicle for more information. Then
be sure you don’t go over the GVW limit for your vehicle,
or the GAWR, including the weight of the trailer
tongue. If you use a weight distributing hitch, make sure
you don’t go over the rear axle limit before you apply
the weight distribution spring bars.
Hitches
It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch.
Weight Distributing Hitches and Weight
Carrying Hitches
A:Body to Ground Distance
B:Front of Vehicle
When using a weight-distributing hitch, the hitch must
be adjusted so the distance (A) remains the same both
before and after coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle.
If you use a step-bumper hitch, 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.
4-85

If you will be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than 5,000 lbs (2 270 kg) be sure to use a
properly mounted weight-distributing hitch and sway
control of the proper size. This equipment is very
important for proper vehicle loading and good handling
when driving. Always use a sway control if the trailer
will weigh more than these limits. You can ask a
hitch dealer about sway controls.
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.
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” in this section 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 fth 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.
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