trailer GMC SIERRA 2010 Owner's Guide

Pulling A Trailer
Here are some important points:
.There are many different laws, including speed
limit restrictions, having to do with trailering.
Make sure the rig will be legal, not only where
you live but also where you will be driving.
A good source for this information can be
state or provincial police.
.Consider using a sway control. See“Hitches”later
in this section.
.Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(800 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
.During the first 500 miles (800 km) that a trailer
is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and
do not make starts at full throttle. This helps the
engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in
at the heavier loads.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the transmission
shifts too often under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions. Important considerations that have to do with weight:
.The weight of the trailer
.The weight of the trailer tongue
.The weight on the vehicle's tires
.And the weight of the trailering combination
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how the rig is used. Speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature and how much the vehicle
is used to pull a trailer are all important. It can depend
on any special equipment on the vehicle, and the
amount of tongue weight the vehicle can carry. See
“Weight of the Trailer Tongue”
later in this section for
more information.
Trailer weight rating (TWR) is calculated assuming the
tow vehicle has only the driver but all required trailering
equipment. Weight of additional optional equipment,
passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle must be
subtracted from the trailer weight rating.
Use the following chart to determine how much the
vehicle can weigh, based upon the vehicle model
and options.
Weights listed apply for conventional trailers and
fifth-wheel trailers unless otherwise noted.
5-51

VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
1500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Standard Box (b)
4.3L V6 (c) 3.23 4,800 lbs (2 177 kg) 9,500 lbs (4 309 kg)
4.3L V6 (c) 3.73 5,400 lbs (2 449 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
4.8L V8 (c) 3.23 4,700 lbs (2 132 kg) 9,500 lbs (4 309 kg)
4.8L V8 3.73 7,200 lbs (3 266 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
5.3L LMG V8 3.08 6,600 lbs (2 994 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5.3L LMG V8, K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.08 7,400 lbs (3 357 kg) 12,200 lbs (5 534 kg)
5.3L LMG V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.42 9,100 lbs (4 128 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
1500 Series 2WD Extended Cab Standard Box (b)
4.3L V6 (c) 3.23 4,400 lbs (1 996 kg) 9,500 lbs (4 309 kg)
4.8L V8 (c) 3.23 4,700 lbs (2 132 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
4.8L V8 3.73 6,700 lbs (3 039 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
5.3L V8 3.08 6,200 lbs (2 812 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.08 6,900 lbs (3 130 kg) 12,200 lbs (5 534 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42 9,200 lbs (4 173 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Conventional Trailer 3.42 9,700 lbs (4 400 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
6.2L V8 3.42 6,700 lbs (3 039 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
6.2L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42 9,300 lbs (4 218 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
5-52

VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
6.2L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg—Conventional Trailer 3.42 9,700 lbs (4 400 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
6.2L V8 NHT Max Trailering
Pkg —Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.73 10,200 lbs (4 627 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
6.2L V8 NHT Max Trailering
Pkg —Conventional Trailer 3.73 10,700 lbs (4 853 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
1500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Short Box (c) 4.8L V8 3.23 4,700 lbs (2 132 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
4.8L V8 3.73 6,700 lbs (3 039 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
5.3L V8 (LMG) 3.08 6,100 lbs (2 767 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5.3L V8 (LMG) K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.08 6,800 lbs (3 084 kg) 12,200 lbs (5 534 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg (XFE) 3.08 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg) 12,200 lbs (5 534 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.42 9,600 lbs (4 355 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
6.2L V8 3.42 6,600 lbs (2 994 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
6.2L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.42 9,600 lbs (4 355 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
6.2L V8 NHT Max Trailering Pkg 3.73 10,600 lbs (4 808 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
1500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Long Box (b) 4.3L V6 (c) 3.23 4,700 lbs (2 132 kg) 9,500 lbs (4 309 kg)
4.3L V6 (c) 3.73 5,200 lbs (2 359 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
4.8L V8 (c) 3.23 5,100 lbs (2 313 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
4.8L V8 3.73 7,100 lbs (3 221 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
5.3L V8 3.08 6,500 lbs (2 948 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5-53

VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.087,200 lbs (3 266 kg) 12,200 lbs (5 534 kg)
5.3L V8 6 Speed Automatic 3.426,500 lbs (2 948 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42
8,800 lbs (3 992 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Conventional Trailer 3.42
10,000 lbs (4 536 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
1500 Series 2WD Extended Cab Long Box (b) 5.3L V8 3.086,000 lbs (2 722 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.086,700 lbs (3 039 kg) 12,200 lbs (5 534 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42
8,900 lbs (4 037 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Conventional Trailer 3.42
9,500 lbs (4 309 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
1500 Series 4WD Regular Cab Standard Box (b) 4.3L V6 (c) 3.735,100 lbs (2 313 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
4.8L V8 (c) 3.426,000 lbs (2 722 kg) 11,000 lbs (4 990 kg)
5.3L V8 —Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.086,400 lbs (2 903 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5.3L V8 —Conventional Trailer 3.086,400 lbs (2 903 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.087,100 lbs (3 221 kg) 12,200 lbs (5 534 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42
8,100 lbs (3 674 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Conventional Trailer 3.42
8,900 lbs (4 037 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
5-54

VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
1500 Series 4WD Extended Cab Standard Box (b)
4.8L V8 (c) 3.42 5,500 lbs (2 495 kg) 11,000 lbs (4 990 kg)
5.3L V8 —Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.08 6,100 lbs (2 767 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5.3L V8 —Conventional Trailer 3.086,100 lbs (2 767 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.086,800 lbs (3 084 kg) 12,200 lbs (5 534 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.429,600 lbs (4 354 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
6.2L V8 (c) 3.426,400 lbs (2 903 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
6.2L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42
8,900 lbs (4 037 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
6.2L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Conventional Trailer 3.42
9,400 lbs (4 264 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
6.2L V8 NHT Max Trailering
Pkg —Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.73
9,900 lbs (4 491 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
6.2L V8 NHT Max Trailering
Pkg —Conventional Trailer 3.73
10,400 lbs (4 717 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
1500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Short Box (c) 4.8L V8 3.425,500 lbs (2 495 kg) 11,000 lbs (4 990 kg)
5.3L V8 3.086,000 lbs (2 722 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.086,700 lbs (3 039 kg) 12,200 lbs (5 534 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.429,500 lbs (4 309 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
6.2L V8 3.426,400 lbs (2 903 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
6.2L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.429,400 lbs (4 264 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
5-55

VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
6.2L V8 NHT Max Trailering
Pkg—Conventional Trailer 3.73 10,400 lbs (4 717 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
1500 Series 4WD Regular Cab Long Box (b) 4.3L V6 (c) 3.73 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
4.8L V8 (c) 3.42 5,800 lbs (2 631 kg) 11,000 lbs (4 990 kg)
5.3L V8 3.08 6,300 lbs (2 858 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.08 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg) 12,200 lbs (5 534 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42
9,700 lbs (4 400 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Conventional Trailer 3.42
9,800 lbs (4 445 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
1500 Series 4WD Extended Cab Long Box (b) 5.3L V8 (c) 3.085,800 lbs (2 631 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.086,500 lbs (2 948 kg) 12,200 lbs (5 534 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42
8,000 lbs (3 629 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Conventional Trailer 3.42
9,300 lbs (4 218 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
2500 Series 2WD Extended Cab Standard Box HD (d) 6.0L V8 3.73
4.1010,200 lbs (4 627 kg)
12,700 lbs (5 761 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
5-56

VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
2500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Standard Box HD (d)
6.0L V8 3.73
4.1010,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
12,500 lbs (5 670 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
2500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Long Box HD (d)
6.0L V8 3.73
4.1010,500 lbs (4 763 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
2500 Series 2WD Extended Cab Long Box HD (d)
6.0L V8 3.73
4.1010,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
12,500 lbs (5 670 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
2500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Long Box HD (d)
6.0L V8 3.73
4.109,900 lbs (4 491 kg)
12,400 lbs (5 625 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
2500 Series 4WD Extended Cab Standard Box HD (d)
6.0L V8 3.73
4.109,900 lbs (4 491 kg)
12,400 lbs (5 625 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
2500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Standard Box HD (d)
6.0L V8 3.73
4.109,800 lbs (4 445 kg)
12,300 lbs (5 579 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
2500 Series 4WD Regular Cab Long Box HD (d)
6.0L V8 3.73
4.1010,200 lbs (4 627 kg)
12,700 lbs (5 761 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
5-57

VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
2500 Series 4WD Extended Cab Long Box HD (d)
6.0L V8 3.73
4.109,800 lbs (4 445 kg)
12,300 lbs (5 579 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
2500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Long Box HD (d)
6.0L V8 3.73
4.109,600 lbs (4 355 kg)
12,100 lbs (5 489 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
3500 Series 2WD Extended Cab (e)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.73
4.109,900 lbs (4 491 kg)
12,400 lbs (5 625 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.73
4.109,500 lbs (4 309 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
3500 Series 2WD Crew Cab (e)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.73
4.109,700 lbs (4 400 kg)
12,200 lbs (5 534 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.73
4.109,300 lbs (4 218 kg)
11,800 lbs (5 352 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
3500 Series 4WD Regular Cab (e)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.73
4.1010,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
12,500 lbs (5 670 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.73
4.109,700 lbs (4 400 kg)
12,200 lbs (5 534 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
5-58

VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
3500 Series 4WD Extended Cab (e)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.73
4.109,600 lbs (4 355 kg)
12,100 lbs (5 489 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.73
4.109,200 lbs (4 173 kg)
11,700 lbs (5 307 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
3500 Series 4WD Crew Cab (e)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.73
4.109,400 lbs (4 264 kg)
11,900 lbs (5 398 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.73
4.109,100 lbs (4 128 kg)
11,600 lbs (5 262 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
(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) Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg) maximum.
(c) This model is neither designed nor intended to tow fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailers.
(d) 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.
(e) 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.
Ask your dealer/retailer for trailering information or advice, or write us at our Customer Assistance Offices.
See Customer Assistance Officeson page 8‑6for more information.
5-59

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“Loading the Vehicle”
for more information about the vehicle's maximum
load capacity.
Trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent 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
shown below:
Vehicle Series Hitch Type Maximum
Tongue Weight
1500 Weight Carrying 272 kg (600 lbs)
2500HD/3500 Weight Carrying 453 kg (1,000 lbs)
1500 Weight Distributing 499 kg (1,100 lbs)
2500HD/3500 Weight Distributing 680 kg (1,500 lbs)
1500 Fifth Wheel
Gooseneck
680 kg (1,500 lbs)
2500HD Fifth Wheel
Gooseneck1 134 kg
(2,500 lbs)
3500 Single
Rear Wheels Fifth Wheel
Gooseneck1 360 kg
(3,000 lbs)
3500 Dual Rear
Wheels Fifth Wheel
Gooseneck1 587 kg
(3,500 lbs)
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.
5-60