weight GMC SIERRA 2019 Owner's Guide

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
288 Driving and Operating
The gross combined weight can
also be confirmed by weighing the
truck and trailer on a public scale.
The truck and trailer should be
loaded for the trip with passengers
and cargo.
Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR)
For information about the vehicle's
maximum load capacity, seeVehicle
Load Limits 0212. When calculating
the GVWR with a trailer attached,
the trailer tongue weight must be
included as part of the weight the
vehicle is carrying.
Maximum Trailer Weight
The maximum trailer weight rating is
calculated assuming the tow vehicle
has a driver, a front seat passenger,
and all required trailering
equipment. This value represents
the heaviest trailer the vehicle can
tow, but it may be necessary to
reduce the trailer weight to stay
within the GCWR, GVWR, maximum
trailer tongue load, or GAWR-RR for
the vehicle.
Use the Tow Rating Guide
(my.gmc.com/learn) to determine
how much the trailer can weigh,
based on the vehicle model and
options.
Weights listed apply for
conventional trailers unless
otherwise noted.
The weight of the trailer, including
the trailer and all cargo in the trailer,
cannot exceed the maximum trailer
weight rating for the vehicle. The
allowable trailer weight might be
reduced by the weight of the vehicle
options, accessories, passengers, or cargo in the tow vehicle. To
determine the maximum trailer
weight rating:
1. Find the Gross Combined Weight Rating for the vehicle
as shown on the Trailering
Information Label.
2. Subtract the following: .Vehicle curb weight as
shown on the Trailering
Information Label
. Weight of the driver and
passengers
. Weight of cargo in the tow
vehicle
. Hitch hardware weight
including the draw bar, and
equalizer bars
. Weight of accessories
added to the vehicle
A step bumper trailer hitch can only
support a total trailer weight up to
2,271 kg (5,000 lb). If a trailer hitch
ball is added to the step bumper,
check the hitch ball rating to be sure
it is higher than the total trailer
weight.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Driving and Operating 289
Maximum Trailer Tongue
Weight Rating
The Maximum Trailer Tongue
Weight Rating is the allowable
trailer tongue weight that the vehicle
can support using a conventional
trailer hitch. It may be necessary to
reduce the overall trailer weight to
stay within the maximum trailer
tongue weight rating while still
maintaining the correct trailer load
balance.
The Maximum Trailer Tongue
Weight Rating for a conventional
trailer hitch is shown on the
Trailering Information Label.Do not exceed a maximum trailer
tongue weight of 567 kg (1,250 lb)
for a conventional trailer hitch.
The trailer tongue weight contributes
to the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).
GVW includes the curb weight of
your vehicle, any passengers,
cargo, equipment, and the trailer
tongue weight. Vehicle options,
passengers, cargo, and equipment
reduce the maximum allowable
tongue weight the vehicle can carry,
which also reduces the maximum
allowable trailer weight.
Trailer Load Balance
The correct trailer load balance
must be maintained to ensure trailer
stability. Incorrect load balance is a
leading cause of trailer sway.
The trailer tongue weight (1) should
be 10–15% of the total loaded trailer
weight (2). Some specific trailer
types, such as boat trailers, fall
outside of this range. Always refer
to the trailer owner
’s manual for the
recommended trailer tongue weight
for each trailer. Never exceed the
maximum loads for the vehicle,
hitch and trailer.
The trailer load balance percentage
is calculated as: weight (1) divided
by weight (2) times 100.
After loading the trailer, separately
weigh the trailer and then the trailer
tongue and calculate the trailer load
balance percentage to see if the

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
290 Driving and Operating
weights and distribution are
appropriate for your vehicle. If the
trailer weight is too high, it may be
possible to transfer some of the
cargo into your vehicle. If the trailer
tongue weight is too high or too low,
it may be possible to rearrange
some of the cargo inside of the
trailer.
Do not exceed the maximum
allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle. Use 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 trailer hitch
and rear axle.
If a cargo carrier is used in the
trailer hitch receiver, choose a
carrier that positions the load as
close to the vehicle as possible.
Make sure the total weight,
including the carrier, is no more than
half of the maximum allowable
tongue weight for the vehicle or
227 kg (500 lb), whichever is less.Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR-RR)
The GAWR-RR is the total weight
that can be supported by the rear
axle of the vehicle. Do not exceed
the GAWR-RR for the vehicle, with
the tow vehicle and trailer fully
loaded for the trip including the
weight of the trailer tongue. If using
a weight-distributing hitch, do not
exceed the GAWR-RR before
applying the weight distribution
spring bars.
The GAWR-RR for the vehicle is on
the Trailering Information Label.Ask your dealer for trailering
information or assistance.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Always use the correct hitch
equipment for your vehicle.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by,
and rough roads can affect the
trailer and the hitch.
Proper hitch equipment for your
vehicle helps maintain control of the
vehicle-trailer combination. Many
trailers can be towed using a
weight-carrying hitch which has 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 between your vehicle
and trailer axles. See
“Maximum
Trailer Tongue Weight” underTrailer
Towing 0286 for weight limits with
various hitch types.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
292 Driving and Operating
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.Vehicle Series Trailer Weight Weight-Distributing Hitch
Usage Hitch Distribution
1500 Up to 3 175 kg (7,000 lb) OptionalRefer to trailer
manufacturer ’s
recommendation
1500 Over 3 175 kg (7,000 lb) Required50%
1. Front of Vehicle
2. Body to Ground Distance
When using a weight-distributing
hitch, measure the front fender
height above the front axle
distance (2) before and after the
connecting trailer. Adjust the spring
bars until the front fender height
distance (2) is approximately half
way between the first and second
measurements.
Tires
.
Do not tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire on the
vehicle. .
Tires must be properly inflated to
support loads while towing a
trailer. See Tires0363 for
instructions on proper tire
inflation.
Safety Chains
Always attach safety chains
between the vehicle and the trailer.
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 lb) with a
factory-installed step bumper, safety

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Driving and Operating 293
chains may be attached to the
attaching points on the bumper;
otherwise, safety chains should be
attached to holes on the trailer hitch.
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. Always leave enough slack in
the safety chains to allow the
combination to turn. Never allow
safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Loaded trailers over 900 kg
(2,000 lb) must be equipped with
brake systems and with brakes for
each axle. Trailer braking equipment
conforming to Canadian Standards
Association (CSA) requirement
CAN3-D313, or its equivalent, is
recommended.
State or local regulations may
require trailers to have their own
braking system if the loaded weight
of the trailer exceeds certain
minimums that can vary from state
to state. Read and follow the
instructions for the trailer brakes sothey are installed, adjusted, and
maintained properly. Never attempt
to tap into your vehicle's hydraulic
brake system. If you do, both the
vehicle antilock brakes and the
trailer brakes may not function,
which could result in a crash.
Trailer Wiring Harness
If the vehicle is not equipped with a
trailer connector on the rear bumper,
a 7-wire trailering harness is tied to
the vehicles frame. The harness
requires the installation of a trailer
connector, which is available
through your dealer.
If equipped, the trailer wiring
harness, with a 7-pin connector and
a 4-pin connector, is mounted on
the vehicle's rear bumper.
1. Ground
2. Taillamps
3. Left Turn/Brake
4. Right Turn/Brake

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Driving and Operating 295
Pressing START LIGHT TEST in the
Trailering App automatically
activates trailer lamps. The
Trailering App is not a substitute for
manually inspecting your trailer
lamps. SeeTrailering App 0301.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer
turn signals will illuminate to indicate
the vehicle is turning, changing
lanes, or stopping. When towing a
trailer, the arrows on the instrument
cluster will illuminate even if the
trailer is not properly connected or
the bulbs are burned out.
Tow/Haul Mode
For instructions on how to enter
Tow/Haul Mode, see Driver Mode
Control 0250.
Tow/Haul assists when pulling a
heavy trailer or a large or heavy
load. See Tow/Haul Mode 0238.
Tow/Haul Mode 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).
See
“Weight of the Trailer” under
Trailer Towing 0286.
Tow/Haul Mode is most useful when
towing a heavy trailer or carrying a
large or heavy load:
. through rolling terrain.
. in stop-and-go traffic.
. in busy parking lots.
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul
Mode when lightly loaded or not
towing will not cause damage;
however, it is not recommended and
may result in unpleasant engine and
transmission driving characteristics
and reduced fuel economy.Integrated Trailer Brake
Control System
The vehicle may have an Integrated
Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system
for use with electric trailer brakes or
most electric over hydraulic trailer
brake systems. These instructions
apply to both types of electric trailer
brakes.
This symbol is on the Trailer Brake
Control Panel on vehicles with an
ITBC system. The power output to
the trailer brakes is proportional to
the amount of vehicle braking. This
available power output to the trailer
brakes can be adjusted to a wide
range of trailering situations.
The ITBC system is integrated with
the vehicle’ s brake, antilock brake,
and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) systems. In trailering
conditions that cause the vehicle’s
antilock brake or StabiliTrak/ESC
systems to activate, power sent to
the trailer's brakes will be
automatically adjusted to minimize
trailer wheel lock-up. This does not
imply that the trailer has
StabiliTrak/ESC.
If the vehicle’s brake, anti-lock
brake, or StabiliTrak/ESC systems
are not functioning properly, the

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Trailer tires deteriorate over time.
The trailer tire sidewall will show the
week and year the tire was
manufactured. Many trailer tire
manufacturers recommend
replacing tires more than six
years old.
Overloading is another leading
cause of trailer tire blow-outs. Never
load your trailer with more weight
than the tires are designed to
support. The load rating is located
on the trailer tire sidewall.
Always know the maximum speed
rating for the trailer tires before
driving. This may be significantly
lower than the vehicle tire speed
rating. The speed rating may be on
the trailer tire sidewall. If the speed
rating is not shown, the default
trailer tire speed rating is 105 km/h
(65 mph).
Trailering App
Trailer Light App
If equipped, the Trailer Lights App is
on the Home Page of the
infotainment display.Touch Start to cycle the trailer lights
on and off to determine if they are
working. The test follows this
sequence:
1. The running lights turn on first and remain on throughout the
sequence.
2. The brake lights turn on for about two seconds.
3. The left turn signal light flashes three times.
4. The right turn signal light flashes three times.
5. The reverse lights turn on for about two seconds.
6. Steps 2–5 repeat for approximately one minute and
45 seconds, or until the test
deactivates.
Touch Stop to stop the test. The test
will automatically end after
one minute and 45 seconds.
The sequence also deactivates
when any of the following occur:
. The ignition is turned off. .
The transmission is shifted out
of P (Park).
. The brake pedal pressed.
. The turn signal is activated.
. The hazard warning lights
activated.
Trailering App
If equipped, the Trailering App is on
the Home Page of the infotainment
display.
This feature allows profiles for
connected trailers to be created to
view status, and to store and track
trailer usage information.
The Trailering App Preview will
appear when the Trailering App is
opened for the first time from the
Home Page. Touch GET STARTED
in the Trailering App to go into
the app.
When a trailer is electrically
connected, there will be an option to
create a profile, use a guest profile,
or cancel. After Cancel is selected a
third time, Don’t Remind Me will
display and touching that will turn off

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
312 Driving and Operating
Adding a Snow Plow or
Similar Equipment
Caution
Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph)
with a snow plow mounted to the
vehicle. The vehicle could
overheat and be damaged.
Before installing a snow plow on the
vehicle, follow these guidelines:
Caution
If the vehicle does not have the
snow plow prep package, RPO
VYU, adding a plow can damage
the vehicle, and the repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Unless the vehicle was
built to carry a snow plow, do not
add one to the vehicle. If the
vehicle has RPO VYU, then the
payload the vehicle can carry will
be reduced when a snow plow is (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
installed. The vehicle can be
damaged if either the front or rear
axle ratings or the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) are
exceeded.
The plow the vehicle can carry
depends on many things, such as:
. The options the vehicle came
with, and the weight of those
options.
. The weight and number of
passengers to be carried.
. The weight of items added to the
vehicle, like a tool box or
truck cap.
. The total weight of any
additional cargo to be carried.
For example, if the snow plow
weighs 318 kg (700 lb), the total
weight of all occupants and cargo
inside the cab should not exceed
135 kg (300 lb). This means that you
may only be able to carry one
passenger. Even this may be too much if there is other equipment
already adding to the weight of the
vehicle.
To safely carry a snow plow on the
vehicle:
.
Follow all aftermarket snow plow
manufacturer ’s instructions for
the operation and transportation
of the snow plow.
. With a snow plow attached, the
engine coolant temperature
gauge may show a higher
temperature than while driving
without one. The snow plow
could block the airflow to the
radiator. This could be more
noticeable as vehicle speed
increases. At speeds above
72 km (45 mph), this may cause
the engine coolant to overheat.
. To increase the airflow, move the
snow plow blade postion.
. If driving more than 24 km
(15 mi), angle the plow blade
position.

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.Make sure the weight on the
front and rear axles does not
exceed the axle rating for each.
. For the front axle, if more cargo
or passengers must be carried,
appropriate counter ballast must
be installed rear of the rear axle.
Counter ballast must be properly
secured so it will not move
during driving.
. Rear ballast may be required to
ensure a proper front and rear
weight distribution ratio, even
though the actual weight at the
front axle may be less than the
front axle rating.
. The snow plow manufacturer or
installer can assist in
determining the amount of rear
ballast required, to help make
sure the snow plow/vehicle
combination does not exceed
the GVW rating, the front and
rear axle ratings, and the front
and rear weight distribution ratio.
. The total vehicle must not
exceed the GVW rating. Front axle reserve capacity is the
difference between the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) and the front
axle weight of the vehicle with full
fuel and passengers. This is the
amount of weight that can be added
to the front axle before reaching the
front GAWR.
United States
Canada
The front axle reserve capacity for
the vehicle is in the lower right
corner of the Certification/Tire label.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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314 Driving and Operating
To calculate the amount of weight
any front accessory, such as a snow
plow, is adding to the front axle, use
this 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 front axle
W.B. = Vehicle Wheelbase For example, adding a 318 kg
(700 lb) snow plow actually adds
more than 318 kg (700 lb) to the
front axle. Using the formula, if the
snow plow is 122 cm (4 ft) in front of
the front axle and the wheelbase is
305 cm (10 ft), then:
W = 318 kg (700 lb)
A = 122 cm (4 ft)
W.B. = 305 cm (10 ft)
(W x (A + W.B.)/W.B. =
(318 x (122 + 305))/305 = 445 kg
(980 lb)
This means if the front axle reserve
capacity is more than 445 kg
(980 lb), the snow plow could be
added without exceeding the
front GAWR.
Heavier equipment can be added on
the front of the vehicle if less cargo
or fewer passengers are carried,
or by positioning cargo toward the
rear. This reduces the load on the
front. However, the front GAWR,
rear GAWR, and Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) must never
be exceeded.
{Warning
On some vehicles that have
certain front mounted equipment,
such as a snow plow, it may be
possible to load the front axle to
the front Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) but not have
enough weight on the rear axle to
have proper braking performance.
If the brakes cannot work
properly, the vehice could crash.
Always follow the snow plow
manufacturer or installer's
recommendation for rear ballast
to ensure a proper front and rear
weight distribution ratio.
Maintaining a proper front and
rear weight distribution ratio is
necessary to provide proper
braking performance.
Total vehicle reserve capacity is the
difference between the GVWR and
the weight of the truck with full fuel
and passengers. It is the amount of
weight that can be added to the
vehicle before reaching the GVWR.