trailer GMC SIERRA CLASSIC 2007 Owner's Manual

Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing your
vehicle behind another vehicle – such as behind a
motorhome. The two most common types of
recreational vehicle towing are known as dinghy
towing, towing your vehicle will all four wheels
on the ground, and dolly towing, towing your
vehicle with two wheels on the ground and
two wheels up on a device known as a “dolly”.
With the proper preparation and equipment,
many vehicles can be towed in these ways.
See “Dinghy Towing” and “Dolly Towing” following.
Here are some important things to consider
before you do recreational vehicle towing:
What’s the towing capacity of the towing
vehicle? Be sure you read the tow vehicle
manufacturer’s recommendations.
How far will you tow? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how long they
can tow.
Do you have the proper towing equipment?
See your dealer or trailering professional
for additional advice and equipment
recommendations.
Is your vehicle ready to be towed? Just as
you would prepare your vehicle for a long
trip, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is
prepared to be towed. SeeBefore Leaving on
a Long Trip on page 398.
Dinghy Towing
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Notice:If you tow your vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground, the drivetrain
components could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Do not
tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not be towed
with all four wheels on the ground.
Two-wheel-drive transmissions have no provisions
for internal lubrication while being towed.
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Towing a Trailer
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeNew
Vehicle Break-In on page 134for more information.
{CAUTION:
If you do not 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 dealer
for advice and information about towing a
trailer with your vehicle.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.
To identify the trailering capacity of your vehicle,
you should read the information in “Weight of
the Trailer” that appears later in this section.
Trailering is different than just driving your vehicle
by itself. Trailering means changes in acceleration,
braking, 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.
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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. See “Hitches”
later in this section.
Don’t tow a trailer at all during the rst
500 miles (800 km) your new vehicle is driven.
Your engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.
Then, during the rst 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, such as 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 the highest
gear. SeeTow/Haul Mode Light on page 264.
Three important considerations have to do
with weight:
The weight of the trailer
The weight of the trailer tongue
The weight on your vehicle’s tires
Tow/Haul Mode
Tow/Haul is a feature on automatic transmission
equipped vehicles that assists when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load. SeeTow/Haul Mode
on page 147for more information.
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Tow/Haul is designed to be most effective when
the vehicle and trailer combined weight is at
least 75 percent of the vehicle’s Gross Combined
Weight Rating (GCWR). See “Weight of the
Trailer” later in the section. 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 benet 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. It can also depend
on any special equipment that you have on your
vehicle, and the amount of tongue weight the
vehicle can carry. See “Weight of the Trailer
Tongue” later in this section for more information.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming
only the driver is 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
two-wheel drive 1500 series models and the
handling/trailering or off-road suspension is
required on four-wheel drive 1500 series models.
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Use one of the following charts to determine how much your vehicle can weigh, based upon your vehicle
model and options.
C-1500 Regular Cab
Standard Box (2WD)*Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
4300 V6 (Auto) 3.23 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 9,500 lbs (4 309 kg)
4300 V6 (Manual) 3.23 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) 8,500 lbs (3 855 kg)
4800 V83.23
3.736,400 lbs (2 903 kg)
7,400 lbs (3 357 kg)11,000 lbs (4 994 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
5300 V83.23
3.737,400 lbs (3 357 kg)
8,400 lbs (3 810 kg)12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg)
maximum.
C-1500 Extended Cab
Standard Box (2WD)*Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
4300 V6 (Auto)3.23
3.734,600 lbs (2 087 kg)
5,100 lbs (2 313 kg)9,500 lbs (4 309 kg)
10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
4300 V6 (Manual) 3.23 3,600 lbs (1 633 kg) 8,500 lbs (3 859 kg)
4800 V83.23
3.735,900 lbs (2 676 kg)
6,900 lbs (3 130 kg)11,000 lbs (4 990 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
5300 V83.23
3.736,900 lbs (3 130 kg)
7,900 lbs (3 583 kg)12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
6000 V8 3.73 10,400 lbs (4 717 kg) 15,500 lbs (7 031 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg)
maximum.
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer rating limited to 6,800 lbs (3 084 kg) except with 6000 V8 engine limited to
6,900 lbs (3 130 kg).
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C-1500 HD Crew Cab
Standard Box (2WD)*Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
6000 V83.73
4.108,300 lbs (3 765 kg)
10,300 lbs (4 672 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 2,500 lbs (1 133 kg)
maximum.
C-1500 Extended Cab
Short Box (2WD)*Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
5300 V83.23
3.737,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
8,000 lbs (3 629 kg)12,000 lbs (5 448 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 902 kg)
*This model is neither designed nor intended to tow fth-wheel or gooseneck trailers.
C-1500 Crew Cab Short
Box (2WD)*Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
5300 V83.23
3.736,700 lbs (3 039 kg)
7,700 lbs (3 493 kg)12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
6000 V8 3.73 10,100 lbs (4 581 kg) 15,500 lbs (7 031 kg)
*This model is neither designed nor intended to tow fth-wheel or gooseneck trailers.
C-1500 Regular Cab
Long Box (2WD)*Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
4300 V6 (Auto) 3.23 4,800 lbs (2 177 kg) 9,500 lbs (4 313 kg)
4300 V6 (Manual) 3.23 3,800 lbs (1 724 kg) 8,500 lbs (3 859 kg)
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C-1500 Regular Cab
Long Box (2WD)*Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
4800 V83.23
3.736,200 lbs (2 812 kg)
7,200 lbs (3 266 kg)11,000 lbs (4 994 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 448 kg)
5300 V83.23
3.737,200 lbs (3 266 kg)
8,200 lbs (3 719 kg)12,000 lbs (5 448 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 902 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg)
maximum.
C-1500 Extended Cab
Long Box (2WD)*Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
4800 V83.23
3.735,800 lbs (2 631 kg)
6,800 lbs (3 084 kg)11,000 lbs (4 994 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 448 kg)
5300 V83.42
3.736,800 lbs (3 084 kg)
7,800 lbs (3 538 kg)12,000 lbs (5 448 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 902 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg)
maximum.
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer rating limited to 7,600 lbs (3 447 kg).
K-1500 Regular Cab
Standard Box (4WD)*Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
4300 V6 (Auto) 3.73 5,100 lbs (2 313 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)
4300 V6 (Manual) 3.73 4,100 lbs (1 860 kg) 9,000 lbs (4 086 kg)
4800 V83.42
3.73
4.107,100 lbs (3 221 kg)
7,100 lbs (3 221 kg)
8,100 lbs (3 674 kg)12,000 lbs (5 448 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 448 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 902 kg)
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K-1500 Regular Cab
Standard Box (4WD)*Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
5300 V83.42
3.73
4.108,100 lbs (3 674 kg)
8,100 lbs (3 674 kg)
9,100 lbs (4 128 kg)13,000 lbs (5 902 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 902 kg)
14,000 lbs (6 356 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg)
maximum.
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer rating limited to 7,300 lbs (3 311 kg).
K-1500 Extended Cab
Standard Box (4WD)*Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
4800 V83.42
3.73
4.106,700 lbs (3 039 kg)
6,700 lbs (3 039 kg)
7,700 lbs (3 493 kg)12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
5300 V83.42
3.73
4.107,700 lbs (3 493 kg)
7,700 lbs (3 493 kg)
8,700 lbs (3 946 kg)13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
6000 V8 4.10 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg) 15,500 lbs (7 031 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg)
maximum.
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer rating limited to 6,900 lbs (3 130 kg) except with 6000 V8 engine which has
sufficient payload for any fth wheel/gooseneck trailering.
K-1500 HD Crew Cab
Standard Box (4WD)*Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
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)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 2,500 lbs (1 133 kg)
maximum.
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K-1500 Extended Cab
Short Box (4WD)*Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
5300 V83.42/3.73
4.107,700 lbs (3 493 kg)
8,700 lbs (3 946 kg)13,000 lbs (5 902 kg)
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
*This model is neither designed nor intended to tow fth-wheel or gooseneck trailers.
K-1500 Crew Cab Short
Box (4WD)*Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
5300 V83.42
3.73
4.107,400 lbs (3 357 kg)
7,400 lbs (3 357 kg)
8,400 lbs (3 810 kg)13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
6000 V8 4.10 9,900 lbs (4 491 kg) 15,500 lbs (7 031 kg)
*This model is neither designed nor intended to tow fth-wheel or gooseneck trailers.
K-1500 Regular Cab
Long Box (4WD)*Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
4300 V6 (Auto) 3.73 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
4300 V6 (Manual) 3.73 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) 9,000 lbs (4 082 kg)
4800 V83.42
3.73
4.106,900 lbs (3 130 kg)
6,900 lbs (3 130 kg)
7,900 lbs (3 583 kg)12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
5300 V83.42
3.73
4.107,900 lbs (3 583 kg)
7,900 lbs (3 583 kg)
8,900 lbs (4 037 kg)13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg)
maximum.
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer rating limited to 8,300 lbs (3 765 kg).
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K-1500 Extended Cab
Long Box (4WD)*Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
4800 V83.42
3.73
4.106,500 lbs (2 948 kg)
6,500 lbs (2 948 kg)
7,500 lbs (3 402 kg)12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
5300 V83.42
3.73
4.107,500 lbs (3 402 kg)
7,500 lbs (3 402 kg)
8,500 lbs (3 856 kg)13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
*This vehicle has insufficient payload for fth-wheel or gooseneck trailering.
C-2500 Extended Cab
Standard Box HD (2WD)*Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
6000 V8 4.10 10,300 lbs (4 672 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
8100 V83.73
4.1013,900 lbs (6 305 kg)
15,900 lbs (7 212 kg)20,000 lbs (9 072 kg)
22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 15,700 lbs (7 121 kg) 22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin tongue weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to
3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) maximum.
*Trailer rating limited to 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) with weight distributing hitch.
C-2500 Crew Cab
Standard Box HD (2WD)*Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
6000 V8 4.10 10,100 lbs (4 581 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
8100 V83.73
4.1013,600 lbs (6 169 kg)
15,600 lbs. (7 076 kg)20,000 lbs (9 072 kg)
22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
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