weight GMC SIERRA DENALI 2019 Owner's Manual

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
282 Driving and Operating must be below all of the maximum
weight ratings for the vehicle,
including:
.
GCWR: Gross Combined Weight
Rating
.
GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating
.
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
.
GAWR-RR: Gross Axle Weight
Rating-Rear
.
Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight
Rating
See “ Weight-Distributing Hitch
Adjustment ” under Towing
Equipment 0 285 to determine if
equalizer bars are required to obtain
the maximum trailer weight rating.
See “ Trailer Brakes ” under Towing
Equipment 0 285 to determine if
brakes are required based on your
trailer's weight.
The only way to be sure the weight
is not exceeding any of these
ratings is to weigh the tow vehicle
and trailer combination, fully loaded
for the trip, getting individual
weights for each of these items. A trailering information label on the
driver's side door B-pillar shows tow
rating information for the vehicle.
{ WarningYou and others could be seriously
injured or killed if the trailer is too
heavy or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load. The
vehicle may be damaged, and the
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Only tow a trailer if all the steps in
this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer.
Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR) GCWR is the total allowable weight
of the completely loaded vehicle
and trailer including any fuel,
passengers, cargo, equipment, and
accessories. Do not exceed the
GCWR for your vehicle. The GCWR
for the vehicle is on the Trailering
Information Label. To check that the weight of the
vehicle and trailer are within the
GCWR for the vehicle, follow these
steps:
1. Start with the "curb weight"
from the Trailering Information
Label.
2. Add the weight of the trailer
loaded with cargo and ready
for the trip.
3. Add the weight of all
passengers.
4. Add the weight of all cargo in
the vehicle.
5. Add the weight of hitch
hardware such as a draw bar,
ball, load equalizer bars,
or sway bars.
6. Add the weight of any
accessories or aftermarket
equipment added to the
vehicle.
The resulting weight cannot exceed
the GCWR value shown on the
Trailering Information Label.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 283The 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, see Vehicle
Load Limits 0 209 . 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 - 5/16/18
284 Driving and Operating 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.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 285After loading the trailer, separately
weigh the trailer and then the trailer
tongue and calculate the trailer load
balance percentage to see if the
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

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
286 Driving and Operating 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 ” under Trailer
Towing 0 281 for weight limits with
various hitch types. Avoid sharp turns when using a
step-bumper hitch to prevent
damage. Make wider turns to
prevent contact between your trailer
and your bumper.
Consider using mechanical sway
controls with any trailer. Ask a
trailering professional about sway
controls or refer to the trailer
manufacturer's recommendations
and instructions. 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.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 287Vehicle Series Trailer Weight Weight-Distributing Hitch
Usage Hitch Distribution
1500 Up to 3 175 kg (7,000 lb) Optional Refer to trailer
manufacturer ’ s
recommendation
1500 Over 3 175 kg (7,000 lb) Required 50%
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
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 Tires 0 358 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
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.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
288 Driving and Operating 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 so
they are installed, adjusted, and
maintained properly. Never attempt
to tap into your vehicle's hydraulic
brake system. If you do, both the
vehicle anti-lock 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 1. Left Turn/Brake
2. Taillamps
3. Reverse Lamps
4. Battery Feed
5. Right Turn/Brake
6. Electric Brakes
7. Ground
Use only a round, seven-wire
connector with flat blade terminals
meeting SAE J2863 specifications
for proper electrical connectivity.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 289Electric Brake Control Wiring
Provisions If the vehicle is not equipped with
an integrated trailer brake controller,
and the trailer has electric brakes, a
trailer brake controller needs to be
installed on the vehicle. The brake
controller should be installed by
your dealer or a qualified service
center.
If equipped, there is a trailer brake
jumper harness provided with the
vehicle. The connector on the trailer
brake jumper harness is attached to
a mating connector to the left of the
steering wheel behind the knee
bolster. The four blunt cut wires on
the jumper harness need to be
connected to an aftermarket electric
trailer brake controller. The harness
contains the following circuits:
Electric Trailer
Brakes Blue
Battery Feed Red/Violet or
Red/Black
Brake Apply
Signal White/Blue Ground Black
The fuse for the electric trailer brake
circuit is in the engine compartment
fuse block, but the wires may not be
connected. They should be
connected by your dealer or a
qualified service center.
Refer to the aftermarket electric
trailer brake controller owner's
manual to determine wire color
coding of the electric trailer brake
controller. The wire colors on the
brake controller may be different
from the vehicle.
Trailer Lamps Always check all trailer lamps are
working at the beginning of each
trip, and periodically on longer trips.
If equipped, the trailering app will
monitor the brake lamps, turn signal
lamps, running lamps and reverse
lamps on the trailer. DIC messages
may be displayed if lighting circuit
issues are detected on the trailer. The trailer bulbs can be observed
by starting the trailer light test
sequence. See Trailering App
0 296 .
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 0 246 .
Tow/Haul assists when pulling a
heavy trailer or a large or heavy
load. See Tow/Haul Mode 0 234 .
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

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
290 Driving and Operating Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
See “ Weight of the Trailer ” under
Trailer Towing 0 281 .
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 ITBC system may not function fully
or at all. Make sure all of these
systems are fully operational to
allow the ITBC system to function
properly.
The ITBC system is powered
through the vehicle's electrical
system. Turning the ignition off will
also turn off the ITBC system. The
ITBC system is fully functional only
when the ignition is in ON/RUN.
{ WarningConnecting a trailer that has an
air brake system may result in
reduced or complete loss of trailer
braking, including increased
stopping distance or trailer
instability which could result in
serious injury, death, or property
damage. Only use the ITBC
system with electric or electric
over hydraulic trailer brake
systems.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 295Warning (Continued)result in a crash. You or others
could be seriously injured or
killed. Before using one of these
devices:
.
Ask the device or trailer
manufacturer if the device
has been thoroughly tested
for compatibility with the
make, model, and year of
your vehicle and any
optional equipment installed
on your vehicle.
.
Before driving, check the
trailer brakes are working
properly, if equipped. Drive
the vehicle with the trailer
attached on a level road
surface that is free of traffic
at about 32-40 km/h
(20-25 mph) and fully apply
the manual trailer brake
apply lever. Also, check the
trailer brake lamps and
other lamps are functioning
correctly.
(Continued) Warning (Continued) .
If the trailer brakes are not
operating properly at any
time, or if a DIC message
indicates problems with the
trailer connections or trailer
brakes, carefully pull the
vehicle over to the side of
the road when traffic
conditions allow.
Trailer Tires Special Trailer (ST) tires differ from
vehicle tires. Trailer tires are
designed with stiff sidewalls to help
prevent sway and to support heavy
loads. These features can make it
difficult to determine if the trailer tire
pressures are low only based on a
visual inspection.
Always check all trailer tire
pressures before each trip when the
tires are cool. Low trailer tire
pressure is a leading cause of trailer
tire blow-outs. If the vehicle is equipped with a
trailer tire pressure monitoring
system, see the trailer tire pressure
monitoring system description and
the trailering app.
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).