Black plate (88,1)
GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
9-88
Driving and Operating
vehicle such as a motorhome, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing on
page 10
‑
97
.
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
Pulling a Trailer
Important points for pulling a trailer:
.
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
”
under
Towing
Equipment on page 9
‑
107
.
.
Do not tow a trailer at all during
the first 800 km (500 miles) the
new vehicle is driven. The
engine, axle, or other parts could
be damaged.
.
During the first 800 km
(500 miles) that a trailer is
towed, do not drive over 80 km/h
(50 mph) 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:
.
Weight of the trailer
.
Weight of the trailer tongue
.
Weight on the vehicle's tires
.
Weight of the trailering
combination
Driving with a Trailer
{
WARNING
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of
the vehicle and enter if the
liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window is open.
Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
To maximize safety when towing
a trailer:
.
Have the exhaust system
inspected for leaks and make
necessary repairs before
starting a trip.
.
Never drive with the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window open.
(Continued)
