2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Maintains 5,443 kilogram (12,000-lb.) Max Trailering

Revised ratings based on new, industrywide SAE J2807 calculations

2014-06-20

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DETROIT (Friday, June 20, 2014) – The 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 maintains a 5,443 kilogram (12,000-pound) maximum trailering rating under SAE J2807 Recommended Practices. – calculations being adopted throughout the industry. SAE J2807 standardizes towing capability calculations being adopted throughout the industry.

“For 2015, the GMC Sierra 1500 builds on the strong foundation introduced with the redesigned 2014 model to offer uncompromising strength, capability and confidence,” said Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer. “The implementation of SAE J2807 levels the playing field among all manufacturers, affirming the capability customers depend on from GMC.”

Sierra’s 5,443 kilogram (12,000-pound) maximum rating is for the Double Cab 2WD configuration equipped with the available 6.2L V-8 engine and available Max Trailering Package. Trailering ratings for other configurations remain the same or are slightly lower, per the new SAE J2807 calculations. Examples of popular configurations with revised ratings include:

While the calculations for trailering ratings may have changed, the Sierra 1500’s powertrain and chassis features that support serious towing have not:

The available 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 is the most powerful engine offered in the light-duty segment, with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Like other EcoTec3 engines, it combines proven performance with advanced fuel-saving technologies, seamlessly switching to four cylinders to improve efficiency in light-load driving
The available Max Trailering Package includes a 9.76-inch rear axle, heavy-duty rear springs, revised shock tuning for increased control, enhanced cooling, and an integrated trailer brake controller. Also included is the G80 locking rear differential, a trailer hitch, and bumper-mounted four- and seven-pin connectors
Sierra’s standard 4.3L EcoTec3 V-6 and available 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8 also will offer significant towing capability for 2015, with maximum available trailer weight ratings of 3,447 kilograms (7,600 pounds) for the V-6 and 5,080 kilograms (11,200 pounds) for the 5.3L.

Customers should follow the trailering guidelines in their owner’s manual, ask their GMC dealer for trailering advice, or contact GMC Customer Assistance for more information. Additionally, the GMC Trailering Guide can be found under the Owners tab at GMC.ca.

The foundation for all 2015 Sierra 1500 models and their trailering capability is a fully boxed, high-strength steel frame. Extensive use of high-strength steels in the frame and body structure also contributes to a quieter interior and more solid feel, and helps Sierra earn a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score for safety in the newest government crash tests. Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s New Car Assessment Program. The 2014 GMC Sierra was also named AJAC’s Best New Pickup in Canada.

GMC backs Sierra customers with the ProGrade protection program. It includes two years/40,000 kilometres (whichever comes first) of scheduled maintenance, covering four services of an oil change, tire rotation and 27-point inspection. It complements the three-year/60,000 kilometres (whichever comes first) bumper-to-bumper limited vehicle warranty and five-year/160,000 kilometres (whichever comes first) powertrain limited warranty for peace of mind.

Background: SAE J2807 Recommended Practices

Performance standards for trailering vehicles: To help ensure that vehicles can confidently tow the rated maximum trailer weight under a variety of real-world driving conditions, SAE J2807 establishes specific test protocols. These include:

Cooling capability on a long highway upgrade modeled on the Davis Dam grade on Arizona SR 68;
Launch and acceleration performance on a level road and a 12 percent upgrade;
Combined handling performance – understeer and trailer sway;
Combined braking performance – stopping distance and parking brake-hold on grade; and
Structural performance for the vehicle and hitch or hitch receiver.

New calculations for trailer weight ratings: In addition to the performance standards, SAE J2807 also uses a specific set of assumptions to calculate maximum trailer weight ratings:

For light-duty full-size pickups (GVWR 3,855 kg. / 8,500 lbs.), SAE J2807 assumes that the tow vehicle includes any options with higher than 33 percent penetration;
It assumes there is both a driver and passenger in the vehicle, each weighing 68 kilograms (150 pounds);
It assumes that tow vehicles also include up to 31 kilograms (70 pounds) of aftermarket hitch equipment (where applicable); and
For conventional trailer towing, SAE J2807 assumes that 10 percent of the trailer weight is on the tongue.

About GMC in Canada

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra 1500 pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.gm.ca, on Twitter at @GMCCanada or at http://www.facebook.com/gmccanada.

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2015 GMC SIERRA TRAILERING SPECIFICATIONS

2015 Sierra 1500 Regular Cab (SAE J2807)

2015 Sierra 1500 Double Cab (SAE J2807)

2015 Sierra 1500 Crew Cab (SAE J2807)