114 driving and operating – GMC 2011 Sierra User Manual

Page 408

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Black plate (114,1)

GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011

9-114

Driving and Operating

Trailer Brakes

A loaded trailer that weighs more
than 900 kg (2,000 lbs) needs to
have its own brake system that
is adequate for the weight of the
trailer. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer brakes
so they are installed, adjusted, and
maintained properly.

If the vehicle is equipped with
StabiliTrak, the trailer cannot tap
into the vehicle's hydraulic brake
system.

The trailer brake system can tap
into the vehicle's hydraulic brake
system only if:

.

The trailer parts can withstand
20 650 kPa (3,000 psi) of
pressure.

.

The trailer's brake system
will use less than 0.3 cc
(0.02 cubic inch) of fluid from
the vehicle's master cylinder.
Otherwise, both braking systems
will not work well or at all.

If everything checks out this far,
make the brake tap at the port on
the master cylinder that sends the
fluid to the rear brakes. Use only
steel brake tubing to make the tap.

Auxiliary Battery

The auxiliary battery provision can
be used to supply electrical power
to additional equipment that may be
added, such as a slide-in camper.
If the vehicle has this provision,
this relay will be located on the
driver side of the vehicle, next to
the underhood electrical center.

Be sure to follow the proper
installation instructions included
with any electrical equipment that
is installed.

Notice: Leaving electrical
equipment on for extended
periods will drain the battery.
Always turn off electrical
equipment when not in use
and do not use equipment that
exceeds the maximum amperage
rating for the auxiliary battery
provision.

Trailer Wiring Harness

The vehicle is equipped with one of
the following wiring harnesses for
towing a trailer or hauling a slide-in
camper.

Basic Trailer Wiring

All regular, extended cab and crew
cab pickups have a seven‐wire
trailer towing harness.

For vehicles not equipped with
heavy duty trailering, the harness
is secured to the vehicle's frame
behind the spare tire mount.
The harness requires the installation
of a trailer connector, which is
available through your dealer.

If towing a light‐duty trailer with
a standard four‐way round pin
connector, an adapter is available
from your dealer.

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