2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Owners Manual - Conversions and Add-Ons

Conversions and Add-Ons

Add-on equipment can drain the vehicle's 12-volt battery, even if the vehicle is not operating.

The vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to add anything electrical to the vehicle, see Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 0 97 and

Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 0 98.

For information on wiring auxiliary switches, see www.gmupfitter.com or contact your dealer.

Before installing a snow plow on the vehicle, follow these guidelines:

The plow the vehicle can carry depends on many things, such as:

The options the vehicle came with, and the weight of those options.

The weight and number of passengers to be carried.

The weight of items added to the vehicle, like a tool box or

truck cap.

The total weight of any additional cargo to be carried.

For example, if the snow plow weighs 318 kg (700 lb), the total weight of all occupants and cargo inside the cab should not exceed 135 kg (300 lb). This means that you may only be able to carry one passenger. Even this may be too

much if there is other equipment already adding to the weight of the vehicle.

To safely carry a snow plow on the vehicle:

Follow all aftermarket snow plow manufacturer’s instructions for the operation and transportation of the snow plow.

With a snow plow attached, the engine coolant temperature gauge may show a higher temperature than while driving without one. The snow plow could block the airflow to the radiator. This could be more noticeable as vehicle speed increases. At speeds above 72 km (45 mph), this may cause the engine coolant to overheat.

To increase the airflow, move the snow plow blade postion.

If driving more than 24 km (15 mi), angle the plow blade position.

Make sure the weight on the front and rear axles does not exceed the axle rating for each.

For the front axle, if more cargo or passengers must be carried, appropriate counter ballast must be installed rear of the rear axle. Counter ballast must be properly secured so it will not move during driving.

Rear ballast may be required to ensure a proper front and rear weight distribution ratio, even though the actual weight at the front axle may be less than the front axle rating.

The snow plow manufacturer or installer can assist in determining the amount of rear ballast required, to help make sure the snow plow/vehicle combination does not exceed the GVW rating, the front and rear axle ratings, and the front and rear weight distribution ratio.

The total vehicle must not exceed the GVW rating.

Front axle reserve capacity is the difference between the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and the front axle weight of the vehicle with full fuel and passengers. This is the amount of weight that can be added to the front axle before reaching the front GAWR.

United States

Canada

The front axle reserve capacity for the vehicle is in the lower right corner of the Certification/Tire label.

To calculate the amount of weight any front accessory, such as a snow plow, is adding to the front axle, use this formula:

(W x (A + W.B.)) /W.B.= Weight the accessory is adding to the

front axle.

Where:

W = Weight of added accessory A = Distance that the accessory is in front of the front axle

W.B. = Vehicle Wheelbase

For example, adding a 318 kg (700 lb) snow plow actually adds more than 318 kg (700 lb) to the front axle. Using the formula, if the snow plow is 122 cm (4 ft) in front of the front axle and the wheelbase is 305 cm (10 ft), then:

W = 318 kg (700 lb)

A = 122 cm (4 ft)

W.B. = 305 cm (10 ft)

(W x (A + W.B.)/W.B. = (318 x (122 + 305))/305 = 445 kg (980 lb)

This means if the front axle reserve capacity is more than 445 kg (980 lb), the snow plow could be added without exceeding the

front GAWR.

Heavier equipment can be added on the front of the vehicle if less cargo or fewer passengers are carried,

or by positioning cargo toward the rear. This reduces the load on the front. However, the front GAWR, rear GAWR, and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) must never be exceeded.

Total vehicle reserve capacity is the difference between the GVWR and the weight of the truck with full fuel and passengers. It is the amount of weight that can be added to the vehicle before reaching the GVWR. Reserve capacity numbers are intended as a guide when selecting the amount of equipment or cargo the truck can carry. If unsure of the vehicle's front, rear, or total weight,

go to a weigh station and weigh the vehicle. Your dealer can also help with this.

The total vehicle reserve capacity for the vehicle is in the lower right corner of the Certification/Tire label as shown previously.

See your dealer for additional advice and information about using a snow plow on the vehicle. Also, see Vehicle Load Limits 0 211.

We are aware that some vehicle owners might consider having the pickup box removed and a commercial or recreational body installed. Owners should be aware that, as manufactured, there are differences between a chassis cab and a pickup with the box removed which could affect vehicle safety. The components necessary to adapt a pickup to permit its safe use with a specialized body should be installed by the body builder.

Tire Pressure Monitor

Operation 374

Tire Inspection 379

Tire Rotation 380

When It Is Time for New

Tires 381

Buying New Tires 382

Different Size Tires and

Wheels 383

Uniform Tire Quality

Grading 384

Wheel Alignment and Tire

Balance 385

Wheel Replacement 385

Tire Chains 386

If a Tire Goes Flat 387

Tire Changing 389

Full-Size Spare Tire 398

Jump Starting - North

America 399

Towing the Vehicle 402

Recreational Vehicle

Towing 403

Exterior Care 407

Interior Care 412

Floor Mats 415