Towing and hauling cargo is one of the great options that you have when you own a GMC Sierra 1500 pickup truck. The capability and power enables you to pack up your gear and head out onto the road with ease. Wondering about how to set yourself up for success when towing? Check out these safety tips for towing trailers with the GMC Sierra 1500.

How to Safely Load Cargo in a Trailer

Loading the cargo onto your trailer should be more thought-out than it often is. It’s important to consider the balance and weight when placing the different cargo items.

Tip 1: Keep 60% of the weight towards the front of the trailer and only 40% in the rear (unless otherwise stated on your trailer’s manual). Do not overload your trailer past its capacity.

Tip 2: Balance the weight on either side of the trailer, ensuring the center of balance is low to the ground and over the wheel axels. This will keep the trailer from becoming unbalanced.

Tip 3: Once things are placed and balanced, secure your items with nylon rope or towing straps. It’s important to make sure that items cannot shift while you are on the road.

Connecting a Trailer to 2017 GMC Sierra 1500

If you are using a receiver hitch with a ball socket, these are the steps you need to follow to securely attach your trailer to your GMC Sierra 1500. If you are using a gooseneck hitch or fifth-wheel hitch and need more information, check out this site.

Step 1: Center your vehicle and trailer so that the hitch lines up. Back the vehicle over the trailer hitch. Make sure you have the coupler raised high enough to clear the ball. Set the emergency brake and turn your vehicle off.

Step 2: Lower the coupler socket down onto the hitch ball until it is holding the full weight of the trailer. Close and lock the clamp using the hitch pin or coupler lock. Secure the safety chains so that the front end of the trailer won’t hit the ground if it is accidentally disconnected while you are driving (be sure they are crossed).

Step 3: Plug in all electrical connections and check the trailer hitch to be sure everything is secured. Test the brake lights and any other lights connected to your vehicle. Drive carefully and be sure to remain aware of other drivers and your trailer whenever you are on the road.