We think of cars and we think power. While we are quite aware of the fact that some are more powerful than others, it's important to note that horsepower doesn't always equate to towing capability. There are a lot of things that go into making a towing-capable SUV or truck. Why can't sports cars tow? They've got the horsepower, right? Check out the 6 things your towing vehicle needs below! more 6 Things Your Vehicle Needs for Towing Curb Weight When you buy a vehicle for towing, you'll have to take a look at the curb weight. The heavier the vehicle, the more weight it can tow with confidence. Modern SUVs and Trucks are lighter than they used to be, but are still capable of towing heavy loads. Wheelbase The wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear axle, and the longer it is, the safer the vehicle is for towing. If the rear axel is too close, there can be issues with the front end lifting up because of the added weight to the rear. A longer wheelbase will make towing safer and easier on your car. Drive System Most full-size SUVs and trucks have rear wheel drive that can be turned into four-wheel drive when necessary. Smaller trucks and SUVs usually have all-wheel drive. Both are great options, but for those towing heavy weight or on rough terrain, the four-wheel drive might be the safer option. Check This Out: 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Tips Transmission A manual transmission used to be the standard on all towing vehicles, but these days an automatic transmission can give you the benefit of being able to focus on driving, rather than shifting gears while towing. The most important thing to consider is what you are most comfortable using. Chassis Design The frame of a full-size SUV or pickup truck usually has a "body on frame" design meaning that there's a solid steel frame giving the vehicle strength as a foundation. This gives them added strength for heavy loads. Smaller SUVs have a less structured unibody design, but are still safe for towing smaller loads. Towing Package Finally, vehicles capable of towing heavy loads are often available with a specific towing package that could add upgraded suspension and brakes, a larger radiator and more efficient cooling system. If you're unsure if a vehicle has a towing package available, ask a professional at Palmen GM!
2017 GMC Sierra HD All Terrain X Engine Specs
When you want to get the most out of your pickup, you might want to take a look at the all-new 2017 GMC Sierra Sierra HD All Terrain X. This is the third model in the GMC brand's X series, and comes with the all-new Duramax 6.6-liter diesel engine. If you're looking to learn more about the specs that set this impressive pickup apart, check out the chart below and see the images to get a closer look at the style and confident design of the 2017 Sierra HD All Terrain X. more 2017 GMC Sierra HD All Terrain X Interior Features Read More: 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Trim Level Comparison Read More: Towing Tips for the 2017 GMC Sierra Test Drive 2017 GMC Sierra Pickup Trucks Kenosha WI If you're interested in seeing what the 2017 GMC Sierra pickup truck lineup has to offer, check out the up-to-date online inventory available on our site. Not only will you get to enjoy seeing the different GMC Sierra models available, but you can take a test drive and see if the high-tech features inside our latest trucks is what you need to take your daily drive to the next level. These hard-working pickups are rolling off the dealership lot almost as quickly as they arrive, so hurry in and see what we've got in store!
Tips for Safely Towing a Trailer GMC Sierra 1500
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. more 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. Read More: 2017 GMC Sierra Trim Level Comparison 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.
2017 GMC Sierra Trim Level Comparison
So, you've looked through the options for pickups and noticed that the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 is a light-duty pickup with a little extra style and luxury. This high-tech, incredibly capable and great-looking pickup from GMC comes in several different shapes and price points to fit your driving needs and lifestyle. Check out the trim levels in this comparison, and choose the cab size you need from the three different options available. more 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Trim Levels When you're looking through the different trim levels of the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500, it might come down to your budget. The price increases from the very affordable Base trim all the way up to the incredibly luxurious Denali, offering features and capability options for whatever you need and want. If you're unsure of which trim levels has the power you need, check out the engine specification comparison chart below: Read More: 2017 GMC Canyon Denali Luxury Features GMC Sierra 1500 Double Cab vs Crew Cab There are three different body styles available for the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. Each one offers a different amount of space inside for the passengers and driver. So, what's the difference between the Double Cab and the Crew Cab? Read More: Does the GMC Sierra 1500 Have a Steel Truck Bed? Regular Cab: This body style offers the standard front seating for the driver and a front passenger, but no space in the rear for passengers. This is the least spacious option. Double Cab: This body style offers seating in the front for the driver and front passenger, and also space in the rear for up to three passengers. There are a second set of small rear doors that allow access to the back seats. Crew Cab: This is the most spacious option has it offers the traditional space for the driver and front passenger, but also seats three passengers comfortably in the rear with a full-size door behind the front doors to them to enter through. This body style is optional on all trim levels except the Denali, on which it is a standard feature. Test Drive 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Kenosha WI If any of these trucks look like the perfect fit for you, take a look through our online inventory and schedule a test drive appointment. Our friendly sales team would love to show you all the high-tech features and options you have with the Sierra, and get you started on the quick and easy financing process.
Does the GMC Sierra 1500 Have A Steel Truck Bed?
When you're in the market for a new truck, there are a lot of things to consider. One of the latest ways that truck companies have been working to increase efficiency is by using lighter materials throughout the body. The Ford F-150 has appeared on the scene with more in its body, and has thus decreased its overall weight by quite a bit. However, there are some downsides to getting rid of the steel we're accustomed to on truck beds. So, does the GMC Sierra 1500 have a steel truck bed? We'll tell you that and what it means. more Steel vs Aluminum Truck Beds At this point, Ford is the truck that has ditched steel and replaced it with a lot of thinner and more malleable aluminum. GM trucks, like the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500, are still made with a steel truck bed and steel frame. This means that the frame and truck bed are heavier, but can withstand trauma with less damage. Read More: New Features on the 2016 GMC Sierra HD In recent ads, we've seen that the F-150's truck bed is punctured and damaged much more easily than that of the 2016 Chevy Silverado, featuring the same steel truck bed that you'll find in the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The steel bed received dents and scratches, while the F-150's truck bed was basically ruined. Because of this, we know that the sturdy and more heavy-duty nature of steel is part of what makes the 2016 GMC Sierra such a great option for hard-working truck owners who take on tough tasks and expect the most out of their pickup. 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2016 Ford F-150 Engine Specs Test Drive the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 If you are interested in taking a test drive of the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 give us a call or schedule your test drive appointment online. We have a number of trucks on the dealership lot and in our up-to-date online inventory for you to see, and choose from. If you have any questions about the vehicles on our lot or the quick and easy financing process we have available here, feel free to call our experienced sales team.
GMC Truck Towing Capability Ratings
When you buy a GMC truck, you know you are getting the best that the automotive marketplace has to offer in style, power, and versatility. There's no denying the truly versatile and capable nature of the GMC pickup, but now you're wondering how much you can tow. Vigorous testing by the expert designers at GMC makes for a pickup that is both handy and impressive, and we're here to give you a guideline as to how much your GMC truck was made to handle. Read on to find GMC truck towing capability ratings! more How to the Experts Determine Towing Capability? You might find yourself wondering how the experts decide your truck's towing capabiltiy. Is the maximum that they tell you really all your truck can handle? We took a minute to explore the information at www.gmc.com, and found that the GMC truck towing capability ratings are based on several factors. Read More: Check Out the 2017 GMC Canyon! How Much Can My GMC Truck Tow? The best place to go when you are curious about your pickup's capability is your owner's manual, but we'll give you our general guide. This chart shows you the maximum towing capacity for each vehicle in the 2016 lineup. It is important that you consider your trim level when using this chart, as properly equipped vehicles can tow more than the base model! Read More: 2016 GMC Yukon Trim Comparison Pickup Truck Towing Capacity Terminology There are several acronyms used when discussing a pickup truck's capability, and it can be confusing to drivers who aren't aware of what they mean. Here is a list of the most popular terms used, and what they mean. We hope they help you as you research information about your GMC truck's capabilities. Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR): how much weight your vehicle can carry, including passengers, cargo, fuel and the vehicle itself. Gross combined weight rating (GCWR): how much weight the truck can carry with a loaded vehicle and loaded trailer combined. Gross axle weight ratings (GAWR): the amount each particular vehicle axle can carry, including the wheel and tire Hitch weight rating: how much weight the hitch can carry safely.
Cost to Own Award Given to 2015 GMC Sierra 1500
Choosing a new pickup truck is tough when there are so many to choose from. However, it's important to consider the ones that have shown time and time again that they are the hard-working performers of the pickup truck class. The 2015 GMC Sierra was praised for its bold, new styling, new engines, and comfortable interior. Because of these features and the reliability of the pickup, it was no surprise to us that the Cost to Own Award was Given to 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. more What Goes into a Cost to Own Rating? Using a variety of factors, the professionals at KBB are able to put together estimates of the projected cost of owning a vehicle for 5 years. This is how they figure a cost to own rating for vehicles less than 5 years old. Several of the factors that contribute to the calculations include the cost of fuel, car insurance, regular maintenance, financing, state fees, and the vehicle's depreciation rate. While all of these come into play when ranking the vehicles, the most important factor is depreciation. What Makes the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 a Great Truck? Kelley Blue Book gave the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 the #1 spot as the best full-size pickup when it comes to cost to own. Praised for its classy styling and numerous interior options, the GMC Sierra is a pickup with a powerful, yet efficient, engine and the versatility to hande tough jobs without breaking the bank. Three different engine choices, a 4.3-liter V6, 5.3-liter V8, and 6.2-liter V8, all use direct injection and offer an automatic transmission. Read More: 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Color Options Impressive towing capability (up to 9,800lbs with a properly equipped 5.3-liter V8) makes it easy to get the tough jobs done. The interior offers comfortable, supportive seating and high-tech convenience features like a first-row LCD screen and Bluetooth connectivity. Interested in Test Driving the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500? Come in to see us a Palmen Buick GMC Cadillac in Kenosha WI, or schedule your test drive online. Our friendly and professional automotive team would love to help you choose the perfect new pickup and drive home at a price you can afford. Be sure to get pre-approved for a car loan using our free online financing tools! We look forward to hearing from you soon! Schedule A Test Drive!
2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Color Options
Looking at a new pickup truck for 2016? We can't blame you for stopping to stare at the confident and aggressive styling on the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The good news is that we have plenty in stock! Read on to find out some of the performance specs and color options for the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 in Kenosha WI. We are sure that you will love what the team at GMC has put together for this model year. more 2016 GMC Sierra Engine Specs The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 offers two engines, depending on the trim level you choose. The standard engine is a 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V6 engine that puts down an impressive 285 horsepower. The optional engine on the 2016 Sierra 1500 is a 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine that puts down an overwhelming 355 horsepower and still manages to get up to 22 miles per gallon on the highway. This powerful pickup has all the capability you want and need, in a body that looks great. Read More: 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2500 vs 3500 Convenience Features on the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Standard convenience features inside the GMC Sierra 1500 include cruise control, a driver information center, an audio system, and first-row LCD screen. Options for added comfort and versatility include Bluetooth connectivity for your smartphone, power windows, an interior power outlet, and all-weather floor mats. Whether you want to drive in comfort or you want to keep things simple, the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 is the perfect pickup for you! Read More: Fuel Economy Ratings for 2017 GMC Canyon Diesel Color Options for the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 in Kenosha WI
2015 GMC Sierra: 1500 vs 2500 vs 3500
Comfortable 2016 GMC Sierra Kenosha WI When you are in the market for a pickup truck, there are several factors to consider. If you need more power, more space, or more versatility, there is a comfortable 2016 GMC Sierra in Kenosha WI just waiting to be driven home. We'll tell you what separates these impressive trucks! more The Interiors The different trim levels within the Sierra trucks make for a variety of driving experiences. The base, SLT, and SLE trims come with varying levels of luxury and technology features. Leather seats, high quality audio packages and safety technology bring convenience and versatility to the driving experience in the GMC Sierra. A rear-view camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a first-row LCD screen are options for those who choose the GMC Sierra SLT, but come standard on the SLE. 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 This is the lightest duty of the heavy and powerful trucks we'll be discussing, however, it's no reason to discount this choice! The 2500 and 3500 offer more horsepower and torque, but the 1500 has more than enough to add power and versatility to everyday tough jobs. Whether towing or maxing out the payload, the 1500 has more than the average driver needs! Base Engine: 4.3-Liter V6 Horsepower: 285 HP Towing Capacity: 6,100lbs Maximum Payload: 1,950lbs 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 Added power and a greater amount of towing capacity makes this a truck that is made for the toughest jobs. Without sacrificing style, this confident and aggressive-looking truck makes hard work seem easy. A comfortable interior and entertainment options can take even the worst drives and turn them into a good experience. Base Engine: 6.0-Liter V8 Horsepower: 397 HP Towing Capacity: 13,000 lbs Maximum Payload: 3,583 lbs Don't Miss This! 2016 GMC Sierra HD New Features 2015 GMC Sierra 3500 The biggest engine, the most horsepower, and the highest payload makes the 3500 a truly intimidating piece of engineering and design genius! When it comes to a dirty and intense job, the GMC Sierra 3500 can handle it with no complaints. Tow the farthest, carry the most, and do it with the confidence and style only the 3500 can provide. Base Engine: 6.0-Liter V8 Horsepower: 397 HP Towing Capacity: 13,000 lbs Maximum Payload: 3,583 lbs
2016 GMC Sierra HD New Features
Inductive Charging Station for Cell Phones on New Sierra HD Every year, the pickup trucks become more and more high tech. It can't be argued that new vehicles are becoming more interesting and technological than ever before, but the pickup trucks of America have gotten a makeover and we are happy to see it! The 2016 GMC Sierra HD is a truck that is made to handle the toughest jobs, but not includes great technology features that make life more convenient! We'll tell you more about it here! more New Features Inside the 2016 GMC Sierra HD We are excited to tell you about these incredible new features available on the Sierra HD this year! * HID headlights with LED daytime-running lamps that now come standard regardless of trim level * A lockable tailgate * An inductive charging station for cellphones * Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration * New colours * Various electronic aides, like active direction assist Which ones are the most exciting? We're really excited to see the inductive charging station for cell phones inside the HD and also the new and amazing integration of cell phone technology through the use of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There may not be a huge change in the overall appearance of the 2016 GMC Sierra HD, but these features are sure to add to the overall convenience and enjoyable ride inside. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Using the software of your smartphone, the LCD screen inside the GMC Sierra HD will easily connect and play media files and make phone calls. It's no surprise to us that the designers at GMC made this a standard feature on the HD this year, but we are certainly glad to see it made an appearance!
2015 GMC Sierra vs 2015 RAM 1500
Do you find yourself feeling indecisive about which 2015 truck is the best fit for your preferences and lifestyle? We'll give you some neat tips and insider information about the GMC Sierra and the RAM 1500 to help you make the best decision! So, the 2015 GMC Sierra vs 2015 RAM 1500, who will take home the gold? Read on to find out! more There are certain things we want in a pickup truck. So we'll cover the basic differences between the base models of these vehicles: Engine: GMC Sierra: 4.3-Liter V-6 RAM 1500: 3.6-Liter V-6 Torque: GMC Sierra: 305 @ 3,900 rpm RAM 1500: 269 @ 4,175 rpm Maximum Payload: GMC Sierra: 1,950 lbs. RAM 1500: 1,520 lbs. Maximum Trailer Weight: GMC Sierra: 6,100 lbs. RAM 1500: 4,960 lbs. Fuel Economy: GMC Sierra: 18 mpg city/ 24 mpg hwy. RAM 1500: 17 mpg city/ 25 mpg hwy. Here are some pictures of these trucks to help you decide. It can be a challenge, but we hope our information helps you to see which of these pickup trucks is the perfect fit for you. Let us know what you think in the comments below!
2015 GMC Sierra vs 2015 Ford F-150
When it comes to buying a new pickup truck, there are a lot of different points to consider. These two competing pickup trucks offer power, stability, and strength, but one comes out ahead. When we look at the 2015 GMC Sierra vs 2015 Ford F-150, it's easy to see why so many people love their pickup. We looked at many different features and the 2015 GMC Sierra stood out. Read on to find out why. more Remaining ahead of the Ford F-150, a long standing favorite, the GMC Sierra was able to shine in areas like quality materials, passenger comfort and high-tech convenience. Racing forward with more horsepower and torque at the base level, the 2015 GMC Sierra proves that it is not a competitor easily pushed aside. The larger V8 engine in the GMC Sierra does get slightly lower fuel economy rankings when compared with the less powerful and smaller engine in the Ford F-150. Safety features between the two vehicles are almost identical, with side and front impact airbags that protect passengers in the worst situations. However, OnStar is only available in the GMC Sierra, which in the case of a collision could mean the difference between life and death for those involved. Available convenience features in the GMC Sierra, namely heated front seats and remote start, make driving a relaxing and even comfortable experience, no matter what tough tasks the truck has to handle. When it comes to choosing the truck with more options and a higher quality build, the 2015 GMC Sierra certainly stands in the top spot. If you are interested in taking one for a test drive, give our sales team a call or schedule your appointment online. We can’t wait to hear from you and let you see the fantastic power and versatility of the GMC Sierra in person.