How To Use The Transparent Trailer Feature In The GMC Sierra 1500

The GMC Sierra 1500 comes with the capability to tow large loads via its trailer system. To make it even better for towing, the company added a transparent trailer view feature to help you navigate when you’re hauling a trailer that meets the requirements for the system. This makes it safer and easier than ever before to hitch a trailer to your truck and haul it to wherever your needs take you. Whether you’re using it for your job, gathering materials for a home project, or hauling a camper across the country, this new feature helps you get where you’re going. View our inventory of New GMCs or if you have any questions, give us a call at (817)-632-8800.

What Is The GMC Transparent Trailer View Feature?

The transparent trailer view is an industry-first technology that improves the towing capabilities of vehicles equipped with the system. It allows you as the driver to see around your trailer, including along both sides and behind it. Even better, it uses camera technology to render the trailer “invisible” in your camera view so you can see behind it as though you’d be able to without the trailer attached. This can help you understand the distance a vehicle is behind you, help you reverse your vehicle with a trailer attached, navigate around tight corners, and improve the safety of your vehicle.

How To Use The GMC Transparent Trailer Feature

Below are steps you can follow to use the transparent trailer view feature with your GMC Sierra 1500:

1. Gather the Required Materials

Before you set up your transparent trailer view, there are some requirements to meet. First, you need a truck with the proper equipment, such as a GMC Sierra 1500. This truck includes the Technology Package offered by GMC and an accessory trailer camera. Then, you need a trailer that matches the following specifications:

• A standard towing hitch.
• Either a camping-style trailer or a box-style trailer.
• A maximum trailer length of 32 feet.

Beyond the trailer and truck specifications, there are some tools you need to install your technology. Below is a list of the technology and why you need each one:

• Ladder: This tool is so you can reach the top and sides of your truck and trailer easily. Some of the camera locations are difficult to reach without a ladder, especially for large trailers.
• Hand drill and drill bits: To mount the accessory trailer camera, you need to drill into your trailer to secure it properly. This includes putting it in the correct location and making sure it doesn’t move or shift while your trailer is in motion.
• Wrenches: This tool or tool set is so you can tighten bolts for your accessory trailer camera lens.
• Wire cutters: Use these to adjust the length of the camera’s wires and prevent dangling wires, which can be hazardous to you and other drivers on the road.
• Pencil: A pencil can be used to mark the ideal locations on your trailer for your accessory trailer camera.
• Tape measure: A tape measure is an important tool to determine exact trailer measurements. This lets you ensure your measurements are accurate and that your accessory trailer camera is within the margin of error for the transparent trailer view feature to work.

2. Review Your Owner’s Manual for Towing Instructions

When you purchase a new GMC Sierra 1500, it comes with two important manuals you can use. First, it comes with an owners manual that tells you about the truck’s capabilities. Read this manual because it gives you important information about the operation of your truck, its maximum towing capabilities, and how passengers and cargo in your vehicle affect its ability to tow heavy loads. It also comes with instructions on how to mount the accessory trailer camera, which is important for using the transparent trailer view feature of your truck.

3. Install the Accessory Trailer Camera

To install your accessory trailer camera, follow the steps below:

1. Move your truck and trailer to a level surface to help you make accurate measurements.
2. Mount your camera in a location on your trailer that is centered horizontally. This means that the camera is the same distance from both sides of your trailer.
3. Mount your camera 4 inches higher than your truck’s rear tailgate camera after you hitch your trailer to your truck. This lets you ensure the trailer’s camera interacts with the truck’s camera effectively.
4. Angle your camera 35 degrees downward from horizontal. The accessory trailer camera has the markings to help you do this correctly.
5. Secure the wiring harness on your trailer.
6. Connect your camera to the trailer hitch connector.

4. Create a Trailer Profile

Using the Trailering app on your smartphone, you can set a profile for your trailer. To access your new trailer profile, follow the steps below:

1. Go to your trailer profile screen.
2. Select “Towing Assistance Setup.”
3. Choose “Transparent Trailer.”
4. Select “Yes, Get Started.”

Once you’ve accessed the trailer profile, follow the prompts on your screen to enter the required measurements. If you don’t know the exact measurements of your trailer, you can measure them with a tape measure. Once you’ve entered all the measurements, you can click “Save and Continue.”

5. Calibrate Your View

The last step to using your transparent trailer view feature is to calibrate your view. When you calibrate, choose a sunny day and a location where you have plenty of space to drive straight. This can help the calibration happen faster. As you drive in a straight line below 35 mph, the system makes progress toward calibration. If you have to speed up or turn, the progress pauses. Once you slow down and stop turning, the progress resumes. Once you calibrate the trailer, you won’t need to make adjustments to the system anytime you use the same trailer.

Now that you know how to mount your accessory trailer camera and use the transparent trailer view feature, are you interested in learning more about the GMC Sierra 1500? If so, you can visit us at our dealership in Fort Worth, Texas, to learn more about this truck, its features, and other vehicles and specials we have available.