GMC->ke32 is adding two new towing enhancements to its 1500 and HD Sierra lineup. The upgrades include a gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailering prep package and a trailering camera system that affords unprecedented views from around the pickup and trailer when reversing.

Both these factory- and dealer-added upgrades help Sierra->ke241 owners make the most of their trucks->ke1311 without having to turn to the aftermarket. Up first, the camera system is available across the Sierra lineup, and is compatible on all 2014-2016 model years that came equipped with the DPN- or DQS-coded trailer mirrors. A camera is mounted to the mirror housing on each side of the truck, while a third camera is remotely mounted to the upper and rearward most point of the trailer, giving the driver a view of what’s behind.

All three video fees are displayed on the IntelliLink infotainment screen. Later in the summer, GMC will debut a fourth camera that mounts in the center high-mount stop light for viewing cargo or aligning a fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer to its bed-mounted hitch.

On the hitching side, 2500- and 3500-series Sierras will be able to accept the new gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailering prep package, a factory-installed option costing $350. This adds a frame-mounted hitch platform and tray that accepts a gooseneck hitch ball or the mounting brackets for a fifth-wheel hitch assembly. The package also includes block-out caps for the openings when the hitch is not in use, as well as a bed-mounted seven-pin wiring connector.

For those who want to finish off the trailer accessory package, GMC is offering the gooseneck “completion kit” at dealerships, which includes a 2-5/16-inch hitch ball and two safety chain attachments. The price is $315. Fifth-wheel towers can opt to buy their hitch assemblies at the dealership as well, with the 20,000-pound rated hitch costing $939 and the 25,000-pound rated hitch costing $999.

The addition of the camera system and gooseneck/fifth-wheel prep package allows the GMC Sierra pickups->ke242 to better compete with its high-tech competition found in Ford->ke31 and Nissan.->ke62

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Why it matters

Modern trucks come with a vast array of technologies designed to make towing heavy loads simpler and less stressful. This is certainly the case with GMC’s new dealer-optioned camera system. It makes hooking up a gooseneck or backing up a trailer a one-man operation – something that usually requires a skilled spotter with a loud voice.

The gooseneck/fifth-wheel prep package further allows GMC owners to full access their truck’s capabilities without having to seek parts from an aftermarket supplier or parts shot. This not only allows owners to keep the entirety of their truck warrantied through GM, but also allows GMC to make money that would have otherwise been spent in the aftermarket segment.

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