A New Perspective Behind the Wheel
Sponsored Content in Partnership With GMC Canada
I was invited by GMC to attend the Calgary Stampede in celebration of the brand’s 40th anniversary of its partnership with the Calgary Stampede Rodeo. It was a fantastic weekend filled with great company, rodeo experiences, and the opportunity to learn more about GMC’s truck lineup. The anniversary also highlighted GMC’s enduring connection to Western Canada’s ranching, rodeo, and equestrian communities, where trucks are more than transportation—they’re trusted partners that carry us from the barn to the show ring, the trailhead, and everywhere in between.
As part of the weekend, I attended the GMC Vehicle Immersion Experience expecting to learn more about the brand’s lineup and capabilities. I didn’t expect to leave with a new perspective—and a lot more confidence.
My chosen community is the equine industry. I love all things equine-related. There is nothing like getting up early, hooking up the truck to the horse trailer, loading my gear and horse, and heading off on a new adventure.
The thing is, once I get to my destination, my relaxed state is replaced by anxiety as I contemplate backing my trailer into a long line of other trailers. I know I’m not the only one who finds backing up a trailer an anxiety-filled event. One overcorrection leads to another; frustration and embarrassment set in, and I feel like throwing my hands in the air. Usually, someone nearby sees my struggle and offers to back my trailer in.
On day two of the weekend, I was offered the chance to take a Sierra AT4 1500 for a test drive. It was hooked up to a three-horse bumper-pull trailer, and I was excited to get behind the wheel and experience how the truck pulled. It towed the trailer effortlessly, and the shifting was smooth as silk. I asked how the truck maintained so much hauling power and was told it has a 10-speed automatic transmission. As I approached a small hill, I thought for sure I’d feel it digging in, but it was as though the hill didn’t even exist.
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The GMC representative in the back seat answered my questions about the truck’s 8,700-lb. towing capacity and its Duramax 3.0L engine. Little did I realize that the best feature, for me, was yet to come.
We arrived back at our starting point, but instead of directing me into the upper parking lot, he asked me to stop just past the entrance to the lower lot. I unbuckled my seatbelt, figuring the test drive was over. Then he asked if I’d like to back the truck and trailer into a spot beside another GMC truck with a stock trailer attached. I felt the anxiety well up as I noticed the large boulders lining the entrance.
My partner Craig offered to trade seats, but I had enjoyed driving the truck so much that I couldn’t back down now. “Sure, I’ll back it in,” I said. What was I thinking? I put on my big-girl pants, shifted into reverse, and slowly eased the truck and trailer backward, watching the boulders on either side. I may have said a quick prayer.
Then I noticed the infotainment screen. The right side showed the traditional backup camera, but the left revealed something I had never experienced before—a complete bird’s-eye view of the truck, trailer, and surrounding area. I could see exactly where the entire unit was positioned.
I thought I was dreaming. What kind of pleasant sorcery is this? I thought, laughing. Even after completing the backing manoeuvre with far more confidence than I’d ever had before, I could hardly believe what I’d seen. With the bird’s-eye view, it felt like I had a drone hovering above me.
The GMC representative I spoke with after my driving experience assured me that I wasn’t losing my mind. GMC Denali and AT4X models come with HD Surround Vision, which uses cameras located in the front grille, the side mirrors (two angles), the back of the cab (two angles), the tailgate (two angles—one for backing up and one for connecting your hitch), and the front dash camera. Together, these cameras create the bird’s-eye view of the truck and trailer. An additional camera can also be added inside your horse trailer, allowing you to keep an eye on your horses while trailering.
The representative explained that the cameras provide up to 14 available camera views and a comprehensive 360-degree view around the truck and trailer. I wasn’t in the market for a new truck, but I’m rethinking that now. I want one of these! GMC offers 1500, 2500, and 3500 models, all built to work hard, play hard, and provide added confidence with advanced safety features.
Comfort, style, and safety—whether you’re hauling a horse trailer to a competition, heading out for a weekend adventure, or simply driving into town, GMC’s AT4 and Denali trims bring capability and premium features across the lineup. Capability and comfort aren’t reserved for one model—they’re available in the truck or SUV that best fits your lifestyle.
Specs for Hauling with GMC – Trailering Technology & Tow Capability
Discover more about GMC’s advanced trailering features include HD Surround Vision, In-Vehicle Trailering App, and Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert.
Standard on: AT4, AT4X, Denali, and Denali Ultimate
Available on: SLE, SLT, and Elevation (Sierra 1500)
HD Surround Vision
Provides an overhead view of the vehicle’s surroundings displayed on the centre stack screen. Includes front camera washer.
In-Vehicle Trailering App
Features include trailer setup checklist, maintenance reminders, security alerts, mileage tracking, Tow/Haul reminders, electrical diagnostics, and Trailer Tire Pressure Monitor System module.
Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert
Helps provide added awareness of areas alongside the vehicle and trailer while towing.
Discover more about GMC Sierra Towing Capability
Sierra 1500 – up to 13,300 lbs. maximum available towing capacity when properly configured.
Sierra HD (2500/3500) – up to 36,000 lbs. maximum available towing capacity when properly configured.
Sierra 2500 HD AT4/AT4X – up to 17,300 lbs.
AT4 with Max Trailering Package – Up to 20,800 lbs.
It’s easy to see why GMC has been part of Western Canada’s horse community for decades. These trucks are built to be part of the journey. The GMC Vehicle Immersion Experience at the Calgary Stampede was a great reminder of just how closely GMC is connected to the Western lifestyle.
From the barn to the road, explore GMC’s lineup of trucks and trailering technologies at gmccanada.ca
Article by Laureen James, photos provided by GMC Canada, graphics by Saddle Up Magazine. Laureen is a BCom, journalist, and a EC/NCCP Coach Certification IOB. She has covered rodeos, show jumping, and other related events over the past few years as a journalist and photographer.
