GMC Sierra Towing Capacity by Engine Option

GMC Sierra trucks are built to help you get the job done. Whether you opt for the full-sized Sierra 1500 pickup or need a heavy-duty truck for the most demanding tasks, GMC has you covered. A range of engine options provides the necessary power and torque for towing and hauling, while a variety of features and technical equipment gives you extra support when you’re carrying a load. If you’re unsure which GMC truck is right for your needs, here’s an overview of your options.

What Is Towing Capacity?

Towing capacity refers to the maximum amount of weight your truck can pull behind it, including the weight of the trailer and any cargo it’s carrying. It’s crucial to stay within this limit to avoid damaging your vehicle’s frame, axles, and other components. Paying attention to your towing capacity also helps ensure your vehicle stays safe on the road, maintaining its ability to brake and accelerate effectively. Several factors impact towing capacity, including your truck’s engine type and towing features, such as the type of hitch you’re using.

It’s important to distinguish between towing capacity and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The GVWR is the maximum total weight a vehicle can safely handle, which includes the vehicle itself, passengers, and any cargo. Every vehicle has a GVWR, including both trucks and trailers. For example, your GMC Sierra's 1500 GVWR represents the total weight it can support, including occupants and any cargo in the cab or bed. The trailer you tow with your Sierra 1500 will also have its own GVWR, which is the maximum combined weight of the trailer and the cargo it carries.

If the trailer’s GVWR is lower than your truck’s towing capacity, you can safely hitch it up. If it’s higher, you’ll only be able to tow it safely by ensuring that the total trailer and cargo weight plus the weight of your truck and its occupants doesn’t exceed your truck’s towing capacity.

GMC Sierra Model Overview

If you’ve decided to purchase a GMC truck for your towing needs, you can choose between the Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500HD, or Sierra 3500HD. The biggest difference between these trucks is their towing capacity. In terms of their interior layout, they’re comparatively similar. All three trucks can be equipped with a regular, double, or crew cab. The regular cab is ideal for work trucks, since it gives you just one row of seats and leaves space for the longer cargo beds on offer.

The double and crew cabs are sensible choices if you want to combine towing on the job with transporting family members or friends during your free time. Both cabs can accommodate up to six people, but the crew cab offers significantly more legroom in the rear row. As a rule, you’ll probably want the crew cab if you often have adult passengers riding in the second row.

The Sierra 1500 has a base turbocharged four-cylinder engine capable of putting out 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. This engine gives the truck its best payload capacity. Alternatively, you can opt for a 5.3L V-8 that can churn out 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, or the largest V-8, a 6.2L unit capable of making 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Finally, you can get a 3.0L turbodiesel engine that can make 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, great numbers if towing is your top priority.

As you’d expect, for heavy-duty trucks such as the Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD, the engines are brawnier and capable of a bit more than those in the 1500. The base engine is a 6.6L V-8 capable of 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. You’ll get even better performance from the 6.6L turbodiesel V-8, which can pump out a remarkable 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque.

Towing Capacity by Engine Option for GMC Sierra 1500

The best towing engine in the Sierra 1500 is the turbodiesel unit. It achieves the maximum towing capacity for this truck — 13,200 pounds — which is enough to haul most large campers. The bigger V-8 comes close to this towing limit at around 13,000 pounds. If you need to tow significantly heavier loads, you’ll want to take a look at the 2500HD and 3500HD towing limits below.

Towing Capacity by Engine Option for GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD

The clear winner for towing performance in GMC’s heavy-duty trucks is the turbodiesel V-8. It helps ensure that you reach the 22,500-pound towing limit offered in the 2500HD and the astonishing 36,000-pound towing capacity of the 3500HD. Note that you’d need to equip the 3500HD with a double rear axle and a gooseneck hitch to achieve this higher towing limit with the diesel engine.

GMC’s Max Trailering Package

The Max Trailering package is a must-have for professional towing, whichever Sierra version you’re driving. It comes with a variety of essential towing-assistance features that will make your job a lot easier. For example, you get a trailer brake, trailer cameras for monitoring your load, and hitch guidance. These extras can make all the difference between a straightforward towing job and difficult handling problems on the road or job site.

Find Your Perfect GMC Sierra Towing Machine at Steve Austin’s Auto Group

As you can see, all the GMC Sierra pickups are capable of great towing performance. The key to making your decision is determining what your towing needs are. If you tow recreationally, a well-equipped Sierra 1500 should do the job. It’s more than powerful enough to handle a family camper or a utility trailer. By contrast, if your job involves hauling heavy loads or freight cargo, the 2500HD and 3500HD will be right for you. Feel free to reach out to our team of truck experts at Steve Austin’s Auto Group in Bellefontaine, Ohio, to learn more about our auto loans and trade-in program to help fund your purchase.