GMC Sierra Towing Capacity

If you’re looking for a competent pickup truck in Woodbridge, Virginia, consider coming to Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC to view the 2021 GMC Sierra. Available in 1500, 2500HD, and 3500HD versions, this solidly built truck can achieve a maximum towing capacity of 36,000 pounds, the second-highest in its segment. However, its tow rating can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the engine, drivetrain, cab style, and towing equipment. Check out this detailed guide to the towing capacity of the 2021 GMC Sierra.

2021 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is a great option if you plan to do light- or medium-duty towing. This version of the Sierra comes with five powertrain options, which are:

• 4.6-liter V-6 with 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque and a six-speed automatic transmission.
• 2.7-liter turbo-four with 310 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
• 5.3-liter V-8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque and a six-, eight-, or 10-speed automatic transmission.
• 3.0-liter turbo-diesel with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque and a 10-speed automatic transmission.
• 6.2-liter V-8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque and a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Additionally, the truck comes with two drivetrain choices: rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. It’s also available in regular, double, and Crew Cab body styles and short, standard, and long box lengths.

If you opt for the base V-6 engine, the tow rating of the GMC Sierra 1500 ranges from 7,400 to 7,900 pounds. You can tow up to 7,900 pounds by choosing a Regular Cab model with rear-wheel drive and the standard box.

The truck can tow up to 9,100 pounds with the Crew Cab body style, rear-wheel drive, and a short or standard box when equipped with the turbo-four engine. A Crew Cab model with four-wheel drive has a slightly lower tow rating of 8,900 pounds.

Moving up to the 5.3-liter V-8 results in a towing capacity range of 8,800 to 9,900 pounds. If you want to be able to pull up to 9,900 pounds, you need to get a Regular Cab model with two-wheel drive and a long box.

A diesel-powered model can lug a maximum weight of 8,500 to 9,200 pounds. To pull 9,200 pounds, it needs to be in the Crew Cab configuration and fitted with rear-wheel drive and a short box.

The Sierra 1500 reaches its full towing potential with the 6.2-liter V-8 engine, Crew Cab body style, four-wheel drive, standard box, and the Max Trailering Package. With this combination, the truck can tow up to 11,800 pounds. The least capable model with the top-of-the-line engine is a Crew Cab with four-wheel drive and a short box, which has a significantly lower towing capacity of 8,600 pounds.

2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD

If you plan to use your new pickup truck to tow hefty loads, you should get the GMC Sierra 2500HD or 3500HD. As the “heavy duty” versions of the Sierra, the 2500HD and 3500HD are mainly used in construction sites and farms, but they’re also often seen towing boats and campers. Regardless of which of the two versions you choose, you’ll have a choice of two powertrains, which are:

• 6.6-liter V-8 with 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque and a six-speed automatic transmission.
• 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V-8 with 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque and a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Similar to the Sierra 1500, the 2500HD and 3500 HD come standard with rear-wheel drive and offer four-wheel drive as an option. In addition, you can opt for a Regular Cab, Double Cab, or Crew Cab and a standard or long bed.

The GMC Sierra 2500HD can achieve a maximum towing capacity of 14,500 pounds with four-wheel drive, the Crew Cab body style, and a conventional hitch with a gas-powered engine. If it’s equipped with a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch, it can pull up to 16,620 pounds. Choosing the turbo-diesel engine increases the tow rating of the 2500HD to 18,500 pounds, regardless of the drivetrain, body style, box length, or trailer hitch.

For optimal towing capabilities, go for the Sierra 3500HD. When it’s fitted with a long bed, this version of the Sierra comes in two-wheel configurations: single rear wheels and dual rear wheels. If you choose the gas-powered engine, a Crew Cab model can tow up to 16,530 pounds with four-wheel drive and a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch.

On the other hand, the diesel engine enables a Sierra 3500HD model with four-wheel drive, the Crew Cab body style, a long box, a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch, and dual rear wheels to deliver a maximum towing capacity of 31,180 pounds. If you equip this specific model with the available towing packages and features, you can increase its tow rating to a whopping 36,000 pounds.

Towing Features of the 2021 GMC Sierra

Other than a tough body, powerful engines, and basic towing equipment, the 2021 GMC Sierra also offers an array of available features that enable it to tow more effectively and safely, including:

• Max Trailering Package: The Max Trailering Package includes heavy-duty rear springs, revised shock tuning, automatic locking rear differential, a 220-amp alternator, a radiator cooler, and a trailer brake controller.
• Trailering Camera Package: Side-view mirror cameras and a trailer-mounted camera for improved side and rear visibility.
• Integrated trailer brake controller: With the integrated trailer brake controller, you can conveniently activate and monitor the trailer brakes from inside your truck.
• Traction select system: This feature enables you to adjust the StabiliTrak system, the transmission shift points, and throttle mapping to improve your truck’s traction when towing or hauling.
• Auto electric parking brake assist: This industry-first technology will automatically apply the electronic parking brakes for enhanced safety when you park your truck.

The best way to determine whether the 2021 GMC Sierra can meet your expectations is to take it for a test drive at Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Image via Flickr by truckhardware
Image via Flickr by truckhardware

Tags: GMC Sierra 1500, Towing
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