When it comes to towing, GMC has built a reputation for producing vehicles that excel in power, capability, and reliability. But with a variety of models to choose from, which GMC vehicle is the best for towing? In this blog, we'll introduce you to the towing champion of the GMC lineup, breaking down its features and specifications to help you make an informed decision.
Our Pick is: The GMC Sierra 1500
If you're looking for the best GMC for towing, the GMC Sierra 1500 platform is an undeniable standout. Why did we add the "platform" part, well it's to generalize all of the modes and years, and let you decide which one will fit you best.
1. Engine Options
The Sierra 1500 offers a range of engine options, but the standout choice for towing is the 6.2-liter V8 engine. With a whopping 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, this engine provides the muscle needed to handle heavy loads with ease.
2. Suspension Options:
GMC offers a range of suspension options, including the available Adaptive Ride Control. This system adjusts shock absorber damping in real-time to provide a smoother, more controlled ride when towing heavy loads.
3. Towing and Payload Capacity
The Sierra 1500 boasts an impressive towing capacity. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 11,800 pounds, making it one of the best in its class. Whether you're hauling a trailer, a boat, or a camper, the Sierra 1500 has you covered.
In addition to towing capacity, the Sierra 1500 offers a competitive payload capacity of up to 2,280 pounds, ensuring you can carry a variety of cargo in the bed while towing.
A bonus from the GMC folks: To enhance visibility while towing, the Sierra 1500 offers available trailering mirrors. These extendable mirrors provide a broader field of vision, allowing you to navigate with confidence, especially when towing wide loads.
4. Trailering Package
GMC offers a Max Trailering Package, which includes features like a trailer brake controller, a high-capacity air cleaner, and enhanced cooling to optimize towing performance. This package ensures your Sierra 1500 is well-equipped to handle even the most demanding towing tasks.
5. The "ProGrade" Trailering System
The Sierra 1500 is equipped with the ProGrade Trailering System, a suite of advanced technologies designed to make towing easier and safer. It includes features like trailer sway control, hill start assist, and a trailering app that provides a pre-departure checklist and trailer light test.
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FAQs
The Sierra 1500 offers a range of engine options, but the standout choice for towing is the 6.2-liter V8 engine. With a whopping 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, this engine provides the muscle needed to handle heavy loads with ease.
Is the 5.3 or 6.2 better for towing? ›
The 5.3 will not pull as well as the 6.2 and you can now get the 6.2 on the lower level vehicles. But my 5.3 8 speed is pretty nice with 6,000 lbs. Appears from some of the posts that a later model six or eight speed transmission with the 5.3 does a better job of towing than an older model with a four speed.
What is the best GMC motor for towing? ›
If you want to tow as much as possible
In both the Chevrolet range and the Sierra 1500, the 6.2-litre V8 and the Duramax are the engines that pull the most. Whether it's price, fuel economy or raw power, the GMC Sierra 1500 2024 and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2024 have an engine for every need and every scenario.
Which GMC truck has the highest towing capacity? ›
How much can a 3500 HD GMC Sierra pull? The heavy-duty 2024 GMC Sierra 3500 HD has the highest GMC Sierra towing capacity, a maximum gooseneck towing capacity of up to 36,000 pounds.
Which GMC Sierra engine is best? ›
On some higher level trims, the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 replaces the 2.7L TurboMax I4 as the standard engine option. The 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 is the engine for you if you're looking for the beefiest horsepower possible in the GMC Sierra 1500 lineup — 420 horsepower.
Is the 5.3 V8 good at towing? ›
5.3L V8 Engine — produces 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. Towing capacity is boosted to 11,600 pounds.
How much can a 5.3 liter GMC Sierra tow? ›
2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Overview
Standard on Denali, the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500's 5.3L V8 gas engine gets 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque and gets available max towing of up to 11,100 lbs with the Crew Cab short bed 2WD model and Max Trailering Package.
How much can a GMC 6.2 L engine tow? ›
6.2L V8 ENGINE. Max Available Trailering: Up to 13,000 lbs. Max Available Payload: Up to 1,820 lbs.
Is the GM 6.2 a big block? ›
The 6.2L Chevy engine is an LS/LT based General Motors small-block engine. This motor replaced the Chevy small-block Northstar engine and has been in production since 1995. The 6.2L motor is the main V8 used in GM's line of rear-wheel-drive vehicles. Chevy initially rolled out its Active Fuel Management system in 2005.
What year is the GMC Sierra the best? ›
As you can see, the GMC Sierra's reliability goes back to 2004 due to its stout engine and good crash test results. If you're looking for a heavy-duty pickup, the most reliable GMC Sierra 2500HD has high reliability for model years 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2011, and 2010, all from JD Power's rankings.
How to Increase My Vehicle's Towing Capacity
- Upgrade Your Braking System. Upgrading your braking system to include heavy-duty components can help increase your towing capacity. ...
- Replace Axles. ...
- Use a Programmer. ...
- Change Your Suspension System. ...
- Install a Larger Radiator.
One-ton trucks like the GMC Sierra 3500 HD, RAM 3500, Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD, and Ford F-350 Super Duty lead the market in 2024 with maximum towing capacities reaching or exceeding 35,000 lbs., equipped with advanced diesel engines and trailering technologies.
Which Sierra is best for towing? ›
Looking to take your GMC Sierra towing capacity up a notch? Go heavy duty with the GMC Sierra 2500 HD. The 6.6L V8 gas engine comes standard in the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 HD, delivering 401 horsepower and 464 lb. -ft.
How big of a camper can a GMC Sierra 1500 tow? ›
Tucson drivers know that the GMC Sierra is the go-to truck if you have some serious towing to do. In fact, the maximum 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity is an impressive 13,000 pounds. That's enough to tow all kinds of trailers and recreational toys.
What is the towing package for the GMC Sierra 1500? ›
The Max Trailering Package provides enhanced trailering capabilities, helping each of the four Sierra 1500 engine options reach the 13,200-pound max towing capacity it's famous for. The Max Trailering Package is available on the SLE, Elevation, and SLT trim levels.
What is the best 1500 truck for towing? ›
Top 6 1/2 Ton Truck Models for 2024
- Ford F-150.
- Ram 1500 Tradesman & Laramie. If you live in a wintry area, the RAM 1500 is a pro in the snow. ...
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Starting Price: $36,800. ...
- GMC Sierra 1500.
- Toyota Tundra.
- Nissan Titan.
As you can see, the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 with Dynamic Fuel Management and DuraMax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel I-6 engines achieve the highest Silverado 1500 towing capacity — up to 13,300 pounds.
What is the max towing package for the GMC 1500? ›
The Max Trailering Package provides enhanced trailering capabilities, helping each of the four Sierra 1500 engine options reach the 13,200-pound max towing capacity it's famous for. The Max Trailering Package is available on the SLE, Elevation, and SLT trim levels.
How much can a Sierra 1500 3.0 DuraMax tow? ›
Explore the exact 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity by engine, below: 2.7L Turbo High-Output: 9,400 pounds towing capacity. 5.3L V8: 11,200 pounds towing capacity. Enhanced 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel: 13,000 pounds towing capacity.
