GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity
2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Towing At a Glance
- The GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity depends on engine, with a standard limit of 9,400 pounds and an available maximum of 13,300 pounds.1
- For the best payload, you want the standard engine, at 2,410 pounds.2 The other engines are close behind.
- This is among the highest max towing capacity in the history of the GMC Sierra 1500: barely higher than the 13,200-pound capacity of 2024 and much higher than the series's lowest, which was 7,000 pounds in 1999.1
- For a full-sized pickup truck, you get incredible available towing amenities, including an in-vehicle trailering app, 14 distinct camera views, Hitch Guidance, and more!
- The GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity is perfect for families who plan on going to the shore with a fishing boat, carrying a small vehicle (like a motorcycle) in the excellent cargo space offered by the bed, and
GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Specs: Year, Engine, & Technology
The GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity of 13,300 pounds is perfect for most families.1 This capacity offers enough force to handle campers, small vehicles, medium-sized fishing boats, and livestock trailers. However, the Sierra has multiple engine options, such as the standard 2.7-liter TurboMax four-cylinder with a rating of 9,400 pounds, its available gas 5.3-liter V-8 with a 11,200-pound limit, and the 6.2-liter V-8 engine, which can handle 13,100 pounds of hitched weight.1 Only the 3.0-liter turbo diesel V-6 can reach the pinnacle of GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity, making it your best bet if you plan on towing larger trailers consistently.
But, as any truck driver knows, the tow rating is only the start of a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable towing journey. Now that you know the limits of the GMC Sierra 1500, it's time to see what else this truck can do. Then, you can visit Griffin Buick GMC and try this full-sized pickup truck for yourself.
What Is the GMC Sierra 1500 Payload Capacity?
While the maximum towing capacity of your pickup is primarily based on its engine, the payload depends on a myriad of factors, such as your trim level, configuration, and add-ons. Pinning down your payload is unique for each configuration. Generally, though, the 2.7-liter TurboMax four-cylinder engine with the Regular Cab and Standard Bed has the best payload capacity, at an estimated 2,410 pounds.2 The other engines weigh more and are in configurations with higher curb weight, meaning they tend to be lower than the standard engine. However, the 3.0-liter turbo diesel V-6 is rated higher than one might expect for a diesel engine, making it a fantastic option for towing and payload alike.
Before storing heavy items in the bed of the GMC Sierra 1500, check your owner's manual for the specific payload capacity and GVWR of your model, as they may differ from the maximum payload your engine can achieve. In some cases, you may receive the GVWR of your GMC Sierra 1500 instead of the payload capacity. To find your model's proper limit, subtract your vehicle's curb weight from its GVWR. Finally, please account for your passengers' weight when determining your carrying capacity.
GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity Chart
| 2.7L 4-Cyl | 5.3L V-8 | 6.2L V-8 | 3.0L Turbo Diesel V-6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Towing Capacity | 9,400 lbs1 | 11,200 lbs1 | 13,100 lbs1 | 13,300 lbs1 |
| Max Payload Capacity | 2,410 lbs2 | 2,286 lbs2 | Not provided by OEM | 2,372 lbs2 |
How Has the GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity Changed?
With a nearly 30-year legacy, the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 is built upon generations of full-sized pickup truck innovation. Thanks to the expertise of GMC manufacturers, the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 is tied for the highest towing capacity in its lineup, though only by a small margin. Check out the chart below for a detailed overview of the years of the GMC Sierra 1500 and how much they can tow (as well as an idea of their maximum payload capacity).
GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity Chart Over the Years
| Max Towing Capacity | Max Payload Capacity | |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 13,300 lbs1 | 2,410 lbs2 |
| 2025 | 13,300 lbs1 | 2,260 lbs2 |
| 2024 | 13,200 lbs1 | 2,240 lbs2 |
| 2023 | 13,200 lbs1 | 2,240 lbs2 |
| 2022 | 13,200 lbs1 | 2,240 lbs2 |
| 2021 | 11,800 lbs1 | 2,250 lbs2 |
| 2020 | 12,000 lbs1 | 2,240 lbs2 |
| 2019 | 12,200 lbs1 | 2,240 lbs2 |
| 2018 | 12,500 lbs1 | 2,250 lbs2 |
| 2017 | 12,500 lbs1 | 2,250 lbs2 |
| 2016 | 12,000 lbs1 | 2,260 lbs2 |
| 2015 | 12,000 lbs1 | 2,270 lbs2 |
| 2014 | 11,500 lbs1 | 2,108 lbs2 |
| 2013 | 10,700 lbs1 | 1,527 lbs2 |
| 2012 | 10,700 lbs1 | 1,648 lbs2 |
| 2011 | 10,700 lbs1 | 1,663 lbs2 |
| 2010 | 10,700 lbs1 | 1,650 lbs2 |
| 2009 | 10,700 lbs1 | 1,909 lbs2 |
| 2008 | 10,500 lbs1 | 1,965 lbs2 |
| 2007 | 10,500 lbs1 | 3,129 lbs2 |
| 2006 | 10,500 lbs1 | 3,129 lbs2 |
| 2005 | 10,200 lbs1 | 3,073 lbs2 |
| 2004 | 10,000 lbs1 | 3,570 lbs2 |
| 2003 | 10,200 lbs1 | 3,114 lbs2 |
| 2002 | 11,200 lbs1 | 2,265 lbs2 |
| 2001 | 10,300 lbs1 | Not provided by OEM |
| 2000 | 8,200 lbs1 | Not provided by OEM |
| 1999 | 7,000 lbs1 | Not provided by OEM |
Tech Features: GMC ProGrade Trailering System And More
However, the tow rating and payload limit of your GMC Sierra 1500 is just the beginning. New drivers and veterans alike can benefit from a wide variety of features designed to take your ability to haul cargo to the next level. The trailering package is a must-have for prospective towers, featuring built-in wiring, a hitch platform, and a hitch. But what other features are available?
Take the available camera angles, for example: the GMC Sierra 1500 offers 14 fixed camera angles to enhance your drive, including a Transparent Trailer View, Hitch View, Bed View, and Picture-in-Picture Side View. Depending on your needs, these diverse, comprehensive vision options make hitching, parking, turning, and braking more comfortable and confidence-inspiring.
The GMC ProGrade Trailering System is another accessibility feature, perfect for the daily tower. You can create custom trailer profiles for an easier hitching experience, get an integrated trailer tire pressure monitoring system, test your light wiring, set up a checklist for pre-departure, and schedule maintenance reminders to keep your hardest-working cargo carriers in peak condition.
Further accessories and add-ons (like Hitch Guidance), safety features (such as Lane Centering), and proper configurations all work together to craft a safe, exciting, and consistent towing experience with the GMC Sierra 1500. With your local GMC Dealer, you can explore some of the most popular trailering aids in the business, upgrading your day-to-day or vacation towing schedule.
What Can You Do With The GMC Sierra 1500 Tow Rating?
What can those vacations or daily trailering adventures look like? With a towing capacity of up to 13,300 pounds with the 3.0-liter V-6 turbo diesel,1 the GMC Sierra 1500 is well-suited for small vehicles like ATVs, canoes, or motorcycles. It can also comfortably handle campers: A-frame, teardrop, pop-up, or travel campers are almost always towable by the GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity.
You'll also find that the GMC Sierra 1500 can handle many sizes of fishing boats, like fiberglass skiffs and midsize sailboats. However, as you approach the higher end of fishing vehicles, you'll no longer be able to tow them with the 2.7-liter four-cylinder and require a more heavy-duty powertrain. Those powertrains can handle trailers commonly found on worksites; a livestock trailer, for example, can weigh within that limit, as can covered utility trailers or small dump trailers.
If you're on the search for a work companion or want a truck that's nimble and fun to drive yet capable of hauling a surprising amount of weight (both on the hitch and in the bed), the GMC Sierra 1500 is one of the most versatile and safe options you can choose.
Explore the GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity With Griffin Buick GMC
Interested in the mix of add-ons, towing strengths, and payload limits that make the GMC Sierra 1500 such a potent garage companion? Schedule a test drive with our team. We'll walk you through the Hitch Guidance software and the potential configurations available in our showroom.
Then, once you've found the model that fits your lifestyle, you can apply for auto financing in person or online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the towing capacity of a GMC Sierra 1500?
The GMC Sierra 1500 has a towing capacity of 13,300 pounds with the 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6.1 The other engines are lower; the standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder can tow 9,400 pounds, the available 5.3-liter V-8 can reach a capacity of 11,200 pounds, while a 6.2-liter V-8 can achieve a capacity of 13,100 pounds.1
Does towing capacity change by trim level?
Your trim level can change towing capacity slightly, but the larger factor is engine and configuration. The four distinct engines of the GMC Sierra 1500 have different tow ratings, and the five configurations (with a mixture of Regular, Double, and Crew Cabs, as well as Short, Standard, and Long beds) can adjust your model's limit. The trims of the GMC Sierra change which engines and configurations you may access.
What towing features are available on the GMC Sierra 1500?
The GMC Sierra 1500 offers several innovations to simplify travel. Available options, like an in-vehicle trailering app, outside power-adjustable vertical trailering mirrors, and Hitch Guidance with Trailer View, further improve your confidence while towing and make the process safer. Carefully placed cameras (with up to 14 distinct angles) keep you in control while you back up, find parking, or maneuver the interstate.
Can a GMC Sierra 1500 tow a camper or travel trailer?
Yes, as long as the camper is within the maximum tow rating of 13,300 pounds,1 the GMC Sierra 1500 can theoretically handle it. However, when you prepare to handle a camper or travel option, please take your time to re-weigh your trailer after you stow coolers, clothing, refrigerators, or anything else you plan on bringing on your journey. Drive with care when hauling these larger cargoes.
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1GM-estimated. Maximum trailering ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner's Manual. The trailering capacity of your specific vehicle may vary. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can trailer.
2These maximum payload ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it to haul people or cargo, carefully review the vehicle loading section of the Owner's Manual and check the carrying capacity of your specific vehicle on the label on the inside of the driver's door jamb.