GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity

2027 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali in Azurite Blue Metallic towing a white boat on a trailer beside water under cloudy skies.

2027 GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Specs at a Glance

  • The GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity is up to 13,500 pounds1 with the upcoming 5.7-liter V-8.
  • Other engine options can tow well over 10,000 pounds, such as the 3.0-liter V-6, while the standard TurboMax and available 6.6-liter V-8 can handle over 9,000 pounds.2
  • The Elevation is the only trim that reaches 13,500 pounds,1 but the 5.7-liter V-8 is available for the Pro, Elevation, AT4, and Denali trims.
  • Be careful when towing: Factors like curb weight and payload capacity can affect how much you can safely haul.
  • Properly prepare to tow with your full-sized pickup truck at Nalley GMC.

Everything You Need To Know About the 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity

Conquer work and play with the upgraded GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity topping out at a mighty 13,500 pounds.1 It's ideal for RVs, heavy utility trailers, ATVs for the dunes, or camping equipment like heavy or midsize campers. However, the GMC Sierra 1500 requires a specific trim level, configuration, and a specialized V-8 engine to reach this height.

At Nalley GMC, we want your light-duty full-size hauler to be your go-to travel companion. We'll take you on a digital tour of the 2027 model so you can decide whether the upcoming 13,500-pound capacity1 is best for you and your family.

2027 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 in Summit White, front three-quarter driver's side view on a rocky desert trail.

GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity: What Can Your Truck Haul?

When choosing any of the new full-size pickup trucks from our GMC Sierra 1500 inventory, you'll find a variety of engine, trim, and cabin options. Currently, we offer Crew Cabs with 2WD and 4WD, plus short or standard beds. We expect Regular and Double Cab models to arrive at our dealership by the end of the year or early 2027, so please stay tuned.

The GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity chart below is based on the most recent information about the 2027 model. Importantly, the 5.7-liter V-8 and 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 both require a Max Trailering package to achieve their maximum capacity, while the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and 6.6-liter V-8 do not.

2027 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali in Azurite Blue Metallic towing a white boat beside water on a gravel road.

Towing Capacity by Engine

Engine Available Trims Max Towing Capacity
2.7L TurboMax 4-Cyl
  • Pro
  • Elevation
9,400 lbs2
3.0L Turbo-Diesel V-6
  • Pro
  • Elevation
  • AT4
  • Denali
  • AT4X
  • Denali Ultimate
12,100 lbs2
5.7L V-8
  • Pro
  • Elevation
  • AT4
  • Denali
13,500 lbs1
6.6L V-8
  • Denali
  • AT4X
  • Denali Ultimate
9,400 lbs2

Towing Capacity by Trim: How Do Trims Change Your Towing Capacity?

As you can see in the chart above, your trim choice affects which engine you can select, a major factor in towing capacity. Outside of powertrain, your trim also matters for:

  • Package Options: The Elevation is the only trim with the Max Trailering Package. No other trim can haul like it. So, if you're consistently towing over 12,000 pounds, the Elevation is the clear pick.
  • Curb Weight: Trims with a higher curb weight, like the Denali Ultimate and AT4X, are naturally heavier than simpler trims. This reduces towing capacity, as your frame can only handle so much weight – both on and behind it.
  • Configurations: Generally, the Double Cab and Regular Cab will be better for towing than the Crew Cab.
2027 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X in Sterling Metallic and AT4 in Summit White parked on dirt before snow-capped mountains.

GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity Through the Years

Max Towing Capacity
2027 13,500 lbs1
2026 13,300 lbs2
2025 13,300 lbs2
2024 13,200 lbs2
2023 13,200 lbs2
2022 13,200 lbs2
2021 11,800 lbs2
2020 12,000 lbs2
2019 12,200 lbs2
2018 12,500 lbs2
2017 12,500 lbs2
2016 12,000 lbs2
2015 12,000 lbs2
2014 12,000 lbs2
2013 10,700 lbs2
2012 10,700 lbs2
2011 10,700 lbs2
2010 10,700 lbs2
2009 10,700 lbs2
2008 10,500 lbs2
2007 10,500 lbs2
2006 10,300 lbs2

Maximum Payload vs. Towing Capacity: Are They Related?

Payload and towing capacities tend to be inversely related: The 2.7-liter TurboMax four-cylinder provides the maximum payload capacity of up to 2,320 pounds when properly equipped,3 despite having a lower towing capacity than engines like the 5.7-liter V-8 or 6.6-liter V-8.

In addition, when calculating for your upcoming trip, it's critical to keep payload capacity in mind, even if you're not putting much equipment in the bed. That's because your trailer's tongue weight (the weight of the part of the trailer that attaches to your hitch) needs to be added when you are measuring payload. If your payload, including passengers, exceeds your GMC Sierra 1500's overall capacity, it could cause stress and wear to the frame.

2027 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate in Dark Ridge Metallic towing a boat beside water.

Tips for Safe Towing

While a high tow capacity is a strong baseline, having a responsible checklist is crucial for responsible towing. There are many things you should do before hitching up and heading to the interstate:

  1. Weigh After Storage: Your towing capacity is not for an empty trailer. Store all equipment, add-ons, and clothes you plan to pack on your trailer before the initial weigh-in. Also, weigh your tongue weight if your trailer is approaching your truck's max limit. If your tongue weighs more than 10% of your trailer, you may need to rebalance cargo toward the center of the trailer.
  2. Check Your Equipment: Before hitching up, make sure your wiring harness is handy and that you have a safety chain. The wiring harness powers the trailer lights and brakes and is typically required for trailers over 3,000 pounds. We recommend using your owner's manual or trailer manual to properly connect your integrated brake or lights. Any trailer should have a safety chain to reduce the risk of it falling out of the hitch and out of control.
  3. Hitch With a Friend: While the GMC Sierra 1500 has Hitch View (standard on the Elevation trim), it's always a good idea to attach your trailer with a friend. They can help you slowly guide your truck to your cargo and reduce the chance of bumping into it.
  4. Test the Connection: Before driving for real, you should test your connection by either pulling the trailer straight backward or driving slowly. Also, make sure your trailer's brakes and lights work when you turn them on.
  5. Test-Drive: If you're not comfortable driving alongside a trailer, take time to go to a safe parking lot or flat field and practice driving at 30 and 40 mph. See how your trailer reacts to turns, how much longer it takes to brake properly, and how much wider you need to turn to clear curbs.
  6. Drive Carefully: When you get on the highway, drive around 50 mph. Staying slightly below the speed limit may seem counterintuitive, but your engine works hard to pull your trailer. Staying at 50 mph improves performance, fuel efficiency, and safety.
Top: 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali in Azurite Blue Metallic front grille; bottom: rear three-quarter view by the water.

Towing Packages To Keep Your Eye On

Expand your towing capability with a list of add-ons perfect for active hauling. Some of the most important setups include:

  • Trailering Package
  • Max Trailering Package
  • Trailer Technology Package
  • Utility Wall Trailer Hitch Holder
  • Trailering Mirrors & Cameras

We also recommend options like Assist Steps or cargo bed lights to help you and your family confidently navigate the GMC Sierra 1500. Please contact us for more add-on recommendations.

2027 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate in Dark Ridge Metallic, rear three-quarter driver's side view inside an aircraft hangar.

Learn Your Tow Rating at Nalley GMC

Once you're ready to take on the world, the GMC Sierra 1500 at your local GMC dealer in Brunswick, GA, will be set up for a test drive. Our GMC Sierra 1500 lease specials are perfect for drivers who need a full-size truck for a few summers or want to try out the lifestyle without fully committing to the title.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which GMC Sierra 1500 trim has the highest towing capacity?

To reach the new GMC Sierra 1500 maximum towing capacity of 13,500 pounds,1 you'll need the Elevation trim. This level, specifically with the Double Cab standard bed configuration, 4WD, and the newly upgraded 5.7-liter V-8 engine, is the only one capable of reaching this impressive new height. This configuration has late availability, so contact us for more information.

What is the Max Trailering Package on the GMC Sierra 1500?

The Max Trailering package for the GMC Sierra 1500, exclusive to the Elevation trim level, includes:

  • Trailering package
  • Better towing and GCWR
  • Automatic locking rear differential
  • Handling/Trailering suspension package
  • Enhanced cooling radiator
  • Revised shock tuning
  • Heavier-duty rear springs and increased rear gross axle weight rating (RGAWR)
  • 9.76-inch rear axle
  • 3.42 axle ratio (3.73 with the diesel engine)
  • Trailer brake controller

What is the maximum towing capacity of the GMC Sierra 1500?

The new maximum towing capacity of the 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 is 13,500 pounds.1 This enhanced capacity exceeds previous full-size truck levels, easily handling larger trailers and campers. However, this requires a specific configuration and the 5.7-liter V-8 engine.


1Late availability. Requires a Elevation Double Cab 4WD standard bed model with available 5.7L engine, Trailer Technology Package, Max Trailering Package, Spray-on bedliner, 20" wheels and all-terrain tires. 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.

2GM-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.

3These 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.

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178 Altama Connector, Brunswick, GA, 31525
Nalley GMC 31.21274, -81.48962.