GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity (by Engine & Year)
TL;DR
Max towing ranges from about 9,100 lb on a base four-cylinder 2019-2023 Sierra 1500 (per CARFAX, 2023) up to 13,200-13,300 lb with the 3.0L Duramax diesel, first offered for the 2023 model year and continuing into the 2024+ generation - but only with the right engine, drivetrain, and Max Trailering Package.
There is no single towing number for the Sierra 1500
GMC builds the Sierra 1500 with several engines, two drivetrains, multiple cab and bed lengths, different axle ratios, and an optional Max Trailering Package - and each combination changes the rated capacity. A number quoted without those details is not reliable for planning an actual tow.
2019-2023 generation (T1XX)
The base 2.7L turbo four-cylinder is rated around 9,100 lb according to CARFAX's 2023 specifications for this generation (some older published figures show 6,500-6,900 lb, so confirm the number for your specific model year and trim). The 4.3L V6 reaches up to 7,900 lb in a regular cab long bed. The 5.3L V8 climbs to roughly 11,200 to 11,400 lb with the Max Trailering Package. Among gasoline engines, the highest rating in this generation, 12,200 lb, belongs to the 4x4 6.2L V8 Double Cab Standard Bed with a 3.42 axle ratio and the Max Trailering Package (some dealer-published guides show 12,100 lb for this same configuration, so treat the exact figure as approximate until you check your own truck's label). For the 2023 model year, GMC added the 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel to this generation, which raised the overall maximum to 13,200-13,300 lb in a Double Cab Standard Bed with the Max Trailering Package - making the diesel, not the 6.2L V8, the top towing option in the 2019-2023 lineup.
2024-and-newer generation
GMC introduced a new lineup: the 2.7L TurboMax I4 (up to 9,500 lb), the 5.3L V8 (up to 11,200 lb), the 6.2L V8 (up to 13,100 lb), and the 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel, carried over from its 2023 introduction, which tops the range at 13,300 lb in a Double Cab Standard Bed. All of these maximums require the Max Trailering Package - without it, expect noticeably lower ratings on every engine.
Towing capacity by generation and engine
| Generation / years | Engine and configuration | Max towing (lb / kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 4th gen (2019-2023) | 2.7L Turbo I4, various cabs | approx. 9,100 lb (4,128 kg) - per CARFAX 2023; older guides show 6,500-6,900 lb |
| 4th gen (2019-2023) | 4.3L V6, Regular Cab Long Bed | up to 7,900 lb (3,583 kg) |
| 4th gen (2019-2023) | 5.3L V8, with Max Trailering Package | approx. 11,200-11,400 lb (5,080-5,171 kg) |
| 4th gen (2019-2023) | 6.2L V8 4x4, Double Cab Standard Bed, 3.42 axle, Max Trailering Package (top gasoline engine) | approx. 12,100-12,200 lb (5,489-5,534 kg) - sources vary |
| 4th gen (2019-2023) | 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel, added for 2023 model year, Double Cab Standard Bed, Max Trailering Package | approx. 13,200-13,300 lb (5,987-6,033 kg) - generation maximum |
| 5th gen (2024+) | 2.7L TurboMax I4, with Max Trailering Package | up to 9,500 lb (4,309 kg) |
| 5th gen (2024+) | 5.3L V8, with Max Trailering Package | up to 11,200 lb (5,080 kg) |
| 5th gen (2024+) | 6.2L V8, with Max Trailering Package | up to 13,100 lb (5,942 kg) |
| 5th gen (2024+) | 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel, carried over from 2023, Double Cab Standard Bed, Max Trailering Package | up to 13,300 lb (6,033 kg) |
Tongue weight and where to find your exact numbers
GMC's general trailering guidance for the Sierra 1500 is to keep tongue weight around 10-15% of the loaded trailer weight for a conventional weight-carrying hitch, rising to roughly 15-25% for gooseneck or fifth-wheel setups with a weight-distributing hitch. Published maximum tongue-weight numbers vary between sources for this truck, so do not rely on a single web figure for that spec.
Always confirm your specific truck's numbers using the trailering information label on the driver's door jamb, your owner's manual, the wheel and tire information placard, and GMC's official trailering guide for your model year - these reflect your exact engine, cab, bed, axle ratio, and options, which a generic web chart cannot.
Summary
| Base engine (2019-2023), max tow | approx. 9,100 lb (2.7L Turbo I4, per CARFAX 2023) |
|---|---|
| Top gasoline engine (2019-2023), max tow | approx. 12,100-12,200 lb (6.2L V8, 4x4, Max Trailering Package) |
| Top overall engine (2019-2023), max tow | 13,200-13,300 lb (3.0L Duramax diesel, added for 2023 MY) |
| Base engine (2024+), max tow | up to 9,500 lb (2.7L TurboMax I4) |
| Top engine (2024+), max tow | 13,300 lb (3.0L Duramax diesel, Max Trailering Package) |
| Typical tongue weight guidance | 10-15% of loaded trailer weight (conventional hitch) |
| Package required for max ratings | Max Trailering Package (RPO code) |
| Authoritative source for your truck | Driver's door trailering label and owner's manual |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see GMC Sierra 1500: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a GMC Sierra 1500?
It depends on the year and configuration. For 2019-2023 trucks, the highest documented figure is 13,200-13,300 lb, achieved by the 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel introduced for the 2023 model year in a Double Cab Standard Bed with the Max Trailering Package. Among gasoline engines in that generation, the ceiling is about 12,100-12,200 lb with the 4x4 6.2L V8 Double Cab Standard Bed and 3.42 axle ratio. For 2024-and-newer trucks, the top figure is also 13,300 lb with the 3.0L Duramax diesel, also requiring the Max Trailering Package.
When did the 3.0L Duramax diesel become available in the Sierra 1500?
GMC introduced the 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel within the 2019-2023 (T1XX) generation starting with the 2023 model year - it was not a 2024-and-newer exclusive. It carried over into the 2024-and-newer redesign as well, rated up to about 13,200-13,300 lb of maximum towing capacity with the Max Trailering Package.
Do I need the Max Trailering Package to reach the highest towing numbers?
Yes. Every maximum figure GMC publishes for the Sierra 1500 assumes the optional Max Trailering Package is installed. Without it, the same engine and cab combination is rated for noticeably less.
How much can a base 2.7L four-cylinder Sierra 1500 tow?
On the 2019-2023 generation, CARFAX's 2023 specifications rate the base 2.7L turbo four-cylinder at around 9,100 lb, though some older published figures show 6,500-6,900 lb depending on cab configuration - check the figure for your specific model year. The 2024-and-newer TurboMax version of this engine, with the Max Trailering Package, is rated up to 9,500 lb.
Where do I find the exact towing and tongue weight numbers for my own truck?
Check the trailering information label on the driver's door jamb, the wheel and tire placard, your owner's manual, and GMC's official trailering guide for your specific model year. These are the only sources that match your truck's exact engine, axle ratio, cab, bed, and options.