GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity by Year (2017–2026)
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 tows up to 11,800 lb. Pick a year for every engine, cab and axle ratio.
Ratings on this page last changed .
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2021 Sierra 1500Highest rated
11,800lb trailer
6.2L V8, Crew, Standard bed, 4WD, 3.42 axle, max tow package
- GCWR
- 17,800
- Hitch
- Class V
- Years
- 1
Maximum towing capacity by model year
| Year | Max trailer (lb) | Configuration that achieves it |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 11,8002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 17 · 16 Sep 2026 | 6.2L V8, Crew, Standard bed, 4WD, 3.42 axle, max tow package |
No manufacturer ratings published on this site yet for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
All 38 2021 configurations · or open the 2021 page
| Engine | Cab / body | Bed | Drive | Axle | Tow pkg | Max trailer (lb) | Payload (lb) | GVWR (lb) | GCWR (lb) | Hitch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.2L V8 | Crew | Standard bed | 4WD | 3.42 | Max tow package | 11,8002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 17 · 16 Sep 2026 | 1,960 | 7,300 | 17,800 | Class V |
| 6.2L V8 | Crew | Short bed | 4WD | 3.42 | Max tow package | 11,7002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 17 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,000 | 7,300 | 17,800 | Class V |
| 5.3L V8 (L84) and 5.3L V8 (L84/YK9 ) | Double | Standard bed | 2WD | 3.42 | Max tow package | 11,3002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 17 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,170 | 7,100 | 16,800 | Class V |
| 5.3L V8 (L84) and 5.3L V8 (L84/YK9 ) | Crew | Short bed | 2WD | 3.42 | Max tow package | 11,2002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 17 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,140 | 7,100 | 16,800 | Class V |
| 5.3L V8 (L84) and 5.3L V8 (L84/YK9 ) | Double | Standard bed | 4WD | 3.42 | Max tow package | 11,0002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 17 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,150 | 7,300 | 16,800 | Class V |
| 5.3L V8 (L84) and 5.3L V8 (L84/YK9 ) | Crew | Short bed | 4WD | 3.42 | Max tow package | 10,9002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 17 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,120 | 7,300 | 16,800 | Class V |
| 5.3L V8 (L84) and 5.3L V8 (L84/YK9 ) | Crew | Standard bed | 4WD | 3.42 | Max tow package | 10,9002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 17 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,080 | 7,300 | 16,800 | Class V |
| 5.3L V8 (L82) and 5.3L V8 (L82/YK9 ) (Base Sierra Trim Only) | Regular | Long bed | 2WD | 3.42 | — | 9,9002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 16 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,180 | 6,800 | 15,000 | Class IV |
| 5.3L V8 (L82) and 5.3L V8 (L82/YK9 ) (Base Sierra Trim Only) | Crew | Short bed | 2WD | 3.42 | — | 9,7002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 16 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,060 | 6,900 | 15,000 | Class IV |
| 5.3L V8 (L82) and 5.3L V8 (L82/YK9 ) (Base Sierra Trim Only) | Double | Standard bed | 2WD | 3.42 | — | 9,7002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 16 · 16 Sep 2026 | 1,970 | 6,800 | 15,000 | Class IV |
| 5.3L V8 (L82) and 5.3L V8 (L82/YK9 ) (Base Sierra Trim Only) | Regular | Long bed | 4WD | 3.42 | — | 9,7002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 16 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,070 | 6,900 | 15,000 | Class IV |
| 5.3L V8 (L84) and 5.3L V8 (L84/YK9 ) | Crew | Short bed | 2WD | 3.23 | Max tow package | 9,5002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 17 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,140 | 7,100 | 16,800 | Class IV |
| 5.3L V8 (L84) and 5.3L V8 (L84/YK9 ) | Double | Standard bed | 2WD | 3.23 | Max tow package | 9,5002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 17 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,170 | 7,100 | 16,800 | Class IV |
| 5.3L V8 (L82) and 5.3L V8 (L82/YK9 ) (Base Sierra Trim Only) | Crew | Short bed | 4WD | 3.42 | — | 9,4002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 16 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,050 | 7,100 | 15,000 | Class IV |
| 5.3L V8 (L82) and 5.3L V8 (L82/YK9 ) (Base Sierra Trim Only) | Crew | Standard bed | 4WD | 3.42 | — | 9,4002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 16 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,000 | 7,100 | 15,000 | Class IV |
| 5.3L V8 (L82) and 5.3L V8 (L82/YK9 ) (Base Sierra Trim Only) | Double | Standard bed | 4WD | 3.42 | — | 9,4002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 16 · 16 Sep 2026 | 1,950 | 7,000 | 15,000 | Class IV |
| 3.0L Duramax I6 Turbo Diesel | Double | Standard bed | 2WD | 3.23 | — | 9,3002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 17 · 16 Sep 2026 | 1,760 | 6,900 | 15,000 | Class IV |
| 2.7L Turbo | Double | Standard bed | 2WD | 3.42 | — | 9,2002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 16 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,060 | 6,800 | 14,500 | Class IV |
| 3.0L Duramax I6 Turbo Diesel | Crew | Short bed | 2WD | 3.23 | — | 9,2002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 17 · 16 Sep 2026 | 1,830 | 7,000 | 15,000 | Class IV |
| 5.3L V8 (L84) and 5.3L V8 (L84/YK9 ) | Crew | Short bed | 4WD | 3.23 | Max tow package | 9,2002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 17 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,120 | 7,300 | 16,800 | Class IV |
| 5.3L V8 (L84) and 5.3L V8 (L84/YK9 ) | Double | Standard bed | 4WD | 3.23 | Max tow package | 9,2002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 17 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,150 | 7,300 | 16,800 | Class IV |
| 2.7L Turbo | Crew | Short bed | 2WD | 3.42 | — | 9,1002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 16 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,060 | 6,800 | 14,500 | Class IV |
| 5.3L V8 (L84) and 5.3L V8 (L84/YK9 ) | Crew | Standard bed | 4WD | 3.23 | Max tow package | 9,1002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 17 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,080 | 7,300 | 16,800 | Class IV |
| 2.7L Turbo | Double | Standard bed | 4WD | 3.42 | — | 9,0002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 16 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,050 | 7,000 | 14,500 | Class IV |
| 3.0L Duramax I6 Turbo Diesel | Double | Standard bed | 4WD | 3.23 | — | 9,0002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 17 · 16 Sep 2026 | 1,750 | 7,100 | 15,000 | Class IV |
| 6.2L V8 | Crew | Standard bed | 4WD | 3.23 | Max tow package | 9,0002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 17 · 16 Sep 2026 | 1,960 | 7,300 | 17,800 | Class IV |
| 2.7L Turbo | Crew | Short bed | 4WD | 3.42 | — | 8,9002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 16 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,040 | 7,000 | 14,500 | Class IV |
| 2.7L Turbo | Crew | Standard bed | 4WD | 3.42 | — | 8,9002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 16 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,000 | 7,000 | 14,500 | Class IV |
| 3.0L Duramax I6 Turbo Diesel | Crew | Standard bed | 4WD | 3.23 | — | 8,8002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 17 · 16 Sep 2026 | 1,770 | 7,200 | 15,000 | Class IV |
| 6.2L V8 | Crew | Short bed | 4WD | 3.23 | Max tow package | 8,6002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 17 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,000 | 7,300 | 17,800 | Class IV |
| 3.0L Duramax I6 Turbo Diesel | Crew | Short bed | 4WD | 3.23 | — | 8,5002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 17 · 16 Sep 2026 | 1,810 | 7,200 | 15,000 | Class IV |
| 4.3L V6 | Regular | Long bed | 2WD | 3.42 | — | 7,8002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 16 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,250 | 6,800 | 12,800 | Class III |
| 4.3L V6 | Crew | Short bed | 2WD | 3.42 | — | 7,6002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 16 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,040 | 6,800 | 12,800 | Class III |
| 4.3L V6 | Double | Standard bed | 2WD | 3.42 | — | 7,6002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 16 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,040 | 6,800 | 12,800 | Class III |
| 4.3L V6 | Regular | Long bed | 4WD | 3.42 | — | 7,6002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 16 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,130 | 6,900 | 12,800 | Class III |
| 4.3L V6 | Crew | Short bed | 4WD | 3.42 | — | 7,4002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 16 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,010 | 7,000 | 12,800 | Class III |
| 4.3L V6 | Crew | Standard bed | 4WD | 3.42 | — | 7,4002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 16 · 16 Sep 2026 | 1,970 | 7,000 | 12,800 | Class III |
| 4.3L V6 | Double | Standard bed | 4WD | 3.42 | — | 7,4002021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 16 · 16 Sep 2026 | 2,020 | 7,000 | 12,800 | Class III |
Safety: Manufacturer ratings assume a properly equipped vehicle. Your vehicle's certification label (driver's door jamb) and owner's manual override this site.
Can the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 tow it?
Enter the loaded trailer weight. Tongue weight is assumed at 13% for the payload check; passengers and cargo are not included — use the full calculator for those.
Enter a trailer weight to see whether it is within every published limit for the configuration you pick.
Towing setup for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
What to fit, in order · sized to its 11,800 lb rating
This page contains sponsored product links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no cost to you. How this works.
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Class V receiver hitchEssential
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is rated to 11,800 lb, which falls in Class V (over 10,000 lb).
- See options on Amazon →
Ball mountEssential
Ball mount drop/rise to keep the trailer level.
- See options on Amazon →
7-pin wiring harnessEssential
A 7-pin connector carries the brake-controller output and 12V charge line.
- See options on Amazon →
Trailer brake controllerHeavier trailers
Trailers over about 1,500 lb need their own brakes in most US states; thresholds vary by state.
- See options on Amazon →
Weight-distribution hitchHeavier trailers
Recommended when the trailer exceeds the manufacturer's threshold for this configuration or half the vehicle's curb weight.
- See options on Amazon →
Tow mirrorsWide trailers
Required in many states when the trailer is wider than the tow vehicle.
Links open a search filtered to this vehicle. Confirm fit with the seller before buying; the manufacturer's rating and your door-jamb label still set the limit.
Frequently asked
- How much can a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 tow?
- The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 tows up to 11,800 lb when equipped as 6.2L V8, Crew, Standard bed, 4WD, 3.42 axle, max tow package (2021 GMC Trailering Guide, page 17, retrieved 16 Sep 2026).
- How much can a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 with the 6.2L V8 tow?
- Up to 11,800 lb, as 6.2L V8, Crew, Standard bed, 4WD, 3.42 axle, max tow package. Across the 4 configurations with this engine, ratings run from 8,600 lb to 11,800 lb depending on cab, drive and axle ratio.
- How much can a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 with the 5.3L V8 (L84) and 5.3L V8 (L84/YK9 ) tow?
- Up to 11,300 lb, as 5.3L V8 (L84) and 5.3L V8 (L84/YK9 ), Double, Standard bed, 2WD, 3.42 axle, max tow package. Across the 10 configurations with this engine, ratings run from 9,100 lb to 11,300 lb depending on cab, drive and axle ratio.
- How much can a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 with the 5.3L V8 (L82) and 5.3L V8 (L82/YK9 ) (Base Sierra Trim Only) tow?
- Up to 9,900 lb, as 5.3L V8 (L82) and 5.3L V8 (L82/YK9 ) (Base Sierra Trim Only), Regular, Long bed, 2WD, 3.42 axle. Across the 7 configurations with this engine, ratings run from 9,400 lb to 9,900 lb depending on cab, drive and axle ratio.
- Can a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 tow 10,000 lb?
- Only in some configurations. 7 of the 38 listed for 2021 are rated at or above 10,000 lb; the lowest that qualifies is 10,900 lb as 5.3L V8 (L84) and 5.3L V8 (L84/YK9 ), Crew, Short bed, 4WD, 3.42 axle, max tow package. The rest are rated below it, so the configuration decides.
- Which 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 configurations can tow 10,000 lb?
- 7 of the 38 listed for 2021 are rated at or above 10,000 lb, the highest being 6.2L V8, Crew, Standard bed, 4WD, 3.42 axle, max tow package at 11,800 lb. By engine, that is the 6.2L V8 at up to 11,800 lb, the 5.3L V8 (L84) and 5.3L V8 (L84/YK9 ) at up to 11,300 lb. Cab, drive and axle ratio decide the rest, so check the row that matches your vehicle.
- Which Sierra 1500 configuration tows the most?
- For 2021, the highest manufacturer rating is 11,800 lb for the 6.2L V8, Crew, Standard bed, 4WD, 3.42 axle, max tow package. Other engines, axle ratios and cab/drive combinations are rated lower; see the per-year table.
- What is the GCWR of a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?
- Between 12,800 lb and 17,800 lb, depending on the configuration, across the 38 configurations listed for 2021 that state one. Gross combined weight rating is the most the truck and loaded trailer may weigh together. The figure for your own vehicle is on the certification label inside the driver's door jamb, and the table above lists it per configuration.
- What hitch class does the Sierra 1500 need?
- A 11,800 lb rating falls in Class V. Lower-rated configurations may need a lower class; the class never raises the vehicle's own rating.
- Do these ratings apply to my truck?
- Only if your vehicle matches the configuration in the row, including the axle ratio and tow package. Manufacturer ratings assume a properly equipped vehicle; the certification label on the driver's door jamb and the owner's manual override this site.