GMC Canyon
Up to 7,700 lbs.
A midsize pickup that balances everyday drivability with useful towing capability.
Good for:
Small campers, boats, utility trailers, ATVs,
landscaping equipment and recreational gear.
GMC Towing Guide
Gilchrist Buick GMC • Tacoma, WA
Built to Tow.
Ready for the Northwest.
From launching a fishing boat near Puget Sound to pulling a travel trailer toward Mount Rainier or hauling equipment to a Tacoma-area jobsite, the right GMC truck can make towing more confident, controlled and comfortable.
7,700
Max Canyon Tow Rating*
13,300
Max Sierra 1500 Tow Rating*
22,390
Max Sierra 2500 HD Tow Rating*
36,000
Max Sierra 3500 HD Tow Rating*
GMC Truck Towing Lineup
How Much Can a GMC Truck Tow?
GMC gives Tacoma-area drivers several ways to approach towing. Start with the loaded weight of your trailer, then consider how often you tow, where you drive and what you carry in the truck.
GMC Sierra 1500
Up to 13,300 lbs.
A full-size pickup for drivers who need more capability without stepping into heavy-duty territory.
Good for:
Travel trailers, larger boats, car haulers,
work trailers and regular towing.
GMC Sierra 2500 HD
Up to 22,390 lbs.
Heavy-duty strength for larger trailers, heavier payloads and demanding work.
Good for:
Fifth-wheel campers, equipment trailers,
horse trailers and commercial loads.
GMC Sierra 3500 HD
Up to 36,000 lbs.
The top of the GMC towing lineup for drivers who routinely pull very heavy trailers.
Good for:
Gooseneck trailers, heavy equipment,
major fifth-wheel RVs and commercial applications.
Sierra 1500 Powertrain Guide
More Than a Tow Rating. Choose the Powertrain That Fits the Job.
Your Sierra 1500's engine, drivetrain, cab, bed, axle ratio, trailering equipment and other configuration details can affect its final towing rating. The figures below are useful starting points when comparing powertrains.
| Powertrain | Power | Torque | Towing Focus | Good Fit For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2.7L TurboMax
Turbocharged Gas
|
310 hp | 430 lb.-ft. | Strong torque for a variety of light-to-moderate towing applications. | Utility trailers, recreational equipment, smaller campers and everyday towing. |
|
5.3L V8
Gas V8
|
355 hp | 383 lb.-ft. | Traditional V8 power for drivers who want proven gasoline towing capability. | Boats, campers, work trailers and regular recreational towing. |
|
6.2L V8
Gas V8
|
420 hp | 460 lb.-ft. | Higher-output gasoline power for drivers who want additional performance. | Larger campers, boats and demanding gasoline towing applications. |
|
3.0L Duramax
Turbo-Diesel
|
305 hp | 495 lb.-ft. | High torque and long-haul capability for drivers who tow regularly. | Frequent towing, highway travel, larger trailers and long-distance trips. |
Maximum towing depends on exact vehicle configuration and equipment. Always verify the rating for the specific GMC truck you are considering.
Built Around Tacoma
Towing in the South Sound Has Its Own Demands.
Tacoma drivers can encounter everything from wet pavement and steep grades to highway traffic, mountain routes and boat ramps. Your truck should be matched to how you actually use it.
Puget Sound & Boat Towing
If your weekend involves a fishing boat, wake boat or personal watercraft, pay attention to more than the trailer's empty weight. Fuel, equipment and gear can add substantial weight before you ever leave the driveway.
- Check the boat and trailer's loaded weight.
- Consider the boat ramp and launch conditions.
- Account for passengers and gear inside the truck.
- Verify hitch and tongue-weight requirements.
Mount Rainier & Mountain Travel
Trips toward Mount Rainier and other Northwest mountain destinations can mean elevation changes, grades and changing weather. Extra towing margin can be valuable when conditions become less predictable.
- Don't size your truck right at its maximum rating.
- Consider torque and cooling capability.
- Leave additional stopping distance.
- Check tires, brakes and trailer connections before departure.
Tacoma-Area Jobsites
Contractors, landscapers and tradespeople may tow enclosed trailers, equipment trailers, tool trailers or material loads. Daily towing can justify moving into a truck with greater capability and payload margin.
- Calculate loaded trailer weight.
- Include tools and cargo carried in the truck.
- Consider towing frequency.
- Review payload as carefully as tow rating.
Wet Weather & Highway Driving
Tacoma-area drivers regularly deal with rain and wet roads. Four-wheel drive can help with traction in appropriate situations, but it does not shorten braking distances or replace careful trailer setup.
- Maintain proper tire condition and inflation.
- Allow extra following distance.
- Make sure trailer brakes are functioning properly.
- Reduce speed when conditions require it.
Tacoma
Everyday commuting, work trailers and local recreation.
Puyallup & South Sound
Campers, boats, landscaping equipment and weekend towing.
Mountain & Northwest Trips
Longer grades, changing weather and heavier recreational loads.
What's Your Trailer?
Enter an approximate loaded trailer weight and how frequently you tow. We'll give you a starting point for which GMC truck class may make sense.
Before You Tow
Know These Numbers Before You Hitch Up.
A tow rating is only one part of the equation. Bring these details with you when comparing GMC trucks.
Loaded Trailer Weight
Include cargo, water, fuel, equipment and everything you actually expect to carry.
Payload
Account for passengers, cargo, hitch equipment and tongue or pin weight.
Hitch Type
Conventional, weight-distributing, fifth-wheel and gooseneck setups have different requirements.
Towing Frequency
Occasional towing can call for a different solution than frequent heavy-duty towing.
Available GMC Trailering Technology
Technology Designed to Make Towing Easier.
Depending on model and configuration, GMC offers available trailering technologies designed to assist with hitching, monitoring and maneuvering.
Hitch Guidance
Available camera views and guidance can help make lining up with a trailer easier.
Trailer Profiles
Available trailering systems can help drivers manage information for different trailers.
Trailer Brake Controller
An available integrated controller can help manage trailer braking when properly equipped.
Trailer Monitoring
Depending on equipment, available systems can monitor trailer tire information and other towing details.
GMC Towing Questions
Tacoma Drivers Ask These Questions Most.
How much can a GMC Canyon tow?
When properly equipped, the GMC Canyon can tow up to 7,700 pounds. Actual towing capacity depends on the exact configuration and equipment.
How much can a GMC Sierra 1500 tow?
Properly equipped Sierra 1500 models can tow up to 13,300 pounds. The actual rating for an individual truck depends on its configuration, drivetrain, equipment and trailering setup.
When should I consider a Sierra 2500 HD?
The Sierra 2500 HD is designed for drivers who have moved beyond light-duty towing and need greater capability for heavier trailers, payloads and frequent work use.
Do I need a diesel GMC for towing?
Not necessarily. Gasoline powertrains can be excellent choices for many towing applications. A Duramax diesel can be especially attractive for drivers who tow frequently, travel long distances or value substantial low-end torque.
Does 4WD automatically increase towing capacity?
No. Four-wheel drive can provide additional traction in appropriate conditions, but it does not automatically mean a higher tow rating. Always check the rating for the exact GMC configuration.
Does trailer weight include my cargo?
It should when determining the weight you actually intend to tow. A trailer's empty or dry weight can be substantially lower than its loaded operating weight.
What should I bring when shopping for a GMC tow vehicle?
Bring your trailer's GVWR, loaded or estimated loaded weight, tongue or pin weight, hitch type and information about the cargo and passengers you normally carry. This gives the Gilchrist Buick GMC team a much better starting point.
Can a truck tow at its maximum rating all the time?
A maximum published rating is not a recommendation to operate at that limit continuously. Towing conditions, payload, terrain, weather, trailer setup and vehicle configuration all matter. Choosing a truck with appropriate margin can make sense for frequent towing.
Your Trailer Has a Weight.
Your GMC Should Have a Plan.
Visit Gilchrist Buick GMC in Tacoma to compare GMC Canyon and Sierra models, review trailering equipment and find the truck that fits the way you actually tow.
Visit Gilchrist Buick GMC*Maximum towing ratings are for properly equipped vehicles and depend on configuration. Actual towing capacity may be lower depending on drivetrain, cab and bed configuration, axle ratio, wheels, tires, trailering equipment, passengers, cargo and other factors. Always consult the vehicle Owner's Manual, certification label and applicable GMC trailering information before towing. Follow all applicable laws and use appropriate trailer brakes, hitch equipment and safety equipment.