2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity

Compare the ratings published for this model year, then match engine, cab, bed, drivetrain, axle ratio, and listed equipment to the truck.

Find your exact towing capacity Run the 2021 Sierra 1500 lookup → Check towing capacity by VIN Decode your VIN to prefill the 2021 lookup → View full comparison chart Review every configuration and published tow type →

43 configuration groups · 128 published rating outcomes

Published Max
11,800 LBS
Rating Groups
43
Equipment Checks
28
2021 Sierra 1500 towing chart
Engine group

6.2L V8

6,300–11,800 lbs

Published tow type

Conventional towing

Receiver-hitch trailer ratings published by GMC.

5 published outcome s 0 exact 5 equipment-conditioned 8,600 to 11,800 lbs published
Crew 4WD
Short 4WD 3.23 8,800 lbs 17,800 lbs Trim: AT4 · Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Short 4WD 3.23 8,600 lbs 17,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.23 9,000 lbs 17,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Short 4WD 3.42 11,700 lbs 17,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.42 11,800 lbs 17,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Published tow type

Fifth-wheel towing

Fifth-wheel ratings published separately by GMC.

6 published outcome s 0 exact 6 equipment-conditioned 6,300 to 8,900 lbs published
Crew 4WD
Short 4WD 3.23 6,300 lbs 17,800 lbs Trim: AT4 · Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Short 4WD 3.23 7,100 lbs 17,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.23 6,600 lbs 17,800 lbs Trim: AT4 · Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.23 6,800 lbs 17,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Short 4WD 3.42 8,900 lbs 17,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.42 8,400 lbs 17,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Published tow type

Gooseneck towing

Gooseneck ratings published separately by GMC.

6 published outcome s 0 exact 6 equipment-conditioned 6,300 to 8,900 lbs published
Crew 4WD
Short 4WD 3.23 6,300 lbs 17,800 lbs Trim: AT4 · Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Short 4WD 3.23 7,100 lbs 17,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.23 6,600 lbs 17,800 lbs Trim: AT4 · Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.23 6,800 lbs 17,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Short 4WD 3.42 8,900 lbs 17,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.42 8,400 lbs 17,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Engine group

5.3L V8 (L84)

7,500–11,300 lbs

Published tow type

Conventional towing

Receiver-hitch trailer ratings published by GMC.

11 published outcome s 0 exact 11 equipment-conditioned 9,100 to 11,300 lbs published
Crew 2WD
Short 2WD 3.23 9,500 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Short 2WD 3.42 11,200 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Crew 4WD
Short 4WD 3.23 9,200 lbs 16,800 lbs Trim: AT4 · Requires available Max Trailering Package. · Requires available AT4 trim. p.17 Equipment check
Short 4WD 3.23 9,200 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. · Requires available AT4 trim. p.17 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.23 9,100 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Short 4WD 3.42 10,900 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. · Requires available AT4 trim. p.17 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.42 10,900 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Double 2WD
Standard 2WD 3.23 9,500 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Standard 2WD 3.42 11,300 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Double 4WD
Standard 4WD 3.23 9,200 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.42 11,000 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Published tow type

Fifth-wheel towing

Fifth-wheel ratings published separately by GMC.

11 published outcome s 0 exact 11 equipment-conditioned 7,500 to 10,200 lbs published
Crew 2WD
Short 2WD 3.23 8,900 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Short 2WD 3.42 9,600 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Crew 4WD
Short 4WD 3.23 7,500 lbs 16,800 lbs Trim: AT4 · Requires available Max Trailering Package. · Requires available AT4 trim. p.17 Equipment check
Short 4WD 3.23 7,800 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. · Requires available AT4 trim. p.17 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.23 7,600 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Short 4WD 3.42 9,300 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. · Requires available AT4 trim. p.17 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.42 8,800 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Double 2WD
Standard 2WD 3.23 8,600 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Standard 2WD 3.42 10,200 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Double 4WD
Standard 4WD 3.23 8,000 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.42 9,800 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Published tow type

Gooseneck towing

Gooseneck ratings published separately by GMC.

11 published outcome s 0 exact 11 equipment-conditioned 7,500 to 10,200 lbs published
Crew 2WD
Short 2WD 3.23 8,900 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Short 2WD 3.42 9,600 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Crew 4WD
Short 4WD 3.23 7,500 lbs 16,800 lbs Trim: AT4 · Requires available Max Trailering Package. · Requires available AT4 trim. p.17 Equipment check
Short 4WD 3.23 7,800 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. · Requires available AT4 trim. p.17 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.23 7,600 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Short 4WD 3.42 9,300 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. · Requires available AT4 trim. p.17 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.42 8,800 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Double 2WD
Standard 2WD 3.23 8,600 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Standard 2WD 3.42 10,200 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Double 4WD
Standard 4WD 3.23 8,000 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.42 9,800 lbs 16,800 lbs Requires available Max Trailering Package. p.17 Equipment check
Engine group

5.3L V8 (L82)

8,900–9,900 lbs

Published tow type

Conventional towing

Receiver-hitch trailer ratings published by GMC.

7 published outcome s 0 exact 7 equipment-conditioned 9,400 to 9,900 lbs published
Regular 2WD
Long 2WD 3.42 9,900 lbs 15,000 lbs Base Sierra Trim Only p.16 Equipment check
Regular 4WD
Long 4WD 3.42 9,700 lbs 15,000 lbs Base Sierra Trim Only p.16 Equipment check
Crew 2WD
Short 2WD 3.42 9,700 lbs 15,000 lbs Base Sierra Trim Only p.16 Equipment check
Crew 4WD
Short 4WD 3.42 9,400 lbs 15,000 lbs Base Sierra Trim Only p.16 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.42 9,400 lbs 15,000 lbs Base Sierra Trim Only p.16 Equipment check
Double 2WD
Standard 2WD 3.42 9,700 lbs 15,000 lbs Base Sierra Trim Only p.16 Equipment check
Double 4WD
Standard 4WD 3.42 9,400 lbs 15,000 lbs Base Sierra Trim Only p.16 Equipment check
Published tow type

Fifth-wheel towing

Fifth-wheel ratings published separately by GMC.

7 published outcome s 0 exact 7 equipment-conditioned 8,900 to 9,800 lbs published
Regular 2WD
Long 2WD 3.42 9,800 lbs 15,000 lbs Base Sierra Trim Only p.16 Equipment check
Regular 4WD
Long 4WD 3.42 9,600 lbs 15,000 lbs Base Sierra Trim Only p.16 Equipment check
Crew 2WD
Short 2WD 3.42 9,600 lbs 15,000 lbs Base Sierra Trim Only p.16 Equipment check
Crew 4WD
Short 4WD 3.42 8,900 lbs 15,000 lbs Base Sierra Trim Only p.16 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.42 9,100 lbs 15,000 lbs Base Sierra Trim Only p.16 Equipment check
Double 2WD
Standard 2WD 3.42 9,600 lbs 15,000 lbs Base Sierra Trim Only p.16 Equipment check
Double 4WD
Standard 4WD 3.42 9,100 lbs 15,000 lbs Base Sierra Trim Only p.16 Equipment check
Published tow type

Gooseneck towing

Gooseneck ratings published separately by GMC.

7 published outcome s 0 exact 7 equipment-conditioned 8,900 to 9,800 lbs published
Regular 2WD
Long 2WD 3.42 9,800 lbs 15,000 lbs Base Sierra Trim Only p.16 Equipment check
Regular 4WD
Long 4WD 3.42 9,600 lbs 15,000 lbs Base Sierra Trim Only p.16 Equipment check
Crew 2WD
Short 2WD 3.42 9,600 lbs 15,000 lbs Base Sierra Trim Only p.16 Equipment check
Crew 4WD
Short 4WD 3.42 8,900 lbs 15,000 lbs Base Sierra Trim Only p.16 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.42 9,100 lbs 15,000 lbs Base Sierra Trim Only p.16 Equipment check
Double 2WD
Standard 2WD 3.42 9,600 lbs 15,000 lbs Base Sierra Trim Only p.16 Equipment check
Double 4WD
Standard 4WD 3.42 9,100 lbs 15,000 lbs Base Sierra Trim Only p.16 Equipment check
Engine group

3.0L Duramax I6 Turbo Diesel

6,400–9,300 lbs

Published tow type

Conventional towing

Receiver-hitch trailer ratings published by GMC.

7 published outcome s 3 exact 4 equipment-conditioned 8,500 to 9,300 lbs published
Crew 2WD
Short 2WD 3.23 9,200 lbs 15,000 lbs No additional condition listed p.17 Exact
Crew 4WD
Short 4WD 3.23 8,800 lbs 15,000 lbs Trim: AT4 p.17 Equipment check
Short 4WD 3.23 8,500 lbs 15,000 lbs Confirm the listed configuration before use p.17 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.23 8,900 lbs 15,000 lbs Trim: AT4 p.17 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.23 8,800 lbs 15,000 lbs Confirm the listed configuration before use p.17 Equipment check
Double 2WD
Standard 2WD 3.23 9,300 lbs 15,000 lbs No additional condition listed p.17 Exact
Double 4WD
Standard 4WD 3.23 9,000 lbs 15,000 lbs No additional condition listed p.17 Exact
Published tow type

Fifth-wheel towing

Fifth-wheel ratings published separately by GMC.

7 published outcome s 3 exact 4 equipment-conditioned 6,400 to 7,800 lbs published
Crew 2WD
Short 2WD 3.23 7,600 lbs 15,000 lbs No additional condition listed p.17 Exact
Crew 4WD
Short 4WD 3.23 6,700 lbs 15,000 lbs Trim: AT4 p.17 Equipment check
Short 4WD 3.23 7,000 lbs 15,000 lbs Confirm the listed configuration before use p.17 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.23 6,400 lbs 15,000 lbs Trim: AT4 p.17 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.23 6,500 lbs 15,000 lbs Confirm the listed configuration before use p.17 Equipment check
Double 2WD
Standard 2WD 3.23 7,800 lbs 15,000 lbs No additional condition listed p.17 Exact
Double 4WD
Standard 4WD 3.23 7,100 lbs 15,000 lbs No additional condition listed p.17 Exact
Published tow type

Gooseneck towing

Gooseneck ratings published separately by GMC.

7 published outcome s 3 exact 4 equipment-conditioned 6,400 to 7,800 lbs published
Crew 2WD
Short 2WD 3.23 7,600 lbs 15,000 lbs No additional condition listed p.17 Exact
Crew 4WD
Short 4WD 3.23 6,700 lbs 15,000 lbs Trim: AT4 p.17 Equipment check
Short 4WD 3.23 7,000 lbs 15,000 lbs Confirm the listed configuration before use p.17 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.23 6,400 lbs 15,000 lbs Trim: AT4 p.17 Equipment check
Standard 4WD 3.23 6,500 lbs 15,000 lbs Confirm the listed configuration before use p.17 Equipment check
Double 2WD
Standard 2WD 3.23 7,800 lbs 15,000 lbs No additional condition listed p.17 Exact
Double 4WD
Standard 4WD 3.23 7,100 lbs 15,000 lbs No additional condition listed p.17 Exact
Engine group

2.7L Turbo

8,400–9,200 lbs

Published tow type

Conventional towing

Receiver-hitch trailer ratings published by GMC.

5 published outcome s 5 exact 8,900 to 9,200 lbs published
Crew 2WD
Short 2WD 3.42 9,100 lbs 14,500 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Crew 4WD
Short 4WD 3.42 8,900 lbs 14,500 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Standard 4WD 3.42 8,900 lbs 14,500 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Double 2WD
Standard 2WD 3.42 9,200 lbs 14,500 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Double 4WD
Standard 4WD 3.42 9,000 lbs 14,500 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Published tow type

Fifth-wheel towing

Fifth-wheel ratings published separately by GMC.

5 published outcome s 5 exact 8,400 to 9,100 lbs published
Crew 2WD
Short 2WD 3.42 9,000 lbs 14,500 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Crew 4WD
Short 4WD 3.42 8,400 lbs 14,500 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Standard 4WD 3.42 8,600 lbs 14,500 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Double 2WD
Standard 2WD 3.42 9,100 lbs 14,500 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Double 4WD
Standard 4WD 3.42 8,700 lbs 14,500 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Published tow type

Gooseneck towing

Gooseneck ratings published separately by GMC.

5 published outcome s 5 exact 8,400 to 9,100 lbs published
Crew 2WD
Short 2WD 3.42 9,000 lbs 14,500 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Crew 4WD
Short 4WD 3.42 8,400 lbs 14,500 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Standard 4WD 3.42 8,600 lbs 14,500 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Double 2WD
Standard 2WD 3.42 9,100 lbs 14,500 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Double 4WD
Standard 4WD 3.42 8,700 lbs 14,500 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Engine group

4.3L V6

7,300–7,800 lbs

Published tow type

Conventional towing

Receiver-hitch trailer ratings published by GMC.

7 published outcome s 7 exact 7,400 to 7,800 lbs published
Regular 2WD
Long 2WD 3.42 7,800 lbs 12,800 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Regular 4WD
Long 4WD 3.42 7,600 lbs 12,800 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Crew 2WD
Short 2WD 3.42 7,600 lbs 12,800 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Crew 4WD
Short 4WD 3.42 7,400 lbs 12,800 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Standard 4WD 3.42 7,400 lbs 12,800 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Double 2WD
Standard 2WD 3.42 7,600 lbs 12,800 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Double 4WD
Standard 4WD 3.42 7,400 lbs 12,800 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Published tow type

Fifth-wheel towing

Fifth-wheel ratings published separately by GMC.

7 published outcome s 7 exact 7,300 to 7,800 lbs published
Regular 2WD
Long 2WD 3.42 7,800 lbs 12,800 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Regular 4WD
Long 4WD 3.42 7,500 lbs 12,800 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Crew 2WD
Short 2WD 3.42 7,500 lbs 12,800 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Crew 4WD
Short 4WD 3.42 7,300 lbs 12,800 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Standard 4WD 3.42 7,300 lbs 12,800 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Double 2WD
Standard 2WD 3.42 7,600 lbs 12,800 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Double 4WD
Standard 4WD 3.42 7,300 lbs 12,800 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Published tow type

Gooseneck towing

Gooseneck ratings published separately by GMC.

7 published outcome s 7 exact 7,300 to 7,800 lbs published
Regular 2WD
Long 2WD 3.42 7,800 lbs 12,800 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Regular 4WD
Long 4WD 3.42 7,500 lbs 12,800 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Crew 2WD
Short 2WD 3.42 7,500 lbs 12,800 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Crew 4WD
Short 4WD 3.42 7,300 lbs 12,800 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Standard 4WD 3.42 7,300 lbs 12,800 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Double 2WD
Standard 2WD 3.42 7,600 lbs 12,800 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact
Double 4WD
Standard 4WD 3.42 7,300 lbs 12,800 lbs No additional condition listed p.16 Exact

This chart shows GMC-published ratings and configuration-specific conditions, not complete trailering instructions. Confirm your truck’s equipment and follow its owner’s manual and vehicle labels before towing.

ENGINE GROUPS

Published Ratings by Engine

Your engine determines your base towing limit. Start here to see the 2021 ratings for your specific Sierra 1500 configuration.

Equipment-dependent ratings remain labeled until the listed truck details are confirmed.

6.2L V8 6 configuration groups
Range: 6,300–11,800 lbs
Published max 11,800 LBS
5.3L V8 (L84) 11 configuration groups
Range: 7,500–11,300 lbs
Published max 11,300 LBS
5.3L V8 (L82) 7 configuration groups
Range: 8,900–9,900 lbs
Published max 9,900 LBS
3.0L Duramax I6 Turbo Diesel 7 configuration groups
Range: 6,400–9,300 lbs
Published max 9,300 LBS
2.7L Turbo 5 configuration groups
Range: 8,400–9,200 lbs
Published max 9,200 LBS
4.3L V6 7 configuration groups
Range: 7,300–7,800 lbs
Published max 7,800 LBS
Technical Audit

Data sources

These citations identify the GMC trailering-guide pages used for the 2021 Sierra 1500 chart ratings.

Show source pages for the 2021 guide
DOC_ID: 2021-GMC DOCUMENT BASIS

2021-GMC-Trailering-Guide

Audit Scope PAGES: 16-17