2018 Gmc Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity

2018 GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity

The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity is very impressive. At 12,500 pounds of capacity, you can tow nearly anything, but you have to remember that all configurations of a truck are rated independently. In other words, there is actually a very specific configuration that gets you this capability. The 2020 GMC Sierra offers even more configurations and towing capacity for drivers who want the latest technology and performance metrics available.

Sierra 1500 max towing configuration

To achieve the 12,500 pounds of capability, you will need a crew cab with a short box in a two-wheel-drive configuration. You will also need the 6.2-liter V8 under the hood with a 3.42 axle ratio and the Max Trailering Package.

What’s included in the Max Trailering Package?

The Max Trailering Package for the Sierra 1500 gives you the upgrades you need to max out your towing numbers. It provides a trailer brake controller, improved shock tuning, heavier-duty rear springs, and an enhanced cooling radiator.

It’s also responsible for that axle ratio as it gives you a 9.76-inch ring gear. This makes for a 3.73 axle ratio on 6-speed transmission models and a 3.42 axle ratio on 8-speed transmission models. The Max Trailering Package is available as optional equipment on the SLE and SLT trim levels.

Sierra 1500 engine towing capacity

If you are looking for other options or perhaps don’t need to utilize a full 12,500 pounds of towing capacity, then you may want to know what other engines and configurations are capable of. That would be an exhaustive list, but we can help as we break down the minimum and maximum towing figures for each engine, and we’ll also provide the minimum and maximum payload figures for each engine.

Keep in mind, when we say minimum, we are talking about the max towing/payload capacity for the least optimal configuration with each engine.

4.3-Liter V6

Minimum Towing Capability: 5,500 pounds
Maximum Towing Capability: 7,600 pounds
Minimum Payload Capability: 1,770 pounds
Maximum Payload Capability: 1,980 pounds

5.3-Liter V8 w/ eAssist

Minimum Towing Capability: 9,100 pounds
Maximum Towing Capability: 9,400 pounds
Minimum Payload Capability: 1,750 pounds
Maximum Payload Capability: 1,810 pounds

5.3-Liter V8

Minimum Towing Capability: 6,100 pounds
Maximum Towing Capability: 11,100 pounds
Minimum Payload Capability: 1,730 pounds
Maximum Payload Capability: 2,250 pounds

6.2-Liter V8

Minimum Towing Capability: 9,000 pounds
Maximum Towing Capability: 12,500 pounds
Minimum Payload Capability: 1,640 pounds
Maximum Payload Capability: 2,150 pounds