The table below lists every trim of the 2001 GMC Sierra 3500 with the engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, horsepower, torque, GVWR, curb weight, and payload that go with that trim's headline tow rating. Manufacturers often publish more than one tow figure per truck — a conventional bumper-hitch rating, a weight-distributing rating, and a gooseneck or fifth-wheel rating — so the highest number here is the maximum across all hitch classes the source carries for the trim.

Per-trim breakdown

Configuration Engine HP Torque Axle Tow (lb) GVWR Curb Payload
SL 4x2 Regular Cab 133 in. WB 15,700 5,654 5,746
SLE 4x2 Regular Cab 133 in. WB 15,700 5,734 5,666
SL 4x2 Extended Cab 157.5 in. WB 15,400 5,997 5,403
SLE 4x2 Extended Cab 157.5 in. WB 15,400 5,997 5,403
SLT 4x2 Extended Cab 157.5 in. WB 15,400 5,997 5,403
SL 4x2 Crew Cab 167 in. WB 15,200 6,216 5,184
SLE 4x2 Crew Cab 167 in. WB 15,200 6,216 5,184
SLT 4x2 Crew Cab 167 in. WB 15,200 6,216 5,184
SL 4x4 Regular Cab 133 in. WB 15,500 5,935 5,465
SLE 4x4 Regular Cab 133 in. WB 15,500 5,935 5,465
SL 4x4 Extended Cab 157.5 in. WB 15,100 6,330 5,070
SLE 4x4 Extended Cab 157.5 in. WB 15,100 6,330 5,070
SLT 4x4 Extended Cab 157.5 in. WB 15,100 6,330 5,070
SL 4x4 Crew Cab 167 in. WB 14,900 6,543 4,857
SLE 4x4 Crew Cab 167 in. WB 14,900 6,543 4,857
SLT 4x4 Crew Cab 167 in. WB 14,900 6,543 4,857

How to interpret the headline tow figure

Ratings in this range are typically achievable with a weight-distributing hitch and the appropriate tow package. The conventional bumper-pull rating without weight distribution will be lower than the headline figure shown here — usually 5,000 to 8,000 lb. Confirm the hitch class on your vehicle's door-jamb sticker before towing at the upper end.

How this year compares to 2000

The 2000 GMC Sierra 3500 carried a maximum tow rating of 13,800 lb. The 2001 model adds 1,900 lb on top of that — usually a sign the manufacturer added a tow package option, refreshed the powertrain, or revised hitch class certification. See the 2000 GMC Sierra 3500 page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.

Other 2001 GMC models

The rest of GMC's 2001 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.

All figures sourced from manufacturer documentation. See our methodology for how the dataset is compiled. Always confirm against your vehicle's door-jamb sticker before towing.