The table below lists every trim of the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500hd 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
SLT 4x2 Crew Cab 6.6 ft. box 153 in. WB 10,200 5,506 3,094
SLE 4x2 Crew Cab 6.6 ft. box 153 in. WB 10,200 5,506 3,094
SLE 4x4 Crew Cab 6.6 ft. box 153 in. WB 9,900 5,817 2,783
SLT 4x4 Crew Cab 6.6 ft. box 153 in. WB 9,900 5,817 2,783

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 2002

The 2002 GMC Sierra 1500hd carried a maximum tow rating of 10,300 lb. The 2003 model is rated 100 lb lower — sometimes a real spec change, sometimes a re-test under a stricter standard like SAE J2807. See the 2002 GMC Sierra 1500hd page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.

Other 2003 GMC models

The rest of GMC's 2003 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.