2011 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Crew CAB towing capacity
The 2011 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Crew CAB is published in 8 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 13,000 to 17,000 lb depending on cab, bed, drivetrain, and hitch class. The peak figure (17,000 lb) sits in serious heavy-duty pickup territory.
The table below lists every trim of the 2011 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Crew CAB 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work Truck Pickup 4D 6 1/2 ft | V8, 6.0 Liter | 322 | 380 | — | 13,000 | — | 6,573 | — |
| Work Truck Pickup 4D 8 ft | V8, 6.0 Liter | 322 | 380 | — | 16,000 | — | 7,095 | — |
| SLT Pickup 4D 6 1/2 ft | V8, 6.0 Liter | 322 | 380 | — | 13,000 | — | 6,573 | — |
| Denali Pickup 4D 6 1/2 ft | V8, 6.0 Liter | 322 | 380 | — | 13,000 | — | 6,734 | — |
| Denali Pickup 4D 8 ft | V8, 6.0 Liter | 322 | 380 | — | 17,000 | — | 7,267 | — |
| SLE Pickup 4D 6 1/2 ft | V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6L | 397 | 765 | — | 13,000 | — | 6,573 | — |
| SLE Pickup 4D 8 ft | V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6L | 397 | 765 | — | 16,000 | — | 6,777 | — |
| SLT Pickup 4D 8 ft | V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6L | 397 | 765 | — | 16,000 | — | 7,095 | — |
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 2010
The 2010 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Crew CAB carried a maximum tow rating of 13,000 lb. The 2011 model adds 4,000 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 2010 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Crew CAB page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.
Other 2011 GMC models
The rest of GMC's 2011 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.
| Model | Max tow (lb) |
|---|---|
| 2011 GMC Sierra 3500 | 17,000 |
| 2011 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Extended CAB | 16,000 |
| 2011 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Regular CAB | 16,000 |
| 2011 GMC Sierra 3500hd | 13,000 |
| 2011 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Crew CAB | 13,000 |
| 2011 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Extended CAB | 13,000 |
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.