2012 Chevrolet-GMC Silverado/Sierra 3500 Ext Cab DRW 2WD towing capacity
The 2012 Chevrolet-GMC Silverado/Sierra 3500 Ext Cab DRW 2WD is published in 3 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 9,100 to 22,800 lb depending on cab, bed, drivetrain, and hitch class. The peak figure (22,800 lb) sits in serious heavy-duty pickup territory.
The table below lists every trim of the 2012 Chevrolet-GMC Silverado/Sierra 3500 Ext Cab DRW 2WD 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0L V-8 | 6.0L V-8 | — | — | — | 9,100 | — | — | — |
| 6.0L V-8 | 6.0L V-8 | — | — | — | 13,600 | — | — | — |
| 6.6L V-8 TD | 6.6L V-8 TD | — | — | — | 22,800 | — | — | — |
How to interpret the headline tow figure
Tow figures this high require a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch installed in the bed of the truck, and a corresponding trailer setup. Conventional bumper-pull towing on the same vehicle is typically capped well below this number — usually under 15,000 lb. Always check the door-jamb sticker and owner's manual for the maximum permitted on each hitch class before hooking up.
How this year compares to 2011
The 2011 Chevrolet-GMC Silverado/Sierra 3500 Ext Cab DRW 2WD carried a maximum tow rating of 21,500 lb. The 2012 model adds 1,300 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 2011 Chevrolet-GMC Silverado/Sierra 3500 Ext Cab DRW 2WD page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.
Other 2012 Chevrolet-GMC models
The rest of Chevrolet-GMC's 2012 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.
Notes
- 3.73 axle ratio
- 4.10 axle ratio
- 3.73 axle ratio
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.