The table below lists every trim of the 2012 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Extended 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, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter 360 380 13,000 6,311
Work Truck Pickup 4D 8 ft V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter 360 380 13,000 6,225
SLE Pickup 4D 6 1/2 ft V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter 397 765 13,000 6,311
SLE Pickup 4D 8 ft V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter 397 765 13,000 6,225
SLT Pickup 4D 6 1/2 ft V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter 397 765 13,000 6,311
SLT Pickup 4D 8 ft V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter 397 765 13,000 6,225

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 2011

The 2011 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Extended CAB carried a maximum tow rating of 13,000 lb. The 2012 model carries the same headline figure — manufacturers usually leave the rating alone year-over-year unless there's a powertrain or hitch change. See the 2011 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Extended CAB page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.

Other 2012 GMC models

The rest of GMC's 2012 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.