The table below lists every trim of the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 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
Pickup 4D 6 1/2 ft V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter 355 383 5,500 5,166
Pickup 4D 5 3/4 ft V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter 355 383 9,100 5,302
SLE Pickup 4D 6 1/2 ft V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter 355 383 10,800 5,333
SLE Pickup 4D 5 3/4 ft V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter 355 383 10,900 5,302
Denali Pickup 4D 6 1/2 ft V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter 355 383 9,100 5,509
SLT Pickup 4D 6 1/2 ft V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter 355 383 10,800 5,333
SLT Pickup 4D 5 3/4 ft V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter 355 383 10,900 5,302
Denali Pickup 4D 5 3/4 ft V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter 355 383 9,100 5,452

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 2015

The 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew CAB carried a maximum tow rating of 10,900 lb. The 2016 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 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew CAB page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.

Other 2016 GMC models

The rest of GMC's 2016 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.