The table below lists every trim of the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 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
Base 4x2 Crew Cab 5.75 ft. box 143.5 in. WB 285 305 3.23 6,000 6,900 5,035 1,865
Base 4x4 Crew Cab 5.75 ft. box 143.5 in. WB 285 305 3.42 7,000 7,100 5,300 1,800
SLE 4x2 Crew Cab 5.75 ft. box 143.5 in. WB 285 305 3.23 6,000 6,900 5,035 1,865
Base 4x4 Crew Cab 6.5 ft. box 153.5 in. WB 355 383 3.08 6,000 7,200 5,460 1,740
SLE 4x4 Crew Cab 5.75 ft. box 143.5 in. WB 285 305 3.42 7,000 7,100 5,300 1,800
SLT 4x2 Crew Cab 5.75 ft. box 143.5 in. WB 355 383 3.08 9,000 7,000 5,035 1,965
SLE 4x4 Crew Cab 6.5 ft. box 153.5 in. WB 355 383 3.08 6,000 7,200 5,460 1,740
SLT 4x4 Crew Cab 5.75 ft. box 143.5 in. WB 355 383 3.08 9,000 7,200 5,300 1,900
SLT 4x4 Crew Cab 6.5 ft. box 153.5 in. WB 355 383 3.08 9,000 7,200 5,460 1,740
Denali 4x2 Crew Cab 5.75 ft. box 143.5 in. WB 355 383 3.42 12,000 7,000 5,182 1,818
Denali 4x4 Crew Cab 5.75 ft. box 143.5 in. WB 355 383 3.42 9,000 7,200 5,452 1,748
Denali 4x4 Crew Cab 6.5 ft. box 153.5 in. WB 355 383 3.42 9,000 7,200 5,509 1,691

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 2016

The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 carried a maximum tow rating of 12,000 lb. The 2017 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 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.

Other 2017 GMC models

The rest of GMC's 2017 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.