2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew CAB towing capacity
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew CAB is published in 12 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 9,100 to 11,800 lb depending on cab, bed, drivetrain, and hitch class. The peak figure (11,800 lb) sits in half-ton plus / heavy-duty truck territory.
The table below lists every trim of the 2021 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLE Pickup 4D 5 3/4 ft | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.7 Liter | 310 | 348 | — | 10,900 | — | 4,920 | — |
| Pickup 4D 5 3/4 ft | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | 355 | 383 | — | 9,400 | — | 4,950 | — |
| Elevation Pickup 4D 6 1/2 ft | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.7 Liter | 310 | 348 | — | 10,900 | — | 4,970 | — |
| Pickup 4D 6 1/2 ft | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | 355 | 383 | — | 9,400 | — | 4,990 | — |
| SLE Pickup 4D 6 1/2 ft | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.7 Liter | 310 | 348 | — | 10,900 | — | 4,970 | — |
| Elevation Pickup 4D 5 3/4 ft | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.7 Liter | 310 | 348 | — | 10,900 | — | 4,920 | — |
| SLT Pickup 4D 6 1/2 ft | V8, EcoTec3, DFM, 5.3 Liter | 355 | 383 | — | 11,800 | — | 5,080 | — |
| SLT Pickup 4D 5 3/4 ft | V8, EcoTec3, DFM, 5.3 Liter | 355 | 383 | — | 11,700 | — | 5,040 | — |
| Denali Pickup 4D 6 1/2 ft | V8, EcoTec3, DFM, 5.3 Liter | 355 | 383 | — | 9,100 | — | 5,080 | — |
| AT4 Pickup 4D 6 1/2 ft | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter | 277 | 460 | — | 9,100 | — | 5,390 | — |
| AT4 Pickup 4D 5 3/4 ft | V8, EcoTec3, DFM, 5.3 Liter | 355 | 383 | — | 9,200 | — | 5,040 | — |
| Denali Pickup 4D 5 3/4 ft | V8, EcoTec3, DFM, 5.3 Liter | 355 | 383 | — | 9,200 | — | 5,040 | — |
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 2020
The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew CAB carried a maximum tow rating of 11,300 lb. The 2021 model adds 500 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 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew CAB page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.
Other 2021 GMC models
The rest of GMC's 2021 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.
| Model | Max tow (lb) |
|---|---|
| 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Double CAB | 17,890 |
| 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 | 17,890 |
| 2021 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Crew CAB | 16,300 |
| 2021 GMC Sierra 3500 | 16,300 |
| 2021 GMC Sierra 3500hd | 16,000 |
| 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Crew CAB | 14,500 |
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.