GMC Truck Towing Guide: Capacity by Model in Southern Pines, NC
Towing starts with one question: what does your trailer weigh when it is loaded? The answer decides which GMC truck fits.
New GMC truck towing capacity runs up to 7,700 pounds on the Canyon, up to 13,500 pounds on the 2027 Sierra 1500, and up to 36,000 pounds on the Sierra 3500HD, when properly equipped. Exact limits depend on engine, cab, drivetrain, and trailering package, so check the specific truck before you hook up.
This GMC truck towing guide from Southern Pines GMC covers every pickup in the lineup and explains how to read the numbers.
Horse Trailers, Boat Ramps, and Weekend Campers: Why Sandhills Drivers Need the Real Number
The Sandhills are horse country. Carolina Horse Park, between Aberdeen and Raeford, hosts national and international competitions, and the Walthour-Moss preserve outside Southern Pines draws riders to its trails. Most arrive behind a truck.
Add camping runs, coast trips, and equipment trailers on acreage around Pinehurst and Raeford, and towing becomes a weekly job. The right truck is rated for the trailer you pull today and the one you may buy next year.
How Much Can Each New GMC Truck Tow?
GMC trucks tow from up to 7,700 pounds on the mid-size Canyon to up to 36,000 pounds on the Sierra 3500HD. The half-ton Sierra 1500 reaches up to 13,500 pounds. Each figure is a maximum for one configuration.
| Model | Engine Highlights | Max Towing* | Where the Max Applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Canyon | 2.7L TurboMax, 310 hp, 430 lb-ft | Up to 7,700 lbs | Elevation, AT4, and Denali (AT4X: up to 6,000 lbs) |
| 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 | 2.7L TurboMax, 3.0L Duramax® Turbo-Diesel, 5.7L V8, 6.6L V8 | Up to 13,500 lbs | 5.7L V8, Double Cab, 4WD, with Max Trailering Package |
| GMC Sierra 2500HD | 6.6L V8 gas, Duramax® 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 | Up to 20,000 lbs conventional; up to 22,390 lbs fifth-wheel or gooseneck | Conventional: Crew Cab. Fifth-wheel or gooseneck: Regular Cab |
| GMC Sierra 3500HD | 6.6L V8 gas, Duramax® 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 | Up to 20,000 lbs conventional; up to 36,000 lbs fifth-wheel | Fifth-wheel: Regular Cab, dual rear wheel, diesel |
*Towing figures are manufacturer estimates, intended for comparison only, and apply when properly equipped. Passengers, cargo, and options reduce actual capacity. Sierra HD figures shown are for the 2026 model year.
GMC Canyon Towing: A Mid-Size Truck Rated Up to 7,700 Pounds
The GMC Canyon is the mid-size pickup in the lineup, powered by a 2.7L TurboMax engine that makes 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Elevation, AT4, and Denali trims tow up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped, while the off-road AT4X is rated up to 6,000 pounds.
The Canyon Elevation includes the ProGrade® Trailering System and a rear camera with Hitch View.
Explore New GMC Canyon Inventory →2027 GMC Sierra 1500 Towing: Four Engines, Four Different Ratings
GMC expects the first 2027 Sierra 1500 trucks at dealerships before the end of 2026. It offers four engines, and the biggest horsepower number does not carry the biggest towing number.
| Engine | Power | Max Towing* | Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7L Enhanced TurboMax | 350 hp, 455 lb-ft | Up to 9,400 lbs | Regular Cab, 2WD |
| 3.0L Duramax® Turbo-Diesel | 305 hp, 495 lb-ft | Up to 12,100 lbs | Crew Cab, 4WD, Max Trailering Package |
| 5.7L V8 | 402 hp, 428 lb-ft | Up to 13,500 lbs | Double Cab, 4WD, Max Trailering Package |
| 6.6L V8 | 481 hp, 501 lb-ft | Up to 9,400 lbs | Crew Cab, 4WD |
The 5.7L V8 delivers the top rating, and the Duramax diesel follows at up to 12,100 pounds. The 6.6L V8 makes the most power of the four, yet its rating is up to 9,400 pounds. Estimated Crew Cab payload runs from 1,450 to 2,020 pounds by engine and drivetrain.
The Max Trailering Package is available on the Elevation trim.
Explore New GMC Sierra 1500 Inventory →GMC Sierra HD Towing: Fifth-Wheel, Gooseneck, and Heavy Haul Ratings
A fifth-wheel hitch is a bed-mounted coupling that carries tall, heavy trailers over the rear axle. A gooseneck hitch is a ball-and-coupler hitch that mounts in the bed for the same job.
On the 2026 Sierra HD, the 2500HD tows up to 20,000 pounds conventionally and up to 22,390 pounds on a fifth-wheel or gooseneck. The 3500HD reaches up to 36,000 pounds on a fifth-wheel hitch, the highest rating in the GMC truck lineup. Those peaks come with the Duramax® 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 (470 horsepower, 975 lb-ft of torque) and specific cab and equipment combinations. Payload reaches up to 7,290 pounds on the 3500HD Regular Cab.
GMC's preview of the 2027 Sierra HD lists available towing of up to 23,100 pounds on the 2500HD and up to 38,000 pounds on the 3500HD, arriving late 2026.
Explore New GMC Sierra HD Inventory →What Is the Difference Between Towing Capacity, Payload, and Tongue Weight?
Towing capacity is the maximum trailer weight a truck can pull. Payload is the maximum weight the truck itself can carry, including passengers, cargo, and the trailer's tongue weight. Tongue weight is the downward force a trailer puts on the hitch, typically about 10 to 15 percent of trailer weight on a conventional trailer.
A 7,000-pound travel trailer puts roughly 700 to 1,050 pounds on the hitch. Add two adults, two kids, and a cooler, and payload runs out long before towing capacity does.
Gross combined weight rating (GCWR) is the maximum combined weight of the truck, trailer, passengers, and cargo. Stay under all three limits, because the brochure only shows one.
Which GMC Truck Matches Your Trailer?
Weigh your loaded trailer at a certified scale, then pick a truck with room to spare.
- ATVs, jet skis, and utility trailers: The Canyon handles lighter loads, up to 7,700 pounds.
- Boats and small to mid-size travel trailers: A Sierra 1500 with a V8 or Duramax diesel adds margin, up to 13,500 pounds.
- Horse trailers: A lighter bumper-pull may suit a Sierra 1500. Gooseneck trailers with living quarters usually point to a Sierra HD.
- Fifth-wheel campers and heavy equipment: The Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD are built for this work.
Browse all new GMC trucks to see what is on the lot today.
What Trailering Tech Helps When You Hook Up?
Backing a trailer is where cameras and brake help earn their keep. Features vary by trim.
- Sierra 1500: An available camera suite offers up to 19 views, including a transparent trailer view, plus Trailer Brake Gain Assistant.
- Super Cruise with trailering: Standard on Sierra 1500 AT4, AT4X, Denali, and Denali Ultimate, and available on Elevation. Automatic lane change is unavailable while trailering.
Why Sandhills Drivers Buy Their Tow Trucks at Southern Pines GMC
- A Military Appreciation Program with savings for active-duty service members, veterans, and eligible families. Ask our team for details.
- Factory-trained technicians and genuine GMC parts in our service department.
- Online tools to value your trade, start financing, and estimate payments before you visit.
- A 4.2-star Google rating across hundreds of customer reviews.
See current new GMC specials before you stop in.
What Southern Pines Drivers Ask About GMC Truck Towing
Hitch-day questions reach our desk every week. Here are our most common answers.
Which new GMC truck can tow the most?
The Sierra 3500HD tows the most in the GMC truck lineup, with a rating of up to 36,000 pounds on a fifth-wheel hitch when properly equipped. The 2027 Sierra 1500 reaches up to 13,500 pounds, and the mid-size Canyon tops out at up to 7,700 pounds.
What does a GMC truck need to reach its maximum towing capacity?
Maximum ratings come from specific combinations of engine, drivetrain, cab, and trailering package. On the Sierra 1500, the Max Trailering Package is available on Elevation. Not every truck carries the equipment behind the top number, so confirm it before you buy.
What warranty comes with a new GMC truck?
New GMC vehicles include a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, whichever comes first. Coverage on some heavy-duty diesel powertrains can differ, so ask our team to confirm terms for the truck you choose.
Do passengers and cargo reduce how much my GMC truck can tow?
Yes. Passengers, gear, and the trailer's tongue weight all count against payload, and the truck, trailer, and load must stay under the gross combined weight rating. A full cab and a loaded bed can push your practical limit well below the maximum number.
Where can I see GMC trucks ready to tow near Southern Pines?
Visit Southern Pines GMC on Highway 15-501 in Southern Pines, NC. We are a short drive from Pinehurst, Aberdeen, and Raeford. Bring your trailer's loaded weight and hitch type, and we will help you compare the Canyon, Sierra 1500, and Sierra HD in person.
Can I start financing a GMC truck online?
Yes. Our online finance application and payment estimator let you explore your options before you visit, so you know your numbers going in. Approval and terms depend on your credit and the truck you choose, and our team can walk you through the rest.
How do I find the exact towing capacity of a specific truck?
Each truck's rating depends on the equipment it was built with. Our team can check the trailering rating on any truck in our inventory, and the owner's manual lists the details. Contact Southern Pines GMC for current availability and the numbers on the truck you want.
Find the GMC Truck That Fits Your Trailer in Southern Pines, NC
Southern Pines GMC is on Highway 15-501 in Southern Pines, NC, serving drivers from Pinehurst, Aberdeen, Raeford, Spring Lake, Hope Mills, Fayetteville, Sanford, and Raleigh. Tell us what you tow, and we will show you the trucks that handle it.