2021 GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 tows 7,400 lbs to 11,800 lbs depending on how it's built. The top number needs the 6.2L V8, Crew Cab Standard Bed, 4WD. Requires available Max Trailering Package.
✓ From 2021 GMC Trailering Guide, p. 17 ↗Checked 2026-09-272026202520242023202220212020
- 11,800
- Max towing, lbs
- 7,400
- Lowest rating, lbs
- 38
- Configurations
- 10,200
- 5th-wheel max, lbs
Try it
Will it pull your trailer?
Use the trailer's GVWR (on its VIN sticker) if you don't know what it weighs loaded — the dry weight leaves out water, propane and gear.
Yes, in every configuration
Across all 38 configurations in the maker's guide.
▲ top rating 11,800 lbs
- Tongue weight ≈ 650 lbs — 10% of the loaded trailer, the figure Ford's towing guide uses (no more than 200 lbs up to 2,000 lbs). It counts against your payload, together with passengers and cargo.
- ✓ up to 90% of the rating · ! 90–100% (little room for cargo, hills, wind — common advice, not a GMC rule) · ✕ over the rating.
Read this before you buy
Why the numbers differ
Engine choice moves the top rating from 7,800 lbs (4.3L V6) to 11,800 lbs (6.2L V8).
With the tow package the 6.2L V8 goes from 9,000 lbs to 11,800 lbs — it requires available Max Trailering Package. p. 17 ↗
The body style counts too: Regular Cab Long Bed is rated 300 lbs higher than Crew Cab Short Bed with everything else the same (5.3L V8 (L82, L82/YK9) · 3.42 axle · Regular Cab Long Bed · Base Sierra · 4WD). p. 16 ↗
The drivetrain counts too: 2WD is rated 300 lbs higher than 4WD with everything else the same (5.3L V8 (L82, L82/YK9) · 3.42 axle · Crew Cab Short Bed · Base Sierra · 2WD). p. 16 ↗
Down 300 lbs from the 2020 model's top rating of 12,100 lbs.
In real life
What 11,800 lbs means in trailers
Ford's towing guide sorts trailers into four weight classes; the classes describe the trailer, so they apply to any tow vehicle. With the right configuration the Sierra 1500 reaches:
- Class I✓ Yes
up to 2,000 lbs
Small folding camping trailers and trailers for small boats, motorcycles and snowmobiles.
- Class II✓ Yes
2,001–3,500 lbs
Large folding camping trailers, single-axle, small- to medium-length (up to 18-ft.) trailers.
- Class III✓ Yes
3,501–5,000 lbs
Dual-axle or large single-axle travel trailers.
- Class IVUp to 11,800
over 5,000 lbs
Largest travel and 5th-wheel trailers made for recreation.
Real trailers
Can the Sierra 1500 pull these?
Similar boat package, not this model.Photo: Airman Nicole Sikorski, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
G3 Boats · boat package · 23 ft
Sportsman 1710 (boat + motor + trailer package)
1,865 lbs boat + motor + trailer, before fuel and gear
✓ Any configuration
Similar utility, not this model.Photo: Xaver X. Dreißig, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Carry-On Trailer · utility · 11.54 ft
5' x 8' GW2K Series 5X8GW2K (open utility, wood floor, gate)
2,000 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✓ Any configuration
nuCamp · teardrop · 15.5 ft
TAB 320 (Boondock)
2,069 lbs dry weight only — loaded will be more
✓ Any configuration
Similar cargo, not this model.Photo: DiamondBack Covers, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr
Carry-On Trailer · cargo · 12 ft
5' x 8' CG3K Series 5X8CG (enclosed cargo, single rear door)
2,990 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✓ Any configuration
Similar travel trailer, not this model.Photo: Olgierd Rudak, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Airstream · travel trailer · 20.17 ft
Basecamp 20X
4,300 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✓ Any configuration
Similar travel trailer, not this model.Photo: Anshamblen15, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jayco · travel trailer · 20.17 ft
Jay Feather Air 16RB
4,995 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✓ Any configuration
Similar travel trailer, not this model.Photo: Olgierd Rudak, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Airstream · travel trailer · 20.58 ft
Bambi 20FB
5,000 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✓ Any configuration
Similar travel trailer, not this model.Photo: Anshamblen15, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jayco · travel trailer · 29.42 ft
Jay Flight SLX 260BH
6,500 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✓ Any configuration
Similar travel trailer, not this model.Photo: DanTD, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Grand Design · travel trailer · 26.08 ft
Imagine XLS 22MLE
6,995 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✓ Any configuration
Similar cargo, not this model.Photo: DiamondBack Covers, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr
Carry-On Trailer · cargo · 16 ft
6' x 12' CG7K Series 6X12CGR7K (enclosed cargo, tandem axle, ramp door)
7,000 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✓ Any configuration
Similar car hauler, not this model.Photo: Strubbl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Big Tex Trailers · car hauler
70CH-18 Tandem Axle Car Hauler (wood deck, 18' bed)
7,000 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✓ Any configuration
Similar travel trailer, not this model.Photo: Olgierd Rudak, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Airstream · travel trailer · 31.17 ft
Flying Cloud 30FB Bunk
8,800 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
! 29 of 38 configurations
Needs the 2.7L Turbo or 5.3L V8 (L82, L82/YK9) or 5.3L V8 (L84, L84/YK9) or 6.2L V8 or 3.0L Duramax I6 Turbo Diesel.
Similar fifth wheel, not this model.Photo: Cullen328, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Grand Design · fifth wheel · 29.83 ft
Reflection 150-Series 260RD
9,995 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
! 1 of 38 configurations
Needs the 5.3L V8 (L84, L84/YK9).
Similar travel trailer, not this model.Photo: DanTD, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Grand Design · travel trailer · 35.42 ft
Reflection 317RSTS
10,995 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
! 5 of 38 configurations
Needs the 5.3L V8 (L84, L84/YK9) or 6.2L V8.
Similar fifth wheel, not this model.Photo: Anshamblen15, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jayco · fifth wheel · 28.17 ft
Eagle Fifth Wheel 28RLT
11,400 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✕ Too heavy
Similar travel trailer, not this model.Photo: Anshamblen15, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jayco · travel trailer · 35.5 ft
Eagle Travel Trailer 312BHOK
11,995 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✕ Too heavy
Weights are what each trailer maker publishes (retrieved 2026-09-27). We compare the trailer's GVWR — the most it may weigh loaded — with each Sierra 1500 configuration's rating, and never a dry weight when a GVWR exists.
Compare
Towing capacity by engine
4 configurations
10 configurations
7 configurations
5 configurations
5 configurations
7 configurations
Orange = the range across that engine's configurations. Bars start at zero.
Fine print, made plain
What the rating assumes
Every rating assumes a 150-lb driver and passenger and no other cargo. Add people, gear or accessories and the trailer you can tow goes down by the same amount.
New to towing?
The five weights, in one picture
- Loaded trailer weight — must stay under the towing rating
- The rating “It assumes a towing vehicle with any mandatory options, no cargo, tongue load of 10% (conventional trailer) or king pin weight of 15% (5th-wheel trailer), and driver and passenger (150 lbs. each).” Weight of additional options, passengers, cargo and hitch must be deducted from this weight. p. 7 ↗
- Tongue weight — the part of the trailer pressing on the hitch
- “For trailers up to 2,000 lbs., tongue load not to exceed 200 lbs. For conventional trailers over 2,000 lbs., tongue load is 10% of loaded trailer weight. For 5th-wheel trailers, king pin weight is 15% of loaded trailer weight.” p. 7 ↗
- Payload — people and cargo the truck can carry
- “Payload is the combined maximum allowable weight of cargo and passengers that the vehicle is designed to carry. It is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating minus the Base Curb Weight.” And: “When towing, trailer tongue load or king pin weight is also part of the Cargo Weight.” p. 6 ↗
- GVWR and GCWR — the two ceilings
- “Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum allowable weight of the fully-loaded vehicle (including passengers and cargo).” “Gross Vehicle Weight PLUS Loaded Trailer Weight EQUALS Gross Combination Weight (GCW) GCW must not exceed GCWR.” Your GVWR is on the label on the driver's door jamb. p. 6 ↗
Towing it behind a motorhome?
Can you flat tow a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500? Some versions
GMC allows it for: 4WD with 2-speed transfer case.
From the maker's table
All 76 configurations
| Engine | Axle | Body | Trim | Drive | Max trailer | GCWR | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.2L V8 | 3.42 | Crew Cab Standard Bed | — | 4WD | 11,8001 | 17,800 | p. 17 ↗ |
| 6.2L V8 | 3.42 | Crew Cab Short Bed | — | 4WD | 11,7001 | 17,800 | p. 17 ↗ |
| 5.3L V8 (L84, L84/YK9) | 3.42 | Double Cab Standard Bed | — | 2WD | 11,3001 | 16,800 | p. 17 ↗ |
| 5.3L V8 (L84, L84/YK9) | 3.42 | Crew Cab Short Bed | — | 2WD | 11,2001 | 16,800 | p. 17 ↗ |
| 5.3L V8 (L84, L84/YK9) | 3.42 | Double Cab Standard Bed | — | 4WD | 11,0001 | 16,800 | p. 17 ↗ |
| 5.3L V8 (L84, L84/YK9) | 3.42 | Crew Cab Short Bed | — | 4WD | 10,9001 | 16,800 | p. 17 ↗ |
| 5.3L V8 (L84, L84/YK9) | 3.42 | Crew Cab Standard Bed | — | 4WD | 10,9001 | 16,800 | p. 17 ↗ |
| 5.3L V8 (L82, L82/YK9) | 3.42 | Regular Cab Long Bed | Base Sierra | 2WD | 9,900 | 15,000 | p. 16 ↗ |
| 5.3L V8 (L82, L82/YK9) | 3.42 | Crew Cab Short Bed | Base Sierra | 2WD | 9,700 | 15,000 | p. 16 ↗ |
| 5.3L V8 (L82, L82/YK9) | 3.42 | Double Cab Standard Bed | Base Sierra | 2WD | 9,700 | 15,000 | p. 16 ↗ |
| 5.3L V8 (L82, L82/YK9) | 3.42 | Regular Cab Long Bed | Base Sierra | 4WD | 9,700 | 15,000 | p. 16 ↗ |
| 5.3L V8 (L84, L84/YK9) | 3.23 | Crew Cab Short Bed | — | 2WD | 9,500 | not listed | p. 17 ↗ |
- Requires available Max Trailering Package.
- AT4 max trailering capacity is 9,200 lbs.
- AT4 max trailering capacity is 8,800 lbs.
- AT4 max trailering capacity is 8,900 lbs.
Weights in lbs. “Not listed” means the maker printed no GCWR for that configuration — we don't estimate one.
| Engine | Axle | Body | Trim | Drive | Max trailer | GCWR | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L V8 (L84, L84/YK9) | 3.42 | Double Cab Standard Bed | — | 2WD | 10,2001 | 16,800 | p. 17 ↗ |
| 5.3L V8 (L82, L82/YK9) | 3.42 | Regular Cab Long Bed | Base Sierra | 2WD | 9,800 | 15,000 | p. 16 ↗ |
| 5.3L V8 (L84, L84/YK9) | 3.42 | Double Cab Standard Bed | — | 4WD | 9,8001 | 16,800 | p. 17 ↗ |
| 5.3L V8 (L82, L82/YK9) | 3.42 | Crew Cab Short Bed | Base Sierra | 2WD | 9,600 | 15,000 | p. 16 ↗ |
| 5.3L V8 (L82, L82/YK9) | 3.42 | Double Cab Standard Bed | Base Sierra | 2WD | 9,600 | 15,000 | p. 16 ↗ |
| 5.3L V8 (L82, L82/YK9) | 3.42 | Regular Cab Long Bed | Base Sierra | 4WD | 9,600 | 15,000 | p. 16 ↗ |
| 5.3L V8 (L84, L84/YK9) | 3.42 | Crew Cab Short Bed | — | 2WD | 9,6001 | 16,800 | p. 17 ↗ |
| 5.3L V8 (L84, L84/YK9) | 3.42 | Crew Cab Short Bed | — | 4WD | 9,3001 | 16,800 | p. 17 ↗ |
| 2.7L Turbo | 3.42 | Double Cab Standard Bed | — | 2WD | 9,100 | 14,500 | p. 16 ↗ |
| 5.3L V8 (L82, L82/YK9) | 3.42 | Crew Cab Standard Bed | Base Sierra | 4WD | 9,100 | 15,000 | p. 16 ↗ |
| 5.3L V8 (L82, L82/YK9) | 3.42 | Double Cab Standard Bed | Base Sierra | 4WD | 9,100 | 15,000 | p. 16 ↗ |
| 2.7L Turbo | 3.42 | Crew Cab Short Bed | — | 2WD | 9,000 | 14,500 | p. 16 ↗ |
- Requires available Max Trailering Package.
- AT4 max trailering capacity is 7,500 lbs.
- AT4 max trailering capacity is 6,300 lbs.
- AT4 max trailering capacity is 6,600 lbs.
- AT4 max trailering capacity is 6,700 lbs.
- AT4 max trailering capacity is 6,400 lbs.
Weights in lbs. “Not listed” means the maker printed no GCWR for that configuration — we don't estimate one.
More GMC towing capacities
Questions people ask
What is the towing capacity of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?
From 7,400 lbs to 11,800 lbs, depending on engine, axle ratio, body and drive. The 11,800 lbs top rating is for the 6.2L V8 · 3.42 axle · Crew Cab Standard Bed · 4WD (Requires available Max Trailering Package).
Does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 need a tow package?
GMC's guide lists no separate package requirement for this model.
How much tongue weight can the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 handle?
Not listed in the maker's guide.
Can you flat tow a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?
Only some versions: 4WD with 2-speed transfer case.
Citing these numbers?
Can Tow That. "2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity." From 2021 GMC Trailering Guide, PDF modified 2021-09-15. https://cantowthat.com/gmc/sierra-1500/2021
Source: 2021 GMC Trailering Guide (General Motors (GMC), PDF modified 2021-09-15; retrieved 2026-09-27). Page links open the PDF at the page each number is printed on.
76 ratings checked against the PDFHow we verify