2025 Sierra HD Tow Ratings
Chances are that if you decide to move past the Sierra 1500 to the Sierra 2500 or 3500 HD models, it is because you plan on towing something big, heavy, or both. Sure, maybe you simply need the extra payload capacity, or you just like having the biggest truck around, but again, odds are, it is the towing capacity. How much can the Sierra HD tow? It varies by a few factors, most of which will be covered in this GMC of Rochester blog post.
At the core of the Sierra HD lineup are its powertrains. The standard engine for most of the HD model line is the naturally aspirated 6.6-liter V8, producing 401 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm and with a peak torque rating of 464 pound-feet (lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm). Starting with the 2024 model year, this engine has been mated to an Allison-branded 10-speed automatic transmission.
The other choice, and often the preferred one for really big towing, is the Duramax turbo-diesel. This is also a 6.6-liter V8 rated at 470 horsepower @ 2,800 rpm and reaches a tremendous 975 lb-ft of peak torque starting as low as 1,600 rpm. It is mated to the same Allison-brand 10-speed automatic transmission. Both engines are available with either rear-wheel drive or 4×4 drivetrains. Often, a 4×4 drivetrain lowers the maximum towing capacity, but that is not the case for the Sierra HD.
The maximum towing capacity for each Sierra HD configuration can be found in the table below. The Sierra 2500 and 3500 HD lines each have their own table. Because the capacity rises considerably with a fifth wheel or gooseneck trailer, those are broken out separately.
2025 Sierra 2500 HD With Ball Hitch
(NHT = Optional Max Trailering Package)
| Model | Drivetrain | Gas 6.6L V8 | Turbo-Diesel 6.6L V8 | ||
| Axle Ratio | Max Trailer Weight (lb. / kg) | Axle Ratio | Max Trailer Weight (lb. / kg) | ||
| Crew Cab Standard Bed | 2WD | 3.73 | 16,000 / 7,258 | 3.42 | 18,500 / 8,392 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed Pro, SLE And SLT With NHT |
2WD | – | – | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed | 4WD | 3.73 | 16,000 / 7,258 | 3.42 | 18,500 / 8,392 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed Pro, SLE And SLT With NHT | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed AT4 | 4WD | 3.73 | 16,000 / 7,258 | 3.42 | 18,500 / 8,392 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed AT4X | 4WD | 3.73 | 16,000 / 7,258 | 3.42 | 18,500 / 8,392 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed AT4X AEV Edition | 4WD | 3.73 | 16,000 / 7,258 | 3.42 | 18,400 / 8,346 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed Denali | 4WD | 3.73 | 16,000 / 7,258 | 3.42 | 18,500 / 8,392 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed Denali With NHT | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed Denali Ultimate | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 18,500 / 8,392 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed Denali Ultimate With NHT | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed | 2WD | 3.73 | 16,000 / 7,258 | 3.42 | 18,500 / 8,392 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed Pro, SLE And SLT With NHT | 2WD | – | – | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed | 4WD | 3.73 | 16,000 / 7,258 | 3.42 | 18,500 / 8,392 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed Pro, SLE And SLT With NHT | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed AT4 | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 18,500 / 8,392 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed Denali | 4WD | 3.73 | 16,000 / 7,258 | 3.42 | 18,500 / 8,392 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed Denali With NHT | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed Denali Ultimate | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 18,500 / 8,392 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed Denali Ultimate With NHT | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Double Cab Standard Bed | 2WD | 3.73 | 14,500 / 6,577 | 3.42 | 14,500 / 6,577 |
| Double Cab Standard Bed | 4WD | 3.73 | 14,500 / 6,577 | 3.42 | 14,500 / 6,577 |
| Double Cab Long Bed | 2WD | 3.73 | 16,000 / 7,258 | 3.42 | 17,900 / 8,119 |
| Double Cab Long Bed | 4WD | 3.73 | 16,000 / 7,258 | 3.42 | 17,600 / 7,983 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed | 2WD | 3.73 | 14,500 / 6,577 | 3.42 | 14,500 / 6,577 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed Pro, SLE And SLT With NHT | 2WD | – | – | 3.42 | 14,500 / 6,577 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed | 4WD | 3.73 | 14,500 / 6,577 | 3.42 | 14,500 / 6,577 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed Pro, SLE And SLT With NHT | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 14,500 / 6,577 |
2025 Sierra 2500 HD 5th Wheel or Gooseneck Hitch
| Model | Drivetrain | Gas 6.6L V8 | Turbo-Diesel 6.6L V8 | ||
| Axle Ratio | Max Trailer Weight (lb. / kg) | Axle Ratio | Max Trailer Weight (lb. / kg) | ||
| Crew Cab Standard Bed | 2WD | 3.73 | 18,500 / 8,392 | 3.42 | 19,200 / 8,709 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed Pro, SLE And SLT With NHT | 2WD | – | – | 3.42 | 21,510 / 9,757 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed | 4WD | 3.73 | 18,500 / 8,392 | 3.42 | 19,100 / 8,664 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed Pro, SLE And SLT With NHT | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 21,600 / 9,798 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed AT4 | 4WD | 3.73 | 18,000 / 8,165 | 3.42 | 17,300 / 7,847 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed AT4 With NHT | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 20,800 / 9,435 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed AT4X | 4WD | 3.73 | 18,000 / 8,165 | 3.42 | 17,300 / 7,847 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed AT4X AEV Edition | 4WD | 3.73 | 16,200 / 7,348 | 3.42 | 14,800 / 6,713 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed Denali | 4WD | 3.73 | 18,000 / 8,165 | 3.42 | 17,600 / 7,983 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed Denali With NHT | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 19,900 / 9,027 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed Denali Ultimate | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 17,200 / 7,802 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed Denali Ultimate With NHT | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 19,300 / 8,754 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed | 2WD | 3.73 | 18,500 / 8,392 | 3.42 | 19,200 / 8,709 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed Pro, SLE And SLT With NHT | 2WD | – | – | 3.42 | 21,870 / 9,920 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed | 4WD | 3.73 | 18,280 / 8,292 | 3.42 | 19,000 / 8,618 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed Pro, SLE And SLT With NHT | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 21,500 / 9,752 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed AT4 | 4WD | 3.73 | 17,900 / 8,119 | 3.42 | 18,000 / 8,165 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed AT4 With NHT | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 21,190 / 9,612 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed Denali | 4WD | 3.73 | 17,900 / 8,119 | 3.42 | 18,400 / 8,346 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed Denali With NHT | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 19,820 / 8,990 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed Denali Ultimate | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 17,900 / 8,119 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed Denali Ultimate With NHT | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 19,190 / 8,705 |
| Double Cab Standard Bed | 2WD | 3.73 | 18,600 / 8,437 | 3.42 | 18,100 / 8,210 |
| Double Cab Standard Bed | 4WD | 3.73 | 18,200 / 8,256 | 3.42 | 17,700 / 8,029 |
| Double Cab Long Bed | 2WD | 3.73 | 18,400 / 8,346 | 3.42 | 17,900 / 8,119 |
| Double Cab Long Bed | 4WD | 3.73 | 18,000 / 8,165 | 3.42 | 17,700 / 8,029 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed | 2WD | 3.73 | 18,700 / 8,482 | 3.42 | 18,400 / 8,346 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed Pro, SLE And SLT With NHT | 2WD | – | – | 3.42 | 22,390 / 10,156 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed | 4WD | 3.73 | 18,300 / 8,301 | 3.42 | 18,200 / 8,256 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed Pro, SLE And SLT With NHT | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 22,000 / 9,979 |
2025 Sierra 3500 HD With Ball Hitch
| Model | Drivetrain | Gas 6.6L V8 L8T | Turbo-Diesel 6.6L V8 L5P | ||
| Axle Ratio | Max Trailer Weight (lb. / kg) | Axle Ratio | Max Trailer Weight (lb. / kg) | ||
| Crew Cab Standard Bed SRW | 2WD | 3.73 | 16,000 / 7,258 | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed SRW | 4WD | 3.73 | 16,000 / 7,258 | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed AT4 SRW | 4WD | 3.73 | 16,000 / 7,258 | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed Denali SRW | 4WD | 3.73 | 16,000 / 7,258 | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed Denali Ultimate SRW | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed SRW | 2WD | 3.73 | 16,000 / 7,258 | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed DRW | 2WD | 3.73 | 18,200 / 8,256 | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed SRW | 4WD | 3.73 | 16,000 / 7,258 | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed AT4 SRW | 4WD | 3.73 | 16,000 / 7,258 | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed Denali SRW | 4WD | 3.73 | 16,000 / 7,258 | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed Denali Ultimate SRW | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed DRW | 4WD | 3.73 | 17,800 / 8,074 | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed Denali DRW | 4WD | 3.73 | 17,500 / 7,938 | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed Denali Ultimate DRW | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Double Cab Long Bed SRW | 2WD | 3.73 | 16,000 / 7,258 | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Double Cab Long Bed DRW | 2WD | 3.73 | 18,300 / 8,301 | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Double Cab Long Bed SRW | 4WD | 3.73 | 16,000 / 7,258 | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Double Cab Long Bed DRW | 4WD | 3.73 | 18,000 / 8,165 | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed SRW | 2WD | 3.73 | 14,500 / 6,577 | 3.42 | 14,500 / 6,577 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed DRW | 2WD | 3.73 | 18,700 / 8,482 | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed DRW With NHT | 2WD | – | – | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed SRW | 4WD | 3.73 | 14,500 / 6,577 | 3.42 | 14,500 / 6,577 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed DRW | 4WD | 3.73 | 18,400 / 8,346 | 3.42 | 20,000 / 9,072 |
2025 Sierra 3500 HD With 5th Wheel or Gooseneck Hitch
| Model | Drivetrain | Gas 6.6L V8 | Turbo-Diesel 6.6L V8 | ||
| Axle Ratio | Max Trailer Weight (lb. / kg) | Axle Ratio | Max Trailer Weight (lb. / kg) | ||
| Crew Cab Standard Bed SRW | 2WD | 3.73 | 18,650 / 8,460 | 3.42 | 21,900 / 9,934 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed SRW | 4WD | 3.73 | 18,300 / 8,301 | 3.42 | 21,600 / 9,798 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed AT4 SRW | 4WD | 3.73 | 17,900 / 8,119 | 3.42 | 21,300 / 9,662 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed Denali SRW | 4WD | 3.73 | 17,900 / 8,119 | 3.42 | 21,200 / 9,616 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed Denali Ultimate SRW | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 21,100 / 9,571 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed SRW | 2WD | 3.73 | 18,510 / 8,396 | 3.42 | 22,070 / 10,011 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed DRW | 2WD | 3.73 | 18,230 / 8,269 | 3.42 | 31,440 / 14,261 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed SRW | 4WD | 3.73 | 18,230 / 8,269 | 3.42 | 21,460 / 9,734 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed AT4 SRW | 4WD | 3.73 | 17,800 / 8,074 | 3.42 | 21,200 / 9,616 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed Denali SRW | 4WD | 3.73 | 17,800 / 8,074 | 3.42 | 21,100 / 9,571 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed Denali Ultimate SRW | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 21,000 / 9,526 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed DRW | 4WD | 3.73 | 17,800 / 8,074 | 3.42 | 31,000 / 14,062 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed Denali DRW | 4WD | 3.73 | 17,500 / 7,938 | 3.42 | 30,800 / 13,971 |
| Crew Cab Long Bed Denali Ultimate DRW | 4WD | – | – | 3.42 | 30,700 / 13,926 |
| Double Cab Long Bed SRW | 2WD | 3.73 | 18,620 / 8,446 | 3.42 | 21,900 / 9,934 |
| Double Cab Long Bed DRW | 2WD | 3.73 | 18,300 / 8,301 | 3.42 | 31,580 / 14,325 |
| Double Cab Long Bed SRW | 4WD | 3.73 | 18,310 / 8,305 | 3.42 | 21,590 / 9,793 |
| Double Cab Long Bed DRW | 4WD | 3.73 | 17,990 / 8,160 | 3.42 | 31,270 / 14,184 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed SRW | 2WD | 3.73 | 19,080 / 8,655 | 3.42 | 22,420 / 10,170 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed DRW | 2WD | 3.73 | 18,760 / 8,510 | 3.42 | 35,500 / 16,1032 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed DRW With NHT | 2WD | – | – | 3.42 | 36,000 / 16,3302 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed SRW | 4WD | 3.73 | 18,700 / 8,482 | 3.42 | 22,040 / 9,997 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed DRW | 4WD | 3.73 | 18,380 / 8,337 | 3.42 | 31,500 / 14,288 |
Keep in mind these are general guidelines. Before towing, you need to know your model’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) to understand how much you can load in your vehicle in addition to the trailer. You should also be aware of the vehicle’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), which rates the limit for the truck and trailer’s full load. These figures will be labeled on each GMC Sierra HD vehicle.
If you suspect you are close to the GCWR, arrange to have your fully loaded truck and trailer weighed at a vehicle scale. Several such scales are just outside Rochester. Also, consider any additional passengers you will have on your trip. If you have any additional questions regarding towing, please inquire with GMC of Rochester’s service professionals.
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