2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity & Payload Specs

The 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 can tow up to 12,500 pounds when properly equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine and the available Max Trailering Package. Whether you are hauling a family camper for a weekend getaway, dragging a boat to the lake, or moving heavy equipment to a job site, the Sierra 1500 offers a variety of engine and drivetrain configurations to handle your specific workload. Since the 2015 model year, General Motors has utilized the SAE J2807 standard for all light-duty truck towing tests, meaning the numbers you see below are thoroughly tested for real-world acceleration, grade climbing, and braking performance.

Always remember that these figures represent the absolute maximums for specific configurations. Your specific truck’s capability will depend heavily on its cab size, bed length, drivetrain, and installed options. Always check the tire and loading information sticker on your driver's side door jamb for your truck’s specific payload limits.

Quick answer

• Max Towing Capacity: 12,500 lbs (Requires 6.2L V8, Double Cab, 2WD, and Max Trailering Package)
• Max Payload Capacity: 2,250 lbs (Requires 5.3L V8, Double Cab, 2WD)
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 6,500 to 7,600 lbs (varies by cab/bed/drivetrain)
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): 11,000 to 17,700 lbs
• Curb Weight: 4,500 to 5,500 lbs
• Hitch Receiver Class: Class III / Class IV (depending on package) with up to 1,250 lbs max tongue weight (with WDH)

Tow ratings by engine & trim

Below is a breakdown of the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500's towing and payload capabilities based on engine, drivetrain, and packages. Note: Towing capacities vary slightly based on cab and bed configurations. The numbers below represent the maximum achievable in that engine/drivetrain category.

Tow package contents

To achieve the maximum towing capacities listed above, the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 must be equipped with the factory trailering packages.

Standard Trailering Package (Z82):

• Trailer hitch receiver
• 7-pin and 4-pin connectors
• Automatic locking rear differential

Max Trailering Package (NHT):

• Includes all Standard Trailering Package items
• 9.76-inch rear axle with a 3.42 axle ratio
• Enhanced cooling radiator
• Revised shock tuning and heavier-duty rear leaf springs
• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (ITBC)
• Trailer Sway Control (integrated into the StabiliTrak system)

5th-wheel & gooseneck

While 5th-wheel and gooseneck hitches are traditionally reserved for Heavy Duty (2500HD and 3500HD) trucks, it is physically possible to install a light-duty gooseneck or 5th-wheel hitch in a half-ton truck like the Sierra 1500. However, you must pay strict attention to the truck's payload capacity and rear gross axle weight rating (RGAWR). Pin weights for 5th-wheel trailers easily exceed 1,000 to 1,500 pounds, which can instantly max out the payload of a light-duty 1500 when factoring in passengers and cargo. General Motors strongly recommends stepping up to the Sierra 2500HD if you plan to frequently tow 5th-wheel or gooseneck trailers.

Weight distribution & WDH requirements

For the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500, a Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH) is required when towing a conventional trailer that weighs more than 5,000 pounds. A standard weight-carrying setup is limited to 5,000 pounds of trailer weight and 500 pounds of tongue weight. Utilizing a proper WDH restores weight to the front axle of the truck, ensuring proper steering geometry, improving braking distances, and engaging the Trailer Sway Control system more effectively. Always ensure your WDH is properly sized for your trailer's loaded tongue weight.

Real-world towing tips for this vehicle

• Tow/Haul Mode: Always engage the Tow/Haul mode when pulling a heavy trailer. This mode adjusts the transmission shift points, preventing "gear hunting" and utilizing engine braking on downgrades to save your service brakes.
• Monitor Temps: Utilize the driver information center to keep an eye on your transmission temperature gauge, especially on long climbs or hot summer days.
• Tongue Weight: Aim for a tongue weight between 10% and 15% of your total loaded trailer weight. Anything less can induce dangerous trailer sway.
• Tire Pressure: Inflate your rear tires to the maximum cold pressure listed on the door sticker to increase sidewall stiffness and load carrying capacity.

Common towing-related issues

When towing heavily with the 2017 Sierra 1500, watch out for a few known mechanical quirks:

• Transmission Heat: The 6-speed and 8-speed transmissions can run hot if the fluid hasn't been changed recently or if the thermal bypass valve fails. Ensure your transmission fluid is fresh and check that the auxiliary cooler is free of debris.
• Active Fuel Management (AFM): The AFM system can cause shuddering or excessive oil consumption when oscillating between V4 and V8 modes under load. Tow/Haul mode helps lock the engine in V8 mode to prevent this.
• Brake Wear: Heavy towing accelerates brake pad and rotor wear. Ensure your integrated trailer brake controller is properly calibrated to balance the braking force between the truck and the trailer.

Need help inspecting your hitch setup, upgrading your cooling system, or performing routine transmission maintenance before a big tow? Find a trusted shop on Repairius.