2014 GMC Sierra -- Opinions on Towing

The new 1500 can be had with CREW and 6'6" bed.

I had a Double Cab with the V6. I used it to tow many different trailers this summer. The truck did great, and I was extremely impressed with the V6. For flat land, the V6 did a great job towing to the max. The V6 also allowed me to average 21-22 mpg each week.

Are you talking 5'8" bed + CREW cab vs. 6'6" bed + DOUBLE cab?

If so, the wheelbase is about the same. Not enough difference to worry about.

Crew cab is longer, so they shortened the bed to keep the truck about the same length.

I guess you can get a double cab with the 5'8" bed, at which point the truck will be 10" shorter. Still, not enough to make an appreciable difference in towing.

Dragstirs are VERY long wheelbase to provide maximum stability. Same thing will apply to tow vehicles. Longer wheelbase (not bed length) WILL have an effect on towing stability. Longer is better but that doesn't mean that short is BAD. May require a slightly better and more accurate hitch adjustment with a short bed or maybe you'll be satisfied but still.....longer IS more stable.

One more comment - despite a higher GRAWR (good thing I admit) the GVWR isn't increased any with the max trailering package... BUT - if you wait you can get the 6.2l... The website shows you can get it with the 5.3l but my dealer has told me that you can't..

Thanks for all the input, guys. Really appreciate it.

We started out with a similar truck many years ago. FWIW: It only costs a skosh more to go 1st class...once.

1. 3.73 rear end or lower.
2. Long bed DRW diesel set up for towing.
3. Numbers 1 & 2 above solve all your problems in Number 3.

Just wish someone had pointed these things out to me 20 years ago. I'd have saved alot of money on not bothering to buy 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton trucks.

Happy camping!!! See y'all down the road!!!:)

Good advice so far .. factory tow mirrors are very inexpensive but tough to find on dealer lots in my area.

Give due consideration to the Max Trailer Package. You wont see a significant reduction in mileage with the 3.73's, and you also add some extra payload capacity which will likely come in handy with a trailer in that weight range. It also includes the larger rear and better cooling. Well worth it IMO


MAX TRAILERING PACKAGE Includes 9.76" rear axle, 3.73 axle ratio, trailer brake controller, enhanced cooling radiator, —
revised shock tuning for increased control, heavier-duty rear springs and increased RGAWR to 4100 lbs. Late availability.
On SLE, includes Trailering Package and locking rear differential on 2WD models. Also requires UHN 18" or RD3 20" aluminum
wheels and 5.3L V-8 engine. Not available with Z71 Off-Road Suspension Package. On SLT , requires RCW 18" or NZM 20"
aluminum wheels when ordered with 5.3L V-8 engine. Also requires NZM 20" aluminum wheels when ordered with 6.2L V-8 engine.
Not available with Z71 Off-Road Suspension Package

1. Take your pick. Either will be ok.

2. I prefer the 3.73 option. I have had a few of the 5.3L with 3.73 trucks.

3. If you can get an integrated brake controller, go for it. I love the one in my 2500hd. Also look for a tow mirrors option. Those make a huge difference.

X3. See the RV in my signature. Pulls fine and when loaded I am about 6800#. No difference in bed length other than maybe a little more towing capacity with the shorter bed due to less weight.

owenssailor wrote:
We are towing a similar size and weight trailer with a 2012 Silverado crew cab 5.3 6spd 3.42 standard box. It does the job fine. The 2014 has about 30 HP more than my truck.

X2 Although my trailer is a bit heavier you should be fine with that rig.