Forum Discussion

rmnpcolorado's avatar
rmnpcolorado
Explorer
Oct 25, 2020

GM's Max Trailering Package

So I had a bead on a beautiful '17 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L V6 and the max tow package, but that truck has since been sold before we are ready to buy (need to sell our Avalanche first). I keep looking at GMC Sierras/Chevy Silverados but would prefer one that has the Max Trailering Package, and unlike Ford, those seem to be hard to find.

But if I'm understanding the GM trucks, without the max trailering package they're rated to tow in the underwhelming 9,000# range? And with the MTP we're talking upper 10s/11s depending on the engine choice. Which, with our rig and potential upgrade down the road, I would like the additional capacity (payload of 1,800#+).

It seems to me that GM's max trailering package is more substantial than Ford's, and from a power standpoint doesn't have to have twin turbos to provide the oomph. Problem is they're not nearly as prevalent as Fords.

What's my question? Not sure, but am hoping someone can chime in on GM's max trailering package. I'm looking primarily at '17s/'18s, but maybe somebody could shed more light on the '19s/'20s as well?
  • JCK wrote:
    Had a 2015 Max tow GMC 1500 If memory serves me wright it had 4300 lb. rear axle and around 1800 payload . I think the standard rear axle is 3850 lbs. I had a 28 foot Keystone bullet that was right around 6500 lbs. Truck handled it fine but you could never drive with one hand . Trailer didn’t sway but truck was constantly moving around probably because it had 20 inch P rated tires . I don’t get it you buy max tow / max payload and they give you P rated tires shame on GM . Kept it two years and got a 2017 GMC 2500 HD problem solved

    I had the same problem with my 2012 sierra, max tow package, even got the lt tires and upgraded the shocks , etc. Then bought a 2500. The difference was night and day. And the TT wasn't heavy. Could it tow, yes, was it a fun experience no.
  • Had a 2015 Max tow GMC 1500 If memory serves me wright it had 4300 lb. rear axle and around 1800 payload . I think the standard rear axle is 3850 lbs. I had a 28 foot Keystone bullet that was right around 6500 lbs. Truck handled it fine but you could never drive with one hand . Trailer didn’t sway but truck was constantly moving around probably because it had 20 inch P rated tires . I don’t get it you buy max tow / max payload and they give you P rated tires shame on GM . Kept it two years and got a 2017 GMC 2500 HD problem solved
  • I would look to see what you want to tow first. Then match a truck to it. As was stated, if towing heavy, you want a bigger truck. If 9000 lbs is underwelming to you , any half ton truck will be also.
  • If you’re looking at towing anywhere near 9k or more you should be looking at 3/4 ton trucks minimum. You’ll far exceed payload, axle, tire, hitch receiver ratings etc well before reaching any tow rating above 9k with a half ton truck. Those 9k+ ratings are not realistic in real world towing.
  • Good used ‘17, ‘18, ‘19 and ‘20 GM trucks with max tow are hard to find and expensive.