Forum Discussion

Empty_Nest__Soo's avatar
Feb 26, 2014

What do you tow with your GM 1500?

I have a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500, 5.3L, 6-speed, 2WD, regular cab, long bed. When I ordered it, I ordered all available options for towing a TT. It has the Handling/Trailering Suspension Package and the HD Trailering Package. It is rated to tow 10,000 pounds, per the Owner's Manual. Problem is . . . the carrying capacity limits the tongue weight I can carry, so in the real world I have no thoughts of actually towing something that heavy.

We need more room now that we’re both retired and planning on traveling more. I’m hoping to get an idea of what peoples’ real-world experiences are towing with this truck, and what I can hope to tow.

What do you tow with your GMC/Chevy 1500? And what is the carrying capacity listed on your door frame sticker?

Thanks,
Wayne

25 Replies

  • I have a 2010 GMC Sierra with the max towing package. That is a 6.2l and can tow 11,500 pounds. I tow a 8500 tt and I also sometimes tow my 9000 tractor on a trailer when I move it between properties. I have upgrades for a better ride and better MPG's
  • When I traded in mine the towing limit was estimated at 5500#
  • My sig below, the rig has some improvements, short of a brand new factory engine from Chevrolet and a Jasper transmission. I did put an extra large radiator and glad I did.
  • I've got a '95 Silverado 4x4 short bed extended cab. IIRC my tow rating is about 6800#.

    I tow the Catalina Capri 22 on a single axle trailer with surge brakes that runs about 3600-3800# with the boat and all of the gear aboard. It tows pretty well though it does bounce a bit at times with the single axle. We've done a couple of 300+ mile runs up to the San Juan Islands with no issues beyond traffic in Seattle.

    The new Trail Cruiser 23QB should be about 5900# fully loaded. I expect we'll be under that weight as we tend to pack light and won't fill the water tank unless we have to. The one brief run I did on the highway suggests I'm not going to be happy with my mileage numbers but it handled well and the truck didn't have any issues.

    That said, I'm keeping my eyes open for a good deal on a 3/4 ton.
  • See my sig below. Sticker would say 6900#. My truck has some 'improvements'. ;)