2018 GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity

Up to 12,500 lbs with a conventional ball hitch. That rating is for this configuration: DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 2WD WITH MAX TRAILERING PACKAGE, EcoTec3 6.2L V-8, 2WD, 3.42 axle. The lowest-rated configuration in the same tables is 5,500 lbs, so the answer for your vehicle depends on how it is equipped.

Highest published rating12,500 lbsConventional (ball hitch). Lowest in the same tables: 5,500 lbs.

The top figure belongs to one specific build. Find the row that matches your engine, cab, drive and axle, and check the label on your driver's door jamb. Passengers and cargo in the truck come off what you can tow.

2018 GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity by engine

The highest rating published for each engine. Pick a figure to see every configuration behind it.

Engine	Conventional	Fifth-wheel or gooseneck	Configurations
EcoTec3 6.2L V-8	12,500 lbs	11,600 lbs	20
EcoTec3 5.3L V-8	11,100 lbs	11,000 lbs	55
EcoTec3 5.3L V-8 with eAssist	9,400 lbs		2
EcoTec3 4.3L V-6	7,600 lbs	7,500 lbs	14

2018 GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity chart

All 91 configurations in the source, by hitch type and engine, highest rating first. Each row links to the page it is printed on.

Conventional (ball hitch)

2018 GMC Sierra 1500 EcoTec3 6.2L V-8 towing capacity, conventional hitch
Configuration	Drive	Axle	Max trailer	Needs	Source
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 2WD WITH MAX TRAILERING PACKAGEautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	2WD	3.42	12,500 lbs	Max Trailering Package	p. 17
CREW CAB SHORT BOX 2WD WITH MAX TRAILERING PACKAGEautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	2WD	3.42	12,500 lbs	Max Trailering Package	p. 17
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 4WD WITH MAX TRAILERING PACKAGEautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.42	11,800 lbs	Max Trailering Package	p. 17
CREW CAB SHORT BOX 4WD WITH MAX TRAILERING PACKAGEautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.42	11,700 lbs	Max Trailering Package	p. 17
CREW CAB STANDARD BOX 4WD WITH MAX TRAILERING PACKAGEautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.42	11,700 lbs	Max Trailering Package	p. 17
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 2WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	2WD	3.23	9,400 lbs		p. 17
CREW CAB SHORT BOX 2WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	2WD	3.23	9,300 lbs		p. 17
Denali, SIERRA DENALI CREW CAB SHORT BOX 2WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	2WD	3.23	9,300 lbs		p. 17
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.23	9,100 lbs		p. 17
CREW CAB SHORT BOX 4WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.23	9,100 lbs		p. 17
Denali, SIERRA DENALI CREW CAB SHORT BOX 4WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.23	9,100 lbs		p. 17
CREW CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.23	9,000 lbs		p. 17
Denali, SIERRA DENALI CREW CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.23	9,000 lbs		p. 17

2018 GMC Sierra 1500 EcoTec3 5.3L V-8 towing capacity, conventional hitch
Configuration	Drive	Axle	Max trailer	Needs	Source
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 2WD WITH MAX TRAILERING PACKAGEautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	2WD	3.42	11,100 lbs	Max Trailering Package	p. 17
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 2WD WITH MAX TRAILERING PACKAGEautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	2WD	3.73	11,100 lbs	Max Trailering Package	p. 17
CREW CAB SHORT BOX 2WD WITH MAX TRAILERING PACKAGEautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	2WD	3.42	11,000 lbs	Max Trailering Package	p. 17
CREW CAB SHORT BOX 2WD WITH MAX TRAILERING PACKAGEautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	2WD	3.73	11,000 lbs	Max Trailering Package	p. 17
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 4WD WITH MAX TRAILERING PACKAGEautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.42	10,800 lbs	Max Trailering Package	p. 17
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 4WD WITH MAX TRAILERING PACKAGEautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.73	10,800 lbs	Max Trailering Package	p. 17
CREW CAB SHORT BOX 4WD WITH MAX TRAILERING PACKAGEautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.42	10,700 lbs	Max Trailering Package	p. 17
CREW CAB SHORT BOX 4WD WITH MAX TRAILERING PACKAGEautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.73	10,700 lbs	Max Trailering Package	p. 17
CREW CAB STANDARD BOX 4WD WITH MAX TRAILERING PACKAGEautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.42	10,700 lbs	Max Trailering Package	p. 17
CREW CAB STANDARD BOX 4WD WITH MAX TRAILERING PACKAGEautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.73	10,700 lbs	Max Trailering Package	p. 17
REGULAR CAB LONG BOX 2WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	2WD	3.42	9,800 lbs		p. 17
REGULAR CAB LONG BOX 4WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.42	9,500 lbs		p. 17
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 2WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	2WD	3.42	9,400 lbs		p. 17
CREW CAB SHORT BOX 2WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	2WD	3.42	9,400 lbs		p. 17
CREW CAB SHORT BOX 2WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	2WD	3.42	9,300 lbs	8-speed automatic transmission	p. 17
Denali, SIERRA DENALI CREW CAB SHORT BOX 2WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	2WD	3.42	9,300 lbs		p. 17
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.42	9,200 lbs		p. 17
CREW CAB SHORT BOX 4WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.42	9,100 lbs		p. 17
CREW CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.42	9,100 lbs		p. 17
Denali, SIERRA DENALI CREW CAB SHORT BOX 4WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.42	9,100 lbs		p. 17
Denali, SIERRA DENALI CREW CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.42	9,100 lbs		p. 17
REGULAR CAB STANDARD BOX 2WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	2WD	3.42	8,900 lbs		p. 17
REGULAR CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.42	8,600 lbs		p. 17
REGULAR CAB STANDARD BOX 2WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	2WD	3.08	6,900 lbs		p. 17
REGULAR CAB LONG BOX 2WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	2WD	3.08	6,800 lbs		p. 17
REGULAR CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.08	6,600 lbs		p. 17
REGULAR CAB LONG BOX 4WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.08	6,500 lbs		p. 17
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 2WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	2WD	3.08	6,400 lbs		p. 17
CREW CAB SHORT BOX 2WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	2WD	3.08	6,400 lbs		p. 17
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.08	6,200 lbs		p. 17
CREW CAB SHORT BOX 4WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.08	6,100 lbs		p. 17
CREW CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.08	6,100 lbs		p. 17

2018 GMC Sierra 1500 EcoTec3 5.3L V-8 with eAssist towing capacity, conventional hitch
Configuration	Drive	Axle	Max trailer	Needs	Source
CREW CAB SHORT BOX 2WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	2WD	3.42	9,400 lbs		p. 17
CREW CAB SHORT BOX 4WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.42	9,100 lbs		p. 17

2018 GMC Sierra 1500 EcoTec3 4.3L V-6 towing capacity, conventional hitch
Configuration	Drive	Axle	Max trailer	Source
REGULAR CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.42	7,600 lbs	p. 17
REGULAR CAB LONG BOX 4WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.42	7,400 lbs	p. 17
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.42	7,100 lbs	p. 17
CREW CAB SHORT BOX 4WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	4WD	3.42	7,000 lbs	p. 17
REGULAR CAB STANDARD BOX 2WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	2WD	3.23	6,000 lbs	p. 17
REGULAR CAB LONG BOX 2WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	2WD	3.23	5,900 lbs	p. 17
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 2WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	2WD	3.23	5,600 lbs	p. 17
CREW CAB SHORT BOX 2WDautomaticpage states charts assume a weight-distributing hitch	2WD	3.23	5,500 lbs	p. 17

Fifth-wheel or gooseneck

2018 GMC Sierra 1500 EcoTec3 6.2L V-8 towing capacity, fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch
Configuration	Drive	Axle	Max trailer	Needs	Source
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 2WD WITH MAX TRAILERING PACKAGEautomatic	2WD	3.42	11,600 lbs	Max Trailering Package	p. 18
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 4WD WITH MAX TRAILERING PACKAGEautomatic	4WD	3.42	11,000 lbs	Max Trailering Package	p. 18
CREW CAB STANDARD BOX 4WD WITH MAX TRAILERING PACKAGEautomatic	4WD	3.42	10,200 lbs	Max Trailering Package	p. 18
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 2WDautomatic	2WD	3.23	9,000 lbs		p. 18
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomatic	4WD	3.23	8,600 lbs		p. 18
CREW CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomatic	4WD	3.23	8,000 lbs		p. 18
Denali, SIERRA DENALI CREW CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomatic	4WD	3.23	8,000 lbs		p. 18

2018 GMC Sierra 1500 EcoTec3 5.3L V-8 towing capacity, fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch
Configuration	Drive	Axle	Max trailer	Needs	Source
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 2WD WITH MAX TRAILERING PACKAGEautomatic	2WD	3.42	11,000 lbs	Max Trailering Package	p. 18
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 2WD WITH MAX TRAILERING PACKAGEautomatic	2WD	3.73	11,000 lbs	Max Trailering Package	p. 18
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 4WD WITH MAX TRAILERING PACKAGEautomatic	4WD	3.42	10,800 lbs	Max Trailering Package	p. 18
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 4WD WITH MAX TRAILERING PACKAGEautomatic	4WD	3.73	10,800 lbs	Max Trailering Package	p. 18
CREW CAB STANDARD BOX 4WD WITH MAX TRAILERING PACKAGEautomatic	4WD	3.73	10,300 lbs	Max Trailering Package	p. 18
CREW CAB STANDARD BOX 4WD WITH MAX TRAILERING PACKAGEautomatic	4WD	3.42	10,200 lbs	Max Trailering Package	p. 18
REGULAR CAB LONG BOX 2WDautomatic	2WD	3.42	9,700 lbs		p. 18
REGULAR CAB LONG BOX 4WDautomatic	4WD	3.42	9,500 lbs		p. 18
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 2WDautomatic	2WD	3.42	9,400 lbs		p. 18
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomatic	4WD	3.42	9,000 lbs		p. 18
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomatic	4WD	3.42	9,000 lbs	8-speed automatic transmission	p. 18
REGULAR CAB STANDARD BOX 2WDautomatic	2WD	3.42	8,900 lbs		p. 18
REGULAR CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomatic	4WD	3.42	8,600 lbs		p. 18
CREW CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomatic	4WD	3.42	8,100 lbs		p. 18
CREW CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomatic	4WD	3.42	8,100 lbs	8-speed automatic transmission	p. 18
Denali, SIERRA DENALI CREW CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomatic	4WD	3.42	8,100 lbs		p. 18
REGULAR CAB STANDARD BOX 2WDautomatic	2WD	3.08	6,900 lbs		p. 18
REGULAR CAB LONG BOX 2WDautomatic	2WD	3.08	6,700 lbs		p. 18
REGULAR CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomatic	4WD	3.08	6,600 lbs		p. 18
REGULAR CAB LONG BOX 4WDautomatic	4WD	3.08	6,500 lbs		p. 18
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 2WDautomatic	2WD	3.08	6,400 lbs		p. 18
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomatic	4WD	3.08	6,200 lbs		p. 18
CREW CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomatic	4WD	3.08	6,000 lbs		p. 18

2018 GMC Sierra 1500 EcoTec3 4.3L V-6 towing capacity, fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch
Configuration	Drive	Axle	Max trailer	Source
REGULAR CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomatic	4WD	3.42	7,500 lbs	p. 18
REGULAR CAB LONG BOX 4WDautomatic	4WD	3.42	7,400 lbs	p. 18
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 4WDautomatic	4WD	3.42	7,000 lbs	p. 18
REGULAR CAB STANDARD BOX 2WDautomatic	2WD	3.23	6,000 lbs	p. 18
REGULAR CAB LONG BOX 2WDautomatic	2WD	3.23	5,900 lbs	p. 18
DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 2WDautomatic	2WD	3.23	5,600 lbs	p. 18

Common questions

Which 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 engine tows the most?

EcoTec3 6.2L V-8, at up to 12,500 lbs. Next is EcoTec3 5.3L V-8 at up to 11,100 lbs.

What does a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 need to tow 12,500 lbs?

The source lists this for the top-rated configuration: Max Trailering Package.

Can a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 tow a fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer?

The manufacturer publishes fifth-wheel or gooseneck ratings for it, up to 11,600 lbs. They are listed by configuration above.

Where do these numbers come from?

From 2018 GMC Trailering Guide. Each row in the tables above links to the document and gives the page the figure is printed on.

Towing equipment for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500

Parts sold to fit this vehicle. Fitting one does not raise a rating, and the tables above say what each rating needs.

Trailer wiring harness for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. See on Amazon (paid link)
Trailer hitch receiver for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. See on Amazon (paid link)

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The ratings on this page come only from the documents cited.

Where these numbers come from

2018 GMC Trailering Guide, GMC. Manufacturer towing guide. Retrieved October 3, 2026.

Page numbers count pages in the linked file, which can differ from the number printed in the corner. Report a number that looks wrong.

Related ratings

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity
2017 GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity
Every year of the GMC Sierra 1500
Other pickup trucks that can tow 12,000 lbs
2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD, up to 20,000 lbs
2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD, up to 14,500 lbs
2018 GMC Savana Cargo, up to 10,000 lbs
2018 GMC Savana Passenger, up to 9,400 lbs
2018 GMC Yukon, up to 8,500 lbs