TRAILERING AND TOWING

Towing capacity is the maximum total weight a vehicle can safely and legally pull. It is calculated by taking the vehicle’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and subtracting the vehicle’s curb weight and actual current payload, including passengers, fuel and cargo.

Details about towing information can be found on the respective vehicle pages on the websites for GMC Trucks and GMC SUVs. Additional towing information can be found on the GMC Vans website.

Additionally, you can check your GMC vehicle Owner’s Manual for more information.

A vehicle’s towing capacity is affected by its curb weight and the actual payload, including passengers, fuel and cargo. The vehicle’s engine power, suspension, cooling systems, transmission gearing, frame strength and brake size can also be factors.

To achieve a vehicle’s maximum manufacturer-rated towing capacity, a factory max towing or heavy-duty tow package is usually required. Without it, mechanical limits — like smaller radiators, smaller axle ratios or lower-class hitch receivers — can restrict a vehicle’s safe towing limit. Consult your Owner’s Manual or dealership for more detailed information.

The main difference between towing and hauling is how a vehicle manages a load: towing pulls a load behind the vehicle using a hitch and hauling carries cargo inside or directly on the vehicle.

There are several factors to consider when choosing the best towing setup for your GMC truck or SUV, including what you’ll be towing and your vehicle’s towing capacity. Road conditions should also factor into your decision.

The amount of weight your GMC vehicle can carry in cargo areas is its payload capacity, while towing capacity refers to the amount of weight it can pull. Understanding and following the guidelines for your vehicle’s maximum payload and towing capacity can help make your driving experience a safer one. Exceeding these limits can lead to reduced vehicle control, increased stopping distances, mechanical failures and serious accidents. Following your vehicle’s specific guidelines is essential to help ensure the safety of yourself, your passengers and other drivers on the road. Consult your Owner’s Manual or dealership for more detailed information.

It’s important to check your GMC vehicle Owner’s Manual and understand its towing capacity before you hook it up to a trailer. Towing more weight than your vehicle is rated for can damage the engine or other powertrain components and increase the chances of an accident. You must also make sure the hitch is strongly secured and the ball size matches the trailer when attaching the trailer to your vehicle. Crossing the safety chains under the hitch and attaching them securely, and making sure that your trailer lights and brakes are working properly are other important safety steps. Finally, check that all the tires on both the trailer and the vehicle are properly inflated before towing.

Many GMC trucks and SUVs come with Tow/Haul Drive Mode, a feature that can assist when towing a heavy load. This mode is used to assist in maintaining desired vehicle speeds when driving on downhill grades by using the engine and transmission. When active, Tow/ Haul mode modifies transmission shifting, suspension tuning, steering effort, and Trailer Sway Control. For All-Wheel Drive vehicles, choosing Tow/Haul mode also engages All Wheel Drive. If the vehicle has a diesel engine, exhaust braking is automatically activated.