Towing capacity
of the GMC Sierra
2500HD and 3500HD

The towing capacity of the 2026 GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD shows right away that you will be well equipped for heavy-duty needs. The Sierra 2500HD can reach up to 22,390 lb. (10,156 kg) in the right setup, while Sierra 3500HD can climb to 36,000 lb. (16,330 kg). We are talking about two trucks designed for drivers who tow seriously, often, and with few compromises on toughness, stability or confidence at the wheel.

Finding the pickup truck best suited to your needs can feel complicated. That is why you should discuss it with our experts at your GM Paillé dealer in Lanaudière, with a branch in Berthierville and in Sorel-Tracy. We are the best placed to help based on your real-world use. You will benefit from the best customer service in town, whether in person or remotely, plus the largest inventory of trucks, new or used.

If you cannot make it in, we can even send you photos or videos to help with your choice. We can also deliver your truck to your home, anywhere in Quebec.

In summary

  • The 2026 GMC Sierra 2500HD can tow up to 22,390 lb. / 10,156 kg, while the 2026 GMC Sierra 3500HD goes up to 36,000 lb. / 16,330 kg.
  • Both models offer a 6.6L gas V8 and a 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V8. The diesel is the one to choose for intensive towing, with 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque.
  • The 2500HD is an excellent entry point for heavy towing while remaining more manageable, whereas the 3500HD clearly targets extreme loads, especially with dual rear wheels.
  • GMC adds real towing aids, such as ProGrade trailering technologies, Adaptive Cruise Control with trailering, the MultiPro tailgate and up to 14 camera views, including Transparent Trailer view.

PRO ADVICE

“ There is a real difference in mission between the two. The 2500HD is often the logical choice when you want a lot of capacity without moving straight to a more extreme format. The 3500HD lives where fifth-wheel, gooseneck, dual rear wheels and very large loads become daily scenarios. ”

‒ Alexandre Rivest, sales consultant

Towing capacity of the 2026 GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD: 22,390 to 36,000 lb. / 10,156 to 16,330 kg

The Sierra 2500HD reaches its best rating of 22,390 lb. in a very precise setup: 6.6L Duramax engine, crew cab, long cargo bed, 2WD, with the Max Trailering package and fifth-wheel or gooseneck prep. That is already massive for a truck that remains easier to live with than a 3500HD configured for maximum weight. It will be the right truck for you if you want maximum muscle in a format that is easier to manage day to day.

As for the maximum towing capacity of a truck, the Sierra 3500HD pushes the idea even further. Its capacity to pull up to 36,000 lb. makes it a tireless worker that does not shy away from any task. It is also built to be more substantial and robust.

This capacity does not depend only on the type of truck, but also on the choice of cargo bed and double or single cab configuration. The best move is to reach out to our experts. We will help you find the perfect model for your actual needs.

And if you want to save some money, you can also browse the GM Paillé inventory, the largest for used pickup trucks in Quebec. Here is an idea of what each model could tow in past model years.

Historical benchmarks of maximum towing capacities* from 2016

Year Sierra 2500HD Sierra 3500HD
2016 18,000 lb. / 8,165 kg 23,200 lb. / 10,523 kg
2017 18,000 lb. / 8,165 kg 23,300 lb. / 10,569 kg
2018 18,100 lb. / 8,210 kg 23,100 lb. / 10,478 kg
2019 15,400 lb. / 6,985 kg 23,100 lb. / 10,478 kg
2020 18,500 lb. / 8,391 kg 35,500 lb. / 16,103 kg
2021 18,500 lb. / 8,391 kg 35,500 lb. / 16,103 kg
2022 18,500 lb. / 8,391 kg 36,000 lb. / 16,329 kg
2023 18,500 lb. / 8,391 kg 36,000 lb. / 16,329 kg
2024 22,500 lb. / 10,206 kg 36,000 lb. / 16,329 kg
2025 22,390 lb. / 10,156 kg 36,000 lb. / 16,329 kg
2026 22,390 lb. / 10,156 kg 36,000 lb. / 16,329 kg

 

* Benchmarks of maximum capacity when the truck is properly equipped. Validate based on the vehicle's exact configuration.

PRO ADVICE

“Put simply, the 2500HD will suit you if you want to pull very heavy loads with a truck that is still relatively versatile, while the 3500HD will please you if you want margin, stability and a maximum capacity that is much closer to the commercial, agricultural or large fifth-wheel world. It is not just about a number. It is about real use.”

‒ Alexandre Rivest, sales consultant

What you can tow with a GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD

In real life, the 2500HD already covers a wide range of needs. It keeps a good balance between capacity, versatility and size. You feel that you are driving an HD, without automatically entering dually territory.

This is the kind of truck that suits a large travel trailer, a fully loaded enclosed trailer, a sizeable boat, an equipment trailer, a serious fifth-wheel or work gear that you would not entrust to a lighter truck

The 3500HD, on the other hand, changes scale. This is the truck you turn to when the trailer is not just “big,” but truly heavy: a large fifth-wheel, a significant horse trailer, a jobsite trailer, agricultural equipment, machinery or commercial use where safety margins matter as much as the maximum rating.

2026 GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD: performance and powertrains

GMC keeps the mechanics straightforward and solid. Both trucks offer a 6.6L gas V8 and a 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V8 with 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Clearly, this diesel becomes the natural choice for intensive towing, long trips and truly heavy loads.

What changes the experience a lot is not only the engine, but also the configuration. On the 2500HD, the right combination of cab, cargo bed and hitch can already turn your truck into a very serious towing machine. On the 3500HD, adding dual rear wheels opens the door to another level of stability and capacity. In short, the diesel brings strength, but the configuration delivers the end result.

Options and GMC accessories for towing

Where the 2026 Sierra HD models become truly convincing is in driver assistance. You will be able to benefit from ProGrade trailering technologies, Adaptive Cruise Control with trailering, and up to 14 camera views on some trims, including Transparent Trailer view. These are tools that truly help when you hitch up solo, back into a tight spot or want a better look at what is happening around a large trailer.

The MultiPro tailgate also adds a very practical side to daily life. This is not just a style detail. When you load gear, climb into the cargo bed or work often around the truck, this type of equipment quickly becomes a real advantage. The cargo bed is also optimized for fifth-wheels and gooseneck hitches, which fits the Sierra HD mission perfectly.

PRO ADVICE

“ The gas engine remains very relevant if your use is more general or if you want an HD that can work hard without necessarily seeking the highest tow rating every time. It delivers a simpler, more direct personality and will suit you well if you use your truck for work, payload and heavy towing, but not always at the extreme. ”


‒ Alexandre Rivest, sales consultant

2026 GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD: a capable truck

The 2500HD and 3500HD are not made for the same customer, even if they share a lot of the same DNA. The 2500HD is often the best compromise if you plan to tow heavy on a regular basis and still want a truck that is a bit easier to live with every day. The 3500HD, especially as a dually, targets maximum peace of mind when the loads climb very high. If your world revolves around large fifth-wheels or very heavy equipment, it will be the model to prioritize.

And if you like the agile, manoeuvrable side and do not need a one-ton truck, you might be satisfied by the towing capacity of the GMC Sierra 1500, which reaches 13,300 lb. when properly configured and equipped.

PRO ADVICE

“ You also have to recognize the breadth of the lineup. A well-configured Pro can be a formidable work tool. An AT4 or AT4X adds real off-road character. A Denali or Denali Ultimate pushes comfort, finishes and tech much further. GMC manages to bring together the jobsite, heavy towing, luxury and adventure in one truck family. ”

‒ Alexandre Rivest, sales consultant

Frequently asked questions about the towing capacity of the GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD

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