Towing Capacity of the 2026 GMC Sierra HD: Complete Breakdown for Quebec Drivers

The 2026 GMC Sierra HD lineup—spanning 2500 HD and 3500 HD configurations—delivers serious towing capability for drivers across Quebec who need to haul heavy trailers, equipment, or recreational loads. From moving construction materials through Delson to towing a fifth-wheel camper to the Laurentians, understanding the Sierra HD's towing specs helps you choose the right configuration for your needs.

This guide breaks down conventional and gooseneck/fifth-wheel towing capacities across cab styles, drivetrains, and engine options, so you can match your Sierra HD to your hauling demands.

Understanding Sierra HD Towing Configurations

The 2026 Sierra HD offers two primary towing methods, each with distinct capacity ratings:

Conventional Towing uses a standard hitch receiver mounted to the rear frame. This method works well for utility trailers, boat trailers, and smaller travel trailers. Maximum conventional towing capacity reaches 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) with the diesel engine and Max Trailering Package.

Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel Towing uses a hitch mounted in the truck bed, positioning weight over the rear axle for improved stability with heavy loads. This setup suits large RVs, livestock trailers, and heavy equipment haulers. Maximum gooseneck/fifth-wheel capacity reaches 16,329 kg (36,000 lbs) on select 3500 HD DRW configurations with the diesel engine and Max Trailering Package.

2500 HD Conventional Towing Capacity

The Sierra 2500 HD delivers strong conventional towing across all cab and drivetrain configurations:

2WD Models:

• Regular Cab: 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) with gas or diesel
• Double Cab Standard Bed: 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) with gas or diesel
• Double Cab Long Bed: 7,257 kg (16,000 lbs) with gas; 8,119 kg (17,900 lbs) with diesel
• Crew Cab Standard Bed: 7,257 kg (16,000 lbs) with gas; 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) with diesel and Max Trailering Package
• Crew Cab Long Bed: 7,257 kg (16,000 lbs) with gas; 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) with diesel and Max Trailering Package

4WD Models:

• Regular Cab: 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) with gas or diesel
• Double Cab Standard Bed: 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) with gas or diesel
• Double Cab Long Bed: 7,257 kg (16,000 lbs) with gas; 7,983 kg (17,600 lbs) with diesel
• Crew Cab Standard Bed: 7,257 kg (16,000 lbs) with gas; 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) with diesel and Max Trailering Package
• Crew Cab Long Bed: 7,257 kg (16,000 lbs) with gas; 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) with diesel and Max Trailering Package

The 6.6 L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 engine—producing 470 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque—enables the highest conventional towing ratings. The Max Trailering Package, available on Crew Cab models, unlocks the full 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) capacity.

2500 HD Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel Towing Capacity

For heavier loads requiring in-bed hitches, the 2500 HD offers expanded capacity:

2WD Models:

• Regular Cab: 8,482 kg (18,700 lbs) with gas; 10,205 kg (22,500 lbs) with diesel and Max Trailering Package
• Double Cab Standard Bed: 8,436 kg (18,600 lbs) with gas; 8,210 kg (18,100 lbs) with diesel
• Double Cab Long Bed: 8,346 kg (18,400 lbs) with gas; 8,119 kg (17,900 lbs) with diesel
• Crew Cab Standard Bed: 8,392 kg (18,500 lbs) with gas; 9,797 kg (21,600 lbs) with diesel and Max Trailering Package
• Crew Cab Long Bed: 8,392 kg (18,500 lbs) with gas; 9,933 kg (21,900 lbs) with diesel and Max Trailering Package

4WD Models:

• Regular Cab: 8,300 kg (18,300 lbs) with gas; 10,024 kg (22,100 lbs) with diesel and Max Trailering Package
• Double Cab Standard Bed: 8,255 kg (18,200 lbs) with gas; 7,552 kg (17,700 lbs) with diesel
• Double Cab Long Bed: 8,164 kg (18,000 lbs) with gas; 7,983 kg (17,600 lbs) with diesel
• Crew Cab Standard Bed: 8,391 kg (18,500 lbs) with gas; 9,797 kg (21,600 lbs) with diesel and Max Trailering Package
• Crew Cab Long Bed: 8,391 kg (18,500 lbs) with gas; 9,797 kg (21,600 lbs) with diesel and Max Trailering Package

3500 HD Conventional Towing Capacity

The Sierra 3500 HD extends towing capability further, particularly in Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) configurations:

SRW (Single Rear Wheel) Models:

• All 2WD configurations: 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) with gas or diesel (Regular Cab); 7,257 kg (16,000 lbs) with gas or 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) with diesel (Double and Crew Cab)
• All 4WD configurations: 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) with gas or diesel (Regular Cab); 7,257 kg (16,000 lbs) with gas or 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) with diesel (Double and Crew Cab)

DRW (Dual Rear Wheel) Models:

• All 2WD configurations: 8,527 kg (18,800 lbs) with gas; 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) with diesel
• All 4WD configurations: 8,380 kg (18,475 lbs) with gas; 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) with diesel

The 3500 HD DRW configurations maintain the same maximum conventional towing capacity as the 2500 HD with Max Trailering Package, but the dual rear wheels provide added stability under heavy loads.

3500 HD Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel Towing Capacity

The 3500 HD's true capability advantage appears in gooseneck/fifth-wheel towing:

SRW (Single Rear Wheel) Models:

• 2WD: 8,686 kg (19,150 lbs) with gas; 10,205 kg (22,500 lbs) with diesel (Regular Cab); up to 9,933 kg (21,900 lbs) with diesel (Double and Crew Cab)
• 4WD: 8,527 kg (18,800 lbs) with gas; 10,047 kg (22,150 lbs) with diesel (Regular Cab); up to 9,797 kg (21,600 lbs) with diesel (Double and Crew Cab)

DRW (Dual Rear Wheel) Models:

• 2WD: 8,527 kg (18,800 lbs) with gas; 16,329 kg (36,000 lbs) with diesel and Max Trailering Package (Regular Cab); up to 14,333 kg (31,600 lbs) with diesel (Double and Crew Cab)
• 4WD: 8,368 kg (18,450 lbs) with gas; up to 14,424 kg (31,800 lbs) with diesel (Double and Crew Cab)

The standout figure: 16,329 kg (36,000 lbs) maximum gooseneck/fifth-wheel capacity on 2WD DRW Regular Cab models equipped with the Duramax diesel and Max Trailering Package. This rating positions the Sierra 3500 HD among the most capable heavy-duty trucks for extreme towing demands.

Engine Options and Towing Performance

Two engines power the 2026 Sierra HD lineup:

6.6 L V8 Gas Engine:

• 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque
• Allison 10-speed automatic transmission
• 3.73 rear axle ratio
• Suitable for moderate towing loads

6.6 L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8:

• 470 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque
• Allison 10-speed automatic transmission
• 3.42 rear axle ratio
• Exhaust brake and engine block heater equipped
• Delivers maximum towing capacity across all configurations

The Duramax diesel's substantial torque output—975 lb-ft at just 1,600 rpm—provides the pulling force needed for heavy trailers, especially on Quebec's varied terrain and during winter conditions.

Max Trailering Package Benefits

The available Max Trailering Package significantly increases towing capacity on select configurations. Key components include:

• Enhanced cooling systems for sustained heavy-load operation
• Upgraded rear suspension (three-stage multi-leaf springs on 2500 HD; standard on 3500 HD)
• Integrated trailer brake controller
• Advanced trailering camera system with multiple views

This package is essential for drivers who regularly operate near maximum towing capacity or frequently haul in challenging conditions.

Choosing the Right Configuration for Your Needs

For Conventional Towing (Under 9,072 kg / 20,000 lbs):

• 2500 HD or 3500 HD Crew Cab with diesel engine and Max Trailering Package delivers maximum capacity
• 4WD provides added traction for boat launches, construction sites, and winter driving

For Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel Towing (9,072–16,329 kg / 20,000–36,000 lbs):

• 3500 HD DRW configurations offer the highest ratings
• Regular Cab 2WD DRW with diesel and Max Trailering Package reaches the absolute maximum
• Crew Cab DRW balances towing capability with passenger comfort

For Mixed Use (Towing + Daily Driving):

• 2500 HD Crew Cab 4WD provides strong towing (up to 9,072 kg / 20,000 lbs) with better ride quality than DRW models
• Diesel engine recommended for frequent heavy towing

Explore the 2026 GMC Sierra HD at Vision Chevrolet Buick GMC

The 2026 GMC Sierra HD's towing capabilities range from 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) in base configurations to a maximum of 16,329 kg (36,000 lbs) in top-spec DRW models. Understanding these ratings—and how cab style, drivetrain, engine choice, and the Max Trailering Package affect them—ensures you select the right truck for your hauling demands.

Visit Vision Chevrolet Buick GMC in Delson to explore the full Sierra HD lineup, discuss your specific towing requirements with our team, and experience the capability of these heavy-duty trucks. Our sales specialists can help you configure the ideal Sierra HD for your work or recreational needs across Quebec.