There's one question we hear at GMC of Riverfront Park almost every week: "Will it pull my trailer?" Fair enough. Around Spokane, a pickup is what gets the boat to Coeur d'Alene, the camper up to Priest Lake, and the skid steer out to a job site in the Valley. The good news? GMC trucks cover nearly every towing need, from a weekend utility trailer to a full-size gooseneck. Let's find the one that fits the way you tow.
Key Takeaways
- ✔ The Sierra 3500 HD leads the lineup with up to 36,000 lbs of gooseneck towing.
- ✔ The Sierra 2500 HD tows up to 20,000 lbs conventionally and 22,390 lbs with a fifth-wheel or gooseneck.
- ✔ The Sierra 1500 tops out at 13,300 lbs with the Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel.
- ✔ The Canyon tows up to 7,700 lbs, impressive for a midsize pickup.
- ✔ The Sierra EV (12,500 lbs) and HUMMER EV Pickup (12,100 lbs) are legitimate tow rigs.
Which GMC Truck Tows the Most?
Short answer: a properly equipped Sierra 3500 HD. Here's the full 2026 lineup at maximum ratings.
| Model | Max Conventional | Max 5th-Wheel / Gooseneck | Great For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon | 7,700 lbs | N/A | Boats, pop-up campers, UTVs |
| Sierra 1500 | 13,300 lbs | 9,900 lbs | Travel trailers, car haulers |
| Sierra 2500 HD | 20,000 lbs | 22,390 lbs | Large RVs, toy haulers |
| Sierra 3500 HD | 20,000 lbs | 36,000 lbs | Horse trailers, heavy equipment |
| Sierra EV | 12,500 lbs | N/A | Campers, boats, local hauling |
| HUMMER EV Pickup | 12,100 lbs | N/A | Adventure gear, off-road trailers |
What Are the Best GMC Trucks for Towing?
GMC Canyon: Midsize, Big Pull
Don't let the size fool you. The 2026 GMC Canyon uses a 2.7L TurboMax engine, and the GMC Canyon towing capacity reaches 7,700 lbs in 2WD or 4WD. That covers most bass boats, small campers, and side-by-side trailers. Want trail capability too? The Canyon AT4X still tows up to 6,000 lbs. It fits a downtown parking garage and still makes the lake run.
GMC Sierra 1500: The Do-It-All Hauler
Most of our truck shoppers land here, and it's easy to see why. The GMC Sierra 1500 offers four engines, and its GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity climbs to 13,300 lbs with the Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel and available Max Trailering Package; the 6.2L V8 isn't far behind at 13,100 lbs. Like a little luxury with your horsepower? The GMC Sierra Denali wraps that muscle in a premium cabin, so a long climb over Lookout Pass feels a lot less like work. Heading off pavement? The GMC Sierra AT4X keeps its serious trail hardware and still tows up to 8,700 lbs.
GMC Sierra 2500 HD: Where Heavy Duty Begins
Got a fifth-wheel that's bigger than your first apartment? With the Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 and Max Trailering Package, the 2500 HD is rated up to 20,000 lbs conventionally and 22,390 lbs with a fifth-wheel or gooseneck. The 6.6L gas V8 still manages 16,000 lbs. Our customers love the GMC Sierra AT4 version because it's as comfortable on a snowy forest road as it is towing a trailer.
GMC Sierra 3500 HD: The Heavyweight Champ
This is the top of the mountain. With the Duramax diesel, dual rear wheels, and Max Trailering Package, the 3500 HD pulls up to 36,000 lbs with a gooseneck or 32,000 lbs with a fifth-wheel. Horse trailers, toy haulers, a flatbed full of equipment? All on the table.
GMC Sierra EV: Electric Muscle
Think electric trucks can't tow? The Sierra EV Elevation and Denali with the Extended Range battery are rated up to 12,500 lbs (Denali requires available 11 kW AC charging and coil suspension), and the AT4 Extended Range handles 12,300 lbs. Instant torque makes on-ramps with a load surprisingly smooth. Just plan charging stops, since towing cuts range.
GMC HUMMER EV Pickup: The Supertruck That Tows
The HUMMER EV Pickup is famous for CrabWalk and an available 0-60 time of roughly 2.8 seconds, but it pulls its weight, too. The 2X is rated up to 12,100 lbs and the 3X up to 10,600 lbs, while the Extreme Off-Road Package brings either to 7,500 lbs. The most practical tow rig on our lot? Maybe not. The most fun? Absolutely.
Why Do GMC Towing Numbers Stand Out?
Big numbers only matter if you can use them confidently. GMC engineers its trucks around the job, with purpose-built powertrains, available trailering camera views, and integrated trailer brake controllers on many configurations. That means less guesswork backing a camper into a tight site at Farragut.
Shopping on a budget? Our used GMC trucks offer the same proven hardware, often with towing packages already installed. Just check the trailering label on the driver's door jamb, since passengers, cargo, and options affect what any truck can safely handle.
Matching the Right Truck to Your Trailer
So which one's best? It depends on what's hitched behind you. Lighter loads point to the Canyon, and most families will be thrilled with a Sierra 1500. Big RVs and work trailers call for the 2500 HD or 3500 HD. Ready to go electric? The Sierra EV and HUMMER EV Pickup prove you don't have to give up capability.
Find Your Next Tow Rig at GMC of Riverfront Park
Bring your trailer's weight, and we'll do the math together. Stop by GMC of Riverfront Park in Spokane, test-drive a few GMC trucks, and let our team match you with the one built for the way you haul.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best GMC truck for towing a travel trailer?
For most travel trailers, the Sierra 1500 is the sweet spot, with up to 13,300 lbs of conventional towing when properly equipped. Heavier fifth-wheels are better suited to the Sierra 2500 HD or 3500 HD.
How much can the GMC Canyon tow?
The 2026 Canyon with the 2.7L TurboMax engine tows up to 7,700 lbs. The AT4X is rated at 6,000 lbs, and the AT4X AEV Edition at 5,500 lbs.
Can the GMC Sierra EV tow a camper?
Yes. The Sierra EV is rated up to 12,500 lbs with the Extended Range battery in Elevation and properly equipped Denali trims. Expect reduced driving range while towing, so plan charging stops ahead of time.
What's the difference between conventional and gooseneck towing?
Conventional towing uses a hitch receiver at the rear bumper. Fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitches mount in the bed over the rear axle, which spreads weight more evenly and allows much higher ratings, like the 3500 HD's 36,000 lbs.
Do older GMC trucks tow as much as the 2026 models?
Not always. Ratings change by model year, engine, and equipment, so check the trailering label and Owner's Manual on any pre-owned truck. Our team is happy to look up the numbers for you.
GMC of Riverfront Park
Address: 636 E Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
Phone: (509) 209-9966
Sales Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Service Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed