Fifth-wheel towing requires serious capability that goes beyond what most vehicles can handle. GMC's truck lineup includes several models designed specifically for this demanding type of trailering, but choosing the right truck depends on understanding the weight requirements of your specific fifth-wheel trailer. Here's a detailed breakdown of which GMC trucks can handle fifth-wheel towing and what you need to know before making your decision.
The key to successful fifth-wheel towing lies in matching your truck's capacity to your trailer's loaded weight. Most fifth-wheel RVs weigh between 12,000 and 20,000 pounds when fully loaded, which means you need a truck with substantial towing power and the proper hitch setup.
The 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 offers fifth-wheel towing capability across multiple engine configurations, making it suitable for lighter fifth-wheel trailers. The Sierra 1500's fifth-wheel towing capacity varies significantly based on your chosen engine and configuration.
|
Configuration |
Engine |
Max Fifth-Wheel Towing |
|---|---|---|
|
Regular Cab Long Bed 2WD |
TurboMax |
4,309 kg (9,500 lbs) |
|
Regular Cab Long Bed 4WD |
5.3L EcoTec3 V8 |
4,309 kg (9,500 lbs) |
|
Double Cab Standard Bed 2WD |
5.3L EcoTec3 V8 + Max Trailering |
4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) |
|
Double Cab Standard Bed 4WD |
5.3L EcoTec3 V8 + Max Trailering |
4,354 kg (9,600 lbs) |
|
Crew Cab Short Bed 2WD |
3.0L Duramax Diesel + Max Trailering |
5,943 kg (13,100 lbs) |
|
Crew Cab Short Bed 4WD |
6.2L EcoTec3 V8 + Max Trailering |
3,719 kg (8,200 lbs) |
|
Crew Cab Standard Bed 4WD |
5.3L EcoTec3 V8 + Max Trailering |
4,309 kg (9,500 lbs) |
The 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine provides the highest fifth-wheel towing capacity in the Sierra 1500 lineup, reaching up to 5,943 kg (13,100 lbs) when properly equipped. This diesel engine delivers 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, providing the sustained power needed for fifth-wheel towing.
The GMC Sierra HD 2500 represents a significant step up in fifth-wheel towing capability. With the available 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 engine, the Sierra 2500 HD can tow up to 9,752 kg (21,600 lbs) in fifth-wheel configuration when properly equipped with the Max Trailering Package.
The 6.6L gas V8 engine in the Sierra 2500 HD provides up to 8,437 kg (18,600 lbs) of fifth-wheel towing capacity. This engine produces 401 horsepower and 630 Nm (464 lb-ft) of torque, paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission designed for heavy-duty applications.
|
Configuration |
Engine |
Max Fifth-Wheel Towing |
|---|---|---|
|
Regular Cab Long Bed 2WD |
6.6L Duramax Diesel |
10,206 kg (22,500 lbs) |
|
Crew Cab Standard Bed 4WD |
6.6L Duramax Diesel |
8,709 kg (19,200 lbs) |
|
Crew Cab Long Bed 2WD |
6.6L Gas V8 |
8,437 kg (18,600 lbs) |
|
Double Cab Standard Bed 2WD |
6.6L Duramax Diesel |
8,255 kg (18,200 lbs) |
For the heaviest fifth-wheel trailers, the GMC Sierra HD 3500 provides the ultimate towing solution. The Sierra 3500 HD with the 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 can handle up to 14,515 kg (32,000 lbs) in fifth-wheel configuration when equipped with dual rear wheels (DRW).
|
Configuration |
Engine |
Max Fifth-Wheel Towing |
|---|---|---|
|
Regular Cab Long Bed 2WD DRW |
6.6L Duramax Diesel |
14,515 kg (32,000 lbs) |
|
Regular Cab Long Bed 4WD DRW |
6.6L Duramax Diesel |
14,288 kg (31,500 lbs) |
|
Double Cab Long Bed 2WD DRW |
6.6L Duramax Diesel |
14,334 kg (31,600 lbs) |
|
Double Cab Long Bed 4WD DRW |
6.6L Duramax Diesel |
14,197 kg (31,300 lbs) |
|
Crew Cab Long Bed 2WD DRW |
6.6L Duramax Diesel |
14,288 kg (31,500 lbs) |
|
Crew Cab Long Bed 4WD DRW |
6.6L Duramax Diesel |
14,061 kg (31,000 lbs) |
|
Crew Cab Standard Bed 2WD SRW |
6.6L Duramax Diesel |
9,934 kg (21,900 lbs) |
|
Crew Cab Long Bed 2WD SRW |
6.6L Gas V8 |
8,437 kg (18,600 lbs) |
The Sierra 3500 HD comes in both single rear wheel (SRW) and dual rear wheel configurations. The DRW models provide additional stability and towing capacity, making them ideal for the largest fifth-wheel RVs on the market.
Which GMC Trucks Can Tow a Fifth Wheel?
GMC trucks equipped for fifth-wheel towing include several important features designed specifically for this application. The available Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel Prep Package includes a hitch platform ready to accept a fifth-wheel hitch, plus all necessary wiring and bedliner modifications.
The ProGrade Trailering System available on GMC trucks includes up to 14 camera views to help with hitching and maneuvering. The in-vehicle Trailering App lets you create trailer profiles, run pre-departure checklists, and monitor trailer tire pressure when equipped with the available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
Advanced trailering technologies include Jack-Knife Alert and Trailer Length Indicator for compatible trailers. The available smart trailer integration works with compatible iN-Command Control Systems, allowing you to monitor and control various trailer functions through the myGMC Mobile App.
When selecting a GMC truck for fifth-wheel towing, consider both your current trailer weight and any future upgrades you might make. Fifth-wheel kingpin weight should be 15% to 25% of the total loaded trailer weight, and this weight cannot exceed your truck's payload capacity.
The addition of trailer kingpin weight affects your truck's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), so it's important to calculate your total loaded weight including passengers, cargo, and the fifth-wheel's pin weight. Your GMC dealer can help determine the exact specifications needed for your specific towing application.
From the Sierra 1500's capability for lighter fifth-wheel trailers to the Sierra 3500 HD's ability to handle the largest RVs on the road, GMC offers a truck designed for virtually any fifth-wheel towing need. The key is matching your truck's capacity to your trailer's requirements while ensuring you have the proper equipment and configuration for safe, confident towing.
Ready to find the right GMC truck for your fifth-wheel towing needs? Visit City GM in Toronto to explore our Sierra lineup and discuss the specific requirements for your towing application.
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