GMC Sierra 1500 Vs. Ford F-150: Towing Capacity
When you need a reliable pickup truck for towing or hauling, visit Indy Auto Man, your local used car dealership in Indianapolis. In our stock, you will find an assortment of the most popular used trucks, including the GMC Sierra and Ford F-150, which are both good choices. Our experts compared the F-150 and Sierra towing capacity to help you determine which one is good for you.
GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity and Engine Options
Those who are shopping for a truck near Indianapolis often wonder how much the GMC Sierra 1500 can tow. In fact, the Sierra has always offered impressive towing capacity. When properly equipped, the 2021 GMC Sierra can tow up to 13,400 pounds. To achieve this, you should look for the pickup truck with the Max Trailering Package. It equips your Sierra with heavier-duty rear springs, revised shock tuning, a 220-amp alternator, and an enhanced cooling radiator. Read an official GMC guide on trailering and towing.
How Much Can the GMC Sierra 1500 Tow?
The GMC Sierra 1500 offers a variety of towing features and configurations, which differ in capacity. You may find Standard of Short Box truck bed length, 4WD or 2WD drivetrain, and three cab style options:
- Crew Cab - 6,500 - 12,000 pounds
- Regular Cab - 6,500 - 9,100 pounds
- Double Cab - 6,600 - 12,400 pounds
What Engines Are Available in the Sierra 1500?
The GMC Sierra can offer a variety of engines, with the following towing capacities:
| Model/Engine | Capacity | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 4.3L V6 | 285 hp, 305 lb-ft | 7,200 lbs |
| 2.7L Turbocharged | 310 hp, 348 lb-ft | 7,900 lbs |
| Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel | 277 hp, 460 lb-ft | 9,100 lbs |
| 5.3L Ecotec 3 V8 | 355 hp, 383 lb-ft | 9,800 lbs |
Ford F-150 Towing Capacity: GCW Should Never Exceed GCWR.
Ford insists that no vehicle should exceed its gross combined weight (GCW). GCW is equal to the weight of the loaded F-150 plus the weight of the fully-loaded trailer. Also, the Gross combined vehicle weight rating (GCWR) should not be exceeded. GCWR indicates the maximum allowable weight of a vehicle, trailer, cargo, and passengers that a truck can handle without risking engine damage or brake failure.
How Many Pounds Can Ford F-150 Tow?
GCWR for a conventional F-150 cab with a 126-inch wheelbase ranges from 7,200 to 13,500 lb. Depending on engine size, maximum trailer weights range from 2,400 to 8,400 pounds. For a 4x2 model with a 145 wheelbase, the GCWR ranges between 7200 and 15 300 lbs. Depending on engine size, maximum trailer weights range from 2,200 to 9,900 pounds.
A complete list of all F-150 GCWR models and trailer weights can be found in the F-150 Owner's Manual.
Which Ford F150 Engine Is Best for Towing?
The best engine for towing in the Ford F-150 is the 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6. The F-150 pickup truck equipped with this engine can tow up to 14,000 lbs in the right configuration.
| Model/Engine | Capacity | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 | 290 hp, 265 lb-ft | 8,200 lbs |
| 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | 325 hp, 400 lb-ft | 9,100 lbs |
| 3.0L Power Stroke Turbodiesel V6 | 250 hp, 440 lb-ft | 11,400 lbs |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | 375 hp, 470 lb-ft | 12,200 lbs |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | 450 hp, 510 lb-ft | 14,000 lbs |
Ford F-150 vs. GMC Sierra 1500: Which Truck to Choose for Towing?
If you are looking for the maximum towing capacity, choosing between the F-150 and Sierra trucks, your winner is the F-150. If can offer up to 14,000 lbs of towing and also 3,325 lbs of payload capacity. The GMC can boast a maximum of 12,400 and 2,200 pounds accordingly.
Read also our F-150 vs. Sierra vs. Silverado comparison.
Visit Indy Auto Man for a test drive and make your final decision!
