Towing with a truck can vary based on its class, model, and make. However, with a few simple tips, you can tow nearly anything. Curious about how to tow and what you can haul with the 2024 GMC Sierra 3500 HD’s impressive 36,000 lb. towing capacity? Read on for essential towing tips and discover all the possibilities with your new truck!
Towing Safety
Towing safety begins with understanding your vehicle’s towing capacity, the maximum weight it can pull safely. This varies by configuration, load, and trailer weight distribution. Manufacturer-provided capacities often assume only the driver is in the vehicle, so adjust for extra passengers and cargo. To calculate towing capacity, know your vehicle’s gross combined weight rating (GCWR) and curb weight. Subtract curb weight from GCWR, maintaining a 10% safety margin for shifting loads and sudden stops.
Know the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which accounts for the vehicle’s weight plus passengers, fuel, cargo, and tongue weight. Surpassing the GVWR can lead to mechanical problems and legal complications. Be sure to understand terms like braked vs. unbraked towing capacity, gross axle weight rating (GAWR), and payload capacity. Always use the appropriate trailer hitch class and load for optimal control and safety. Adhering to these guidelines will help ensure a safe and effective towing experience.
What Can You Tow?
With a top towing limit of 36,000 lbs., the 2024 Sierra 3500 HD can tow just about anything!
Camping and Travel
For those passionate about the outdoors and the open road, the 2024 GMC Sierra 3500 HD can help you bring the best in comfort along for the ride. With its powerful tow limit, you’ll pull even the largest, heaviest RVs – practically a second home. Travel comfortably, easily towing 42’ RVs that can reach upwards of 12,000 base weight and plenty of room for all your belongings.
Hobbies and Sports
Make the most of your weekends with the Sierra 3500 HD, perfect for all your outdoor hobbies. Whether you enjoy motocross, equestrian sports, boating, or thrilling ATV rides through the countryside, this truck can handle it all. A four-horse gooseneck trailer typically weighs between 4,200 and 8,400 lbs when empty. When fully loaded with hay, horses, and gear, you’ll be looking at around 14,000 lbs—leaving you plenty of capacity to spare.
On the other end of the heaviest towable vehicles, a cabin cruiser motorized boat in the medium can reach 35 feet and as high as 16,000 lbs. Those numbers are no match for your towing capacity and the ProGrade Trailering System helps make the trip from home to your favorite shore smooth sailing.
The Sky is the Limit!
Now that we’ve seen more realistic examples of day-to-day towing, what could you possibly tow next? Well, if you ever need it, you could tow a personal aircraft. The average weight for a small plane ranges around 13,000 lbs, and while you would likely need a wide load permit, weight is not your enemy.
Other ridiculous things you could tow include elephants, several other pickup trucks, and even construction equipment like small bulldozers and medium backhoes.
Choose a Truck that Goes the Extra Mile. Choose GMC
Tow with confidence, letting nothing get in your way from this day forward with GMC’s Sierra 3500 HD. At Casa Buick GMC we have a large variety of trucks in trims to fit your needs – whether you need a full-size high-power workhorse for heavy towing and payloads or something that’s more city-friendly but still gets the job done. Visit our dealership and test drive the 2025 Sierra HD today! Our team is eager to get you into the truck of your dreams with frighteningly good specials, unbeatable financing, and top-quality service!
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