Did Sierra 3500HD towing change for 2006?

Compare the cited 2006 figures on this page with the 2005 record. They are stored separately.

What tongue weight should I plan for a 2006 Sierra 3500HD?

At the cited 12,000 lb conventional maximum, an illustrative 10% assumption produces 1,200 lb of tongue weight. This is not a recommended percentage or a measurement; follow your trailer and vehicle instructions and measure the actual load. At the cited 16,700 lb fifth-wheel maximum, an illustrative 15% assumption produces 2,505 lb of pin weight. This is not a recommended percentage or a measurement; follow your trailer and vehicle instructions and measure the actual load. That load counts against payload and the rear axle rating.

Index · GMC · Sierra 3500HD

2006 GMC Sierra 3500HD

The highest fifth-wheel-hitch rating for the 2006 GMC Sierra 3500HD is 16,700 lb, the top of 24 rows transcribed from General Motors’ 2006 GM Light Duty Special Applications - Trailering Information. That row is printed for the 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel, Regular Cab, 4WD, 3.73 axle, GM model code K35903 & R05, Automatic or manual transmission. Most configurations are rated lower: 23 of the 24 transcribed fifth-wheel-hitch chart rows for 2006 are below 16,700 lb. The other cited maximum for the 2006 GMC Sierra 3500HD is 12,000 lb on a conventional hitch. Across 48 manufacturer chart rows for 2006, ratings run conventional 9,200 lb to 12,000 lb; fifth-wheel 9,200 lb to 16,700 lb; the engine, cab, axle ratio and package on your truck decide its number.

conventional8.1L V8, Extended Cab, 2WD, 4.10 axle, GM model code C35953; Automatic or manual transmission.12,000 lb

fifth-wheel6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel, Regular Cab, 4WD, 3.73 axle, GM model code K35903 & R05; Automatic or manual transmission.16,700 lb

The build table for 2006 is not transcribed. This page will not multiply trims, cabs, and engines into trucks the order guide did not list.

Hitch	Cited maximum	Configuration	Source grade
Conventional	12,000 lb	8.1L V8, Extended Cab, 2WD, 4.10 axle, GM model code C35953; Automatic or manual transmission.	OEM chart
Fifth-wheel	16,700 lb	6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel, Regular Cab, 4WD, 3.73 axle, GM model code K35903 & R05; Automatic or manual transmission.	OEM chart

Highest rows among 48 transcribed chart configurations. Most trucks of this model year are rated lower; find your exact configuration in the table below.

Source: General Motors, 2006 GM Light Duty Special Applications - Trailering Information, Trailering Information: 2006 Maximum Trailer Ratings and 5th Wheel or Gooseneck Trailer Ratings tables. Ratings are by GM model code; each Chevrolet/GMC table applies to both brands (Silverado/Sierra, Colorado/Canyon). The table of contents carries a stale "2003 Maximum Trailer Ratings" label, but the chart pages are headed with this model year.

Spec sheet

6 of 25 fields cited; 1 estimate. Field index

Cited fields may cover selected trims or only part of a measurement. Read the configuration and source beside each value; a cited field does not mean every version is researched.

Towing

Conventional maximum: 12,000 lb. 8.1L V8, Extended Cab, 2WD, 4.10 axle, GM model code C35953; Automatic or manual transmission.General Motors source
Gooseneck maximum: Not transcribed for this model year.
Fifth-wheel maximum: 16,700 lb. 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel, Regular Cab, 4WD, 3.73 axle, GM model code K35903 & R05; Automatic or manual transmission.General Motors source
Tongue or pin load: 1,200 lb tongue at the 12,000 lb conventional maximum. 2,505 lb pin at the 16,700 lb fifth-wheel maximum. Illustration at 10 percent conventional and 15 percent in-bed, not a measured load or recommendation. Follow the trailer and vehicle instructions; actual load may be higher.Estimate
Weight distribution: Not transcribed for this model year.
Trailer frontal area: Not transcribed for this model year.

Weights

Payload: Not transcribed for this model year.
GCWR: 16,000–23,500 lb across 48 chart rows that print a GCWR (each row's GCWR is in the chart table and explorer)General Motors source
GVWR: Not transcribed for this model year.
Front GAWR: Not transcribed for this model year.
Rear GAWR: Not transcribed for this model year.
Curb weight: Not transcribed for this model year.

Body

Wheelbase: Not transcribed for this model year.
Bed length: Not transcribed for this model year.
Bed width and depth: Not transcribed for this model year.
Cab-to-axle: Not transcribed for this model year.
Overall length, width, height: Not transcribed for this model year.
Ground clearance and angles: Not transcribed for this model year.
Fifth-wheel clearance: Not transcribed for this model year.

Power

Engine, horsepower, torque: Not transcribed for this model year.
Transmission: Not transcribed for this model year.
Fuel type and tank: Not transcribed for this model year.
Drivetrain: 4WD, 2WDGeneral Motors source
Axle ratio: 3.73, 4.10General Motors source
Tow package: GM model code K35903 & R05; Automatic or manual transmission; GM model code C35953; Automatic or manual transmission; GM model code C35943; Automatic or manual transmission; GM model code K35953 & R05; Automatic or manual transmission; GM model code K35943 & R05; Automatic or manual transmission; GM model code K35903; Automatic or manual transmission; GM model code K35953; Automatic or manual transmission; GM model code K35943; Automatic or manual transmissionGeneral Motors source

Bed, tongue weight, and wheelbase

The trailer rating is one limit. The bed has to fit the load, the tongue or pin has to fit in payload, and the wheelbase is the column the chart uses.

An illustrative 10 percent of the 12,000 lb conventional maximum is 1,200 lb of tongue weight. This is not a measured load or recommended percentage; actual load may be higher.
An illustrative 15 percent of the 16,700 lb fifth-wheel maximum is 2,505 lb of pin weight. This is not a measured load or recommended percentage; actual load may be higher.

Bed capacity · Tongue and pin weight · Wheelbase · GCWR, GVWR, and GAWR. Wheelbase is not transcribed for this year. See the spec sheet for the sourced GCWR and its configuration.

Estimate payload margin and bed volume · How these limits work together

Change from 2005

Conventional: 12,000 lb in 2005, 12,000 lb in 2006 (unchanged maximum, different source or equipment list).
Fifth-wheel: 16,700 lb in 2005, 16,700 lb in 2006 (unchanged maximum, different source or equipment list).

Generation

GMT800 HD

2006 is year 6 of this generation (2001–2007). First Sierra 3500HD generation.

2006 towing by engine

Lowest to highest printed rating for each engine across 48 transcribed chart rows. A missing hitch means the chart did not print one for that engine, not that it is zero.

Engine	Conventional	Fifth-wheel	Chart rows
6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel	12,000 lb	14,700–16,700 lb	16
8.1L V8	12,000 lb	14,800–15,600 lb	16
6.0L V8	9,200–10,000 lb	9,200–10,000 lb	16

Highest-rated configurations

Trailer	Engine	Cab / bed	Drive	Axle / package	GCWR	Evidence
16,700 lb Fifth-wheel	6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel	Regular Cab	4WD	3.73 · GM model code K35903 & R05; Automatic or manual transmission^{note 1}	23,500 lb	Page 33, Trailering Information, C/K 35 Series Heavy Duty Pickup Models (Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra), model K35903 & R05, column 6.6L V8 TURBO DIESEL, axle 3.73
16,600 lb Fifth-wheel	6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel	Extended Cab	2WD	3.73 · GM model code C35953; Automatic or manual transmission^{note 2}	23,500 lb	Page 33, Trailering Information, C/K 35 Series Heavy Duty Pickup Models (Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra), model C35953, column 6.6L V8 TURBO DIESEL, axle 3.73
16,400 lb Fifth-wheel	6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel	Crew Cab	2WD	3.73 · GM model code C35943; Automatic or manual transmission^{note 3}	23,500 lb	Page 33, Trailering Information, C/K 35 Series Heavy Duty Pickup Models (Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra), model C35943, column 6.6L V8 TURBO DIESEL, axle 3.73
16,300 lb Fifth-wheel	6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel	Extended Cab	4WD	3.73 · GM model code K35953 & R05; Automatic or manual transmission^{note 2}	23,500 lb	Page 33, Trailering Information, C/K 35 Series Heavy Duty Pickup Models (Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra), model K35953 & R05, column 6.6L V8 TURBO DIESEL, axle 3.73
16,000 lb Fifth-wheel	6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel	Crew Cab	4WD	3.73 · GM model code K35943 & R05; Automatic or manual transmission^{note 3}	23,500 lb	Page 33, Trailering Information, C/K 35 Series Heavy Duty Pickup Models (Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra), model K35943 & R05, column 6.6L V8 TURBO DIESEL, axle 3.73
15,600 lb Fifth-wheel	8.1L V8	Regular Cab	4WD	4.10 · GM model code K35903; Automatic or manual transmission^{note 4}	22,000 lb	Page 33, Trailering Information, C/K 35 Series Heavy Duty Pickup Models (Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra), model K35903, column 8.1L V8 GAS, axle 4.10
15,400 lb Fifth-wheel	6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel	Regular Cab	4WD	3.73 · GM model code K35903; Automatic or manual transmission^{note 1}	22,000 lb	Page 33, Trailering Information, C/K 35 Series Heavy Duty Pickup Models (Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra), model K35903, column 6.6L V8 TURBO DIESEL, axle 3.73
15,400 lb Fifth-wheel	8.1L V8	Regular Cab	4WD	4.10 · GM model code K35903 & R05; Automatic or manual transmission^{note 4}	22,000 lb	Page 33, Trailering Information, C/K 35 Series Heavy Duty Pickup Models (Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra), model K35903 & R05, column 8.1L V8 GAS, axle 4.10
15,300 lb Fifth-wheel	8.1L V8	Extended Cab	2WD	4.10 · GM model code C35953; Automatic or manual transmission^{note 5}	22,000 lb	Page 33, Trailering Information, C/K 35 Series Heavy Duty Pickup Models (Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra), model C35953, column 8.1L V8 GAS, axle 4.10
15,200 lb Fifth-wheel	8.1L V8	Extended Cab	4WD	4.10 · GM model code K35953; Automatic or manual transmission^{note 5}	22,000 lb	Page 33, Trailering Information, C/K 35 Series Heavy Duty Pickup Models (Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra), model K35953, column 8.1L V8 GAS, axle 4.10
15,100 lb Fifth-wheel	8.1L V8	Crew Cab	2WD	4.10 · GM model code C35943; Automatic or manual transmission^{note 6}	22,000 lb	Page 33, Trailering Information, C/K 35 Series Heavy Duty Pickup Models (Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra), model C35943, column 8.1L V8 GAS, axle 4.10
15,000 lb Fifth-wheel	6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel	Extended Cab	4WD	3.73 · GM model code K35953; Automatic or manual transmission^{note 2}	22,000 lb	Page 33, Trailering Information, C/K 35 Series Heavy Duty Pickup Models (Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra), model K35953, column 6.6L V8 TURBO DIESEL, axle 3.73

Chart engine column: 6.6L V8 TURBO DIESEL (RATINGS AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANS. RATINGS). Chart note: Trailer ratings are calculated assuming a standard equipped vehicle plus driver. Optional equipment, passengers or cargo will reduce trailering capacity. Cab type derived from GM model-code suffix '03' as decoded elsewhere in the same GM document.
Chart engine column: 6.6L V8 TURBO DIESEL (RATINGS AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANS. RATINGS). Chart note: Trailer ratings are calculated assuming a standard equipped vehicle plus driver. Optional equipment, passengers or cargo will reduce trailering capacity. Cab type derived from GM model-code suffix '53' as decoded elsewhere in the same GM document.
Chart engine column: 6.6L V8 TURBO DIESEL (RATINGS AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANS. RATINGS). Chart note: Trailer ratings are calculated assuming a standard equipped vehicle plus driver. Optional equipment, passengers or cargo will reduce trailering capacity. Cab type derived from GM model-code suffix '43' as decoded elsewhere in the same GM document.
Chart engine column: 8.1L V8 GAS (RATINGS AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANS. RATINGS). Chart note: Trailer ratings are calculated assuming a standard equipped vehicle plus driver. Optional equipment, passengers or cargo will reduce trailering capacity. Cab type derived from GM model-code suffix '03' as decoded elsewhere in the same GM document.
Chart engine column: 8.1L V8 GAS (RATINGS AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANS. RATINGS). Chart note: Trailer ratings are calculated assuming a standard equipped vehicle plus driver. Optional equipment, passengers or cargo will reduce trailering capacity. Cab type derived from GM model-code suffix '53' as decoded elsewhere in the same GM document.
Chart engine column: 8.1L V8 GAS (RATINGS AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANS. RATINGS). Chart note: Trailer ratings are calculated assuming a standard equipped vehicle plus driver. Optional equipment, passengers or cargo will reduce trailering capacity. Cab type derived from GM model-code suffix '43' as decoded elsewhere in the same GM document.

Chart source: General Motors, 2006 GM Light Duty Special Applications - Trailering Information. The evidence column gives each row’s page and table.

Find your exact configuration (48 rows) →Download 2006 rows as CSV ↓

What changes the number

Engine and transmission
Cab, bed, and wheelbase
Two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive
Axle ratio and tow package
Conventional hitch versus fifth-wheel versus gooseneck
People, options, and cargo, which spend payload the chart assumed was empty

Questions

How much can a 2006 GMC Sierra 3500HD tow?: The highest fifth-wheel-hitch rating for the 2006 GMC Sierra 3500HD is 16,700 lb, the top of 24 rows transcribed from General Motors’ 2006 GM Light Duty Special Applications - Trailering Information. That row is printed for the 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel, Regular Cab, 4WD, 3.73 axle, GM model code K35903 & R05, Automatic or manual transmission. Most configurations are rated lower: 23 of the 24 transcribed fifth-wheel-hitch chart rows for 2006 are below 16,700 lb. The other cited maximum for the 2006 GMC Sierra 3500HD is 12,000 lb on a conventional hitch.
Did Sierra 3500HD towing change for 2006?: Compare the cited 2006 figures on this page with the 2005 record. They are stored separately.
Which configuration hits the maximum?: The 16,700 lb fifth-wheel maximum is printed for the 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel, Regular Cab, 4WD, 3.73 axle, GM model code K35903 & R05, Automatic or manual transmission.
What tongue weight should I plan for a 2006 Sierra 3500HD?: At the cited 12,000 lb conventional maximum, an illustrative 10% assumption produces 1,200 lb of tongue weight. This is not a recommended percentage or a measurement; follow your trailer and vehicle instructions and measure the actual load. At the cited 16,700 lb fifth-wheel maximum, an illustrative 15% assumption produces 2,505 lb of pin weight. This is not a recommended percentage or a measurement; follow your trailer and vehicle instructions and measure the actual load. That load counts against payload and the rear axle rating.

Compare with

2004 · 2005 · 2007 · 2008 · All Sierra 3500HD years