Index · GMC · Sierra 3500HD

2013 GMC Sierra 3500HD

The highest fifth-wheel-hitch rating for the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500HD is 23,100 lb, the top of 48 rows transcribed from GMC’s 2013 GMC Trailering Guide. That row is printed for the 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax), Regular Cab, Long Box bed, 4WD, 3.73 axle, Dual rear wheels (DRW). Most configurations are rated lower: 47 of the 48 transcribed fifth-wheel-hitch chart rows for 2013 are below 23,100 lb. The other cited maximum for the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500HD is 18,000 lb on a conventional hitch. Across 96 manufacturer chart rows for 2013, ratings run conventional 8,500 lb to 18,000 lb; fifth-wheel 8,500 lb to 23,100 lb; the engine, cab, axle ratio and package on your truck decide its number.

conventional6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax), Extended Cab, Long Box bed, 4WD, 3.73 axle, Dual rear wheels (DRW).18,000 lb
fifth-wheel6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax), Regular Cab, Long Box bed, 4WD, 3.73 axle, Dual rear wheels (DRW).23,100 lb

The build table for 2013 is not transcribed. This page will not multiply trims, cabs, and engines into trucks the order guide did not list.

HitchCited maximumConfigurationSource grade
Conventional18,000 lb6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax), Extended Cab, Long Box bed, 4WD, 3.73 axle, Dual rear wheels (DRW).OEM chart
Fifth-wheel23,100 lb6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax), Regular Cab, Long Box bed, 4WD, 3.73 axle, Dual rear wheels (DRW).OEM chart

Highest rows among 96 transcribed chart configurations. Most trucks of this model year are rated lower; find your exact configuration in the table below.

Source: GMC, 2013 GMC Trailering Guide, Sierra trailer weight ratings: Sierra 1500 ball hitch (p.13), Sierra 1500 gooseneck/fifth-wheel (p.14), Sierra HD ball hitch and gooseneck/fifth-wheel (pp.15-16). GMC-authored 2013 trailering guide (20 pages);

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
18,000 lb. 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax), Extended Cab, Long Box bed, 4WD, 3.73 axle, Dual rear wheels (DRW).GMC source
Gooseneck maximum
Not transcribed for this model year.
Fifth-wheel maximum
23,100 lb. 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax), Regular Cab, Long Box bed, 4WD, 3.73 axle, Dual rear wheels (DRW).GMC source
Tongue or pin load
1,800 lb tongue at the 18,000 lb conventional maximum. 3,465 lb pin at the 23,100 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
Not transcribed for this model year.
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
Long Box, Standard BoxGMC source
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, 2WDGMC source
Axle ratio
3.73, 4.10GMC source
Tow package
Dual rear wheels (DRW); Denali; Dual rear wheels (DRW); Single rear wheels (SRW); Denali; Single rear wheels (SRW)GMC 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 18,000 lb conventional maximum is 1,800 lb of tongue weight. This is not a measured load or recommended percentage; actual load may be higher.
  • An illustrative 15 percent of the 23,100 lb fifth-wheel maximum is 3,465 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. GCWR is not transcribed for this year.

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

Change from 2012

  • Conventional: 18,000 lb in 2012, 18,000 lb in 2013 (unchanged maximum, different source or equipment list).
  • Fifth-wheel: 23,000 lb in 2012, 23,100 lb in 2013 (+100 lb).

Generation

GMT900 HD

2013 is year 6 of this generation (2008–2014). Redesigned Sierra 3500HD for 2008.

2013 towing by engine

Lowest to highest printed rating for each engine across 96 transcribed chart rows. A missing hitch means the chart did not print one for that engine, not that it is zero.

EngineConventionalFifth-wheelChart rows
6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax)13,000–18,000 lb16,800–23,100 lb30
6.0L V88,500–14,100 lb8,500–14,500 lb66

Highest-rated configurations

TrailerEngineCab / bedDriveAxle / packageGCWREvidence
23,100 lb
Fifth-wheel
6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax)Regular Cab, Long Box4WD3.73 · Dual rear wheels (DRW)note 1—Page 16, Sierra HD automatic transmission ratings (ball hitch / gooseneck-fifth-wheel), row '3500hd series regular cab long box drw 4wd 2', column 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax) (fifth-wheel), axle 3.73
22,800 lb
Fifth-wheel
6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax)Extended Cab, Long Box2WD3.73 · Dual rear wheels (DRW)note 2—Page 16, Sierra HD automatic transmission ratings (ball hitch / gooseneck-fifth-wheel), row '3500hd series extended cab long box drw 2wd 2', column 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax) (fifth-wheel), axle 3.73
22,800 lb
Fifth-wheel
6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax)Crew Cab, Long Box2WD3.73 · Dual rear wheels (DRW)note 3—Page 16, Sierra HD automatic transmission ratings (ball hitch / gooseneck-fifth-wheel), row '3500hd series crew cab long box drw 2wd 2', column 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax) (fifth-wheel), axle 3.73
22,600 lb
Fifth-wheel
6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax)Crew Cab, Long Box2WD3.73 · Denali; Dual rear wheels (DRW)note 4—Page 16, Sierra HD automatic transmission ratings (ball hitch / gooseneck-fifth-wheel), row '3500 denali hd crew cab long box drw 2wd 2', column 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax) (fifth-wheel), axle 3.73
22,600 lb
Fifth-wheel
6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax)Extended Cab, Long Box4WD3.73 · Dual rear wheels (DRW)note 5—Page 16, Sierra HD automatic transmission ratings (ball hitch / gooseneck-fifth-wheel), row '3500hd series extended cab long box drw 4wd 2', column 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax) (fifth-wheel), axle 3.73
22,500 lb
Fifth-wheel
6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax)Crew Cab, Long Box4WD3.73 · Dual rear wheels (DRW)note 6—Page 16, Sierra HD automatic transmission ratings (ball hitch / gooseneck-fifth-wheel), row '3500hd series crew cab long box drw 4wd 2', column 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax) (fifth-wheel), axle 3.73
22,300 lb
Fifth-wheel
6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax)Crew Cab, Long Box4WD3.73 · Denali; Dual rear wheels (DRW)note 7—Page 16, Sierra HD automatic transmission ratings (ball hitch / gooseneck-fifth-wheel), row '3500 denali hd crew cab long box drw 4wd 2', column 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax) (fifth-wheel), axle 3.73
18,000 lb
Conventional
6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax)Extended Cab, Long Box4WD3.73 · Dual rear wheels (DRW)note 8—Page 16, Sierra HD automatic transmission ratings (ball hitch / gooseneck-fifth-wheel), row '3500hd series extended cab long box drw 4wd 2', column 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax) (conventional), axle 3.73
18,000 lb
Conventional
6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax)Crew Cab, Long Box4WD3.73 · Dual rear wheels (DRW)note 9—Page 16, Sierra HD automatic transmission ratings (ball hitch / gooseneck-fifth-wheel), row '3500hd series crew cab long box drw 4wd 2', column 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax) (conventional), axle 3.73
18,000 lb
Conventional
6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax)Crew Cab, Long Box4WD3.73 · Denali; Dual rear wheels (DRW)note 10—Page 16, Sierra HD automatic transmission ratings (ball hitch / gooseneck-fifth-wheel), row '3500 denali hd crew cab long box drw 4wd 2', column 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax) (conventional), axle 3.73
17,400 lb
Fifth-wheel
6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax)Regular Cab, Long Box4WD3.73 · Single rear wheels (SRW)note 11—Page 16, Sierra HD automatic transmission ratings (ball hitch / gooseneck-fifth-wheel), row '3500hd series regular cab long box srw 4wd 2', column 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax) (fifth-wheel), axle 3.73
17,300 lb
Fifth-wheel
6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax)Extended Cab, Long Box2WD3.73 · Single rear wheels (SRW)note 12—Page 16, Sierra HD automatic transmission ratings (ball hitch / gooseneck-fifth-wheel), row '3500hd series extended cab long box srw 2wd 2', column 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax) (fifth-wheel), axle 3.73
  1. Chart row label: '3500hd series regular cab long box drw 4wd 2'. All automatic transmission models are equipped with an engine oil cooler (KC4) and an oil-to-air transmission oil cooler (KNP). Chart is for use with fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitches.
  2. Chart row label: '3500hd series extended cab long box drw 2wd 2'. All automatic transmission models are equipped with an engine oil cooler (KC4) and an oil-to-air transmission oil cooler (KNP). Chart is for use with fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitches.
  3. Chart row label: '3500hd series crew cab long box drw 2wd 2'. All automatic transmission models are equipped with an engine oil cooler (KC4) and an oil-to-air transmission oil cooler (KNP). Chart is for use with fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitches.
  4. Chart row label: '3500 denali hd crew cab long box drw 2wd 2'. All automatic transmission models are equipped with an engine oil cooler (KC4) and an oil-to-air transmission oil cooler (KNP). Chart is for use with fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitches.
  5. Chart row label: '3500hd series extended cab long box drw 4wd 2'. All automatic transmission models are equipped with an engine oil cooler (KC4) and an oil-to-air transmission oil cooler (KNP). Chart is for use with fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitches.
  6. Chart row label: '3500hd series crew cab long box drw 4wd 2'. All automatic transmission models are equipped with an engine oil cooler (KC4) and an oil-to-air transmission oil cooler (KNP). Chart is for use with fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitches.
  7. Chart row label: '3500 denali hd crew cab long box drw 4wd 2'. All automatic transmission models are equipped with an engine oil cooler (KC4) and an oil-to-air transmission oil cooler (KNP). Chart is for use with fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitches.
  8. Chart row label: '3500hd series extended cab long box drw 4wd 2'. All automatic transmission models are equipped with an engine oil cooler (KC4) and an oil-to-air transmission oil cooler (KNP). Ball hitch footnote 1: Trailer rating limited to 13,000 lbs with weight-carrying or weight-distributing hitch (conventional).
  9. Chart row label: '3500hd series crew cab long box drw 4wd 2'. All automatic transmission models are equipped with an engine oil cooler (KC4) and an oil-to-air transmission oil cooler (KNP). Ball hitch footnote 1: Trailer rating limited to 13,000 lbs with weight-carrying or weight-distributing hitch (conventional).
  10. Chart row label: '3500 denali hd crew cab long box drw 4wd 2'. All automatic transmission models are equipped with an engine oil cooler (KC4) and an oil-to-air transmission oil cooler (KNP). Ball hitch footnote 1: Trailer rating limited to 13,000 lbs with weight-carrying or weight-distributing hitch (conventional).
  11. Chart row label: '3500hd series regular cab long box srw 4wd 2'. All automatic transmission models are equipped with an engine oil cooler (KC4) and an oil-to-air transmission oil cooler (KNP). Chart is for use with fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitches.
  12. Chart row label: '3500hd series extended cab long box srw 2wd 2'. All automatic transmission models are equipped with an engine oil cooler (KC4) and an oil-to-air transmission oil cooler (KNP). Chart is for use with fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitches.

Chart source: GMC, 2013 GMC Trailering Guide. The evidence column gives each row’s page and table.

Find your exact configuration (96 rows) →Download 2013 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 2013 GMC Sierra 3500HD tow?
The highest fifth-wheel-hitch rating for the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500HD is 23,100 lb, the top of 48 rows transcribed from GMC’s 2013 GMC Trailering Guide. That row is printed for the 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax), Regular Cab, Long Box bed, 4WD, 3.73 axle, Dual rear wheels (DRW). Most configurations are rated lower: 47 of the 48 transcribed fifth-wheel-hitch chart rows for 2013 are below 23,100 lb. The other cited maximum for the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500HD is 18,000 lb on a conventional hitch.
Did Sierra 3500HD towing change for 2013?
Compare the cited 2013 figures on this page with the 2012 record. They are stored separately.
Which configuration hits the maximum?
The 23,100 lb fifth-wheel maximum is printed for the 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax), Regular Cab, Long Box bed, 4WD, 3.73 axle, Dual rear wheels (DRW).
What tongue weight should I plan for a 2013 Sierra 3500HD?
At the cited 18,000 lb conventional maximum, an illustrative 10% assumption produces 1,800 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 23,100 lb fifth-wheel maximum, an illustrative 15% assumption produces 3,465 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

2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · All Sierra 3500HD years