The towing capacity in the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 ranges from 4,400 – 10,700 lbs. This is dependent on the cab size, bed size, drive, package, and most importantly engine.
The highest towing capacity in the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 of 10,700 lbs is achieved with the 6.2L V8 Engine Extended Cab Standard Bed with Max Trailering Package.
You should always use your own data to determine your towing capacity by calculating towing capacity on your own by using the weight capacities listed in your truck door.
Information in this guide was taken from the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Owner’s Manual, the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Trailering Guide, 2012 GMC Sierra Denali Owner’s Manual, and the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 e-brochure.
Though I tried to make this information as accurate as possible, you should always check your manual or contact your local dealer to determine the appropriate towing capacity of your vehicle and necessary equipment.
2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Performance
There are 4 available engines in the GMC Sierra 1500. Not every trim is available with each engine, but there are definitely a lot of choices.
These engines come with an electronically controlled 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, electronic engine grade braking, and tow/haul mode.
We will walk you through the specs of each to help you decide what engine you want, or identify what engine you have if you already have your truck.
There is the 4.3 L V8, 4.8 L V8, 5.3 L V8, and 6.2 LV8.
4.3 L V8 Engine
The 4.3 L V8 engine has a torque of 260 lb.-ft. @ 2,800 rpm and 195 hp @ 4,600 rpm.
Depending on the compatibility, this engine has a max towing capacity of 5,400 lbs.
4.8 L V8 ENGINE
The 4.8 L V8 engine has a torque of 305 lb.-ft. @ 4,600 rpm and 302 hp @ 5,600 rpm.
5.3 L V8 Engine
The 5.3 L V8 engine in the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 provides 315 hp @ 5,200 and 335 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000.
6.2 L V8 Engine
The 6.2 L V8 engine in the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 provides 403 hp @ 5,700 and 417 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300.
Towing Packages
There are two packages available in the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500.
The Trailering Package and the Max Trailering Package.
Trailering Package
The Heavy Duty Trailering Package in the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 comes with:
- Trailer hitch platform
- 7-pin sealed connector
- Weight-distributing hitch platform
- Electrical harness
This package has no influence on the max towing capacity, but it makes the GMC Sierra capable of towing because it provides the necessary equipment.
Max Trailering Package
The Max Trailering Package, unlike the regular Trailering Package, provides additional features that improve the overall towing capacity when in use. This is only available for Extended and Crew Cab models. It includes:
- Heavy Duty Automatic Locking Rear Differential
- Handling/ Trailering Suspension Package
- 9.5″ Hybrid Rear Axle
- 3.73″ Rear Axle Ratio
- Front and Rear Disc Brakes
- Heavy Duty Trailering Package
Max Towing Capacity by Engine
To determine the towing capacity of your vehicle, you need to know the:
- engine type
- bed size
- cab size
- drivetrain
- axle ratio
If you know all of these items, then move on to the next section by engine to determine your towing capacity.
If not:
- Start with the VIN decoder from Autozone to determine the engine in the vehicle
- measure the bed size with a tape measure to determine whether you have a 5 ft 9.9 in, 6 ft 7 in, or 8 ft bed
- The cab size should be evident by whether or not the back doors are full-sized
- Drivetrain should be determined with the VIN as well
- The axle ratio will likely be listed on the side of the driver’s door on the certification sticker
You can find the GVWR and usually the axle ratio on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the inside of the driver’s side door.
Related: What is GVWR?
4.3 L V6 Engine
The 4.3L V6 engine towing capacity in the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 ranges from 4,400 – 5,400 lbs.
| Axle Ratio | Towing Capacity (lbs) | GCWR (lbs) | |
| Extended Cab Standard Bed 4×2 | 3.23 | 4,400 | 9,500 |
| Regular Cab Standard Bed 4×2 | 3.23/3.73 | 4,800/5,400 | 9,500/10,000 |
| Regular Cab Standard Bed 4×4 | /3.73 | 5,100 | 10,000 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed 4×2 | 3.23/3.73 | 4,700/5,200 | 9,500/10,000 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed 4×4 | 3.73 | 4,900 | 10,000 |
4.8 L V8 Engine
The 4.8L V8 engine towing capacity in the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 ranges from 4,700 – 7,200 lbs.
| Axle Ratio | Towing Capacity (lbs) | GCWR (lbs) | |
| Crew Cab Short Bed 4×2 | 3.23/3.73 | 4,700/6,700 | 10,000/12,000 |
| Crew Cab Short Bed 4×4 | 3.42 | 5,500 | 11,000 |
| Extended Cab Standard Bed 4×2 | 3.23/3.73 | 4,700/6,700 | 10,000/12,000 |
| Extended Cab Standard Bed 4×4 | 3.42 | 5,500 | 11,000 |
| Regular Cab Standard Bed 4×2 | 3.23/3.73 | 4,700/7,200 | 9,500/12,000 |
| Regular Cab Standard Bed 4×4 | 3.42 | 6,000 | 11,000 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed 4×2 | 3.23/3.73 | 5,100/7,100 | 10,000/12,000 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed 4×4 | 3.42 | 5,800 | 11,000 |
5.3 L V8 Engine
The 5.3 L V8 engine towing capacity in the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 ranges from 6,500 – 10,000 lbs.
| Axle Ratio | Packages | Towing Capacity | GCWR | |
| Regular Cab Standard Bed 4×2 | 3.08/3.42 | 7,400/9,100 | 11,500/12,200 | |
| Regular Cab Standard Bed 4×4 | 3.08/3.42 | 7,100/8,900 | 11,500/14,000 | |
| Extended Cab Standard Bed 4×2 | 3.08/3.42 | 6,900/9,700 | 11,500/15,000 | |
| Extended Cab Standard Bed 4×4 | 3.08/3.42 | 6,800/9,600 | 11,500/15,000 | |
| Crew Cab Short Bed 4×2 | 3.08/3.42 | 6,900/9,600 | 11,500/15,000 | |
| Crew Cab Short Bed 4×2 | 3.08 | XFE | 7,000 | 12,200 |
| Crew Cab Short Bed 4×4 | 3.08/3.42 | 6,700/9,500 | 11,500/15,000 | |
| Regular Cab Long Bed 4×2 | 3.08/3.42 | 7,200/10,000 | 11,500/15,000 | |
| Regular Cab Long Bed 4×4 | 3.08/3.42 | 7,000/9,800 | 12,200/15,000 | |
| Extended Cab Long Bed 4×2 | 3.08/3.42 | 6,700/9,500 | 11,500/15,000 | |
| Extended Cab Long Bed 4×4 | 3.08/3.42 | 6,500/9,300 | 11,500/15,000 |
6.2 L V8 Engine
The 6.2 L V8 engine towing capacity in the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 ranges from 9,400 – 10,700 lbs with the Max Trailering Package.
| Axle Ratio | Packages | Towing Capacity | GCWR | |
| Extended Cab Standard Bed 4×2/4×4 | 3.42 | 9,700/9,400 | 15,000 | |
| Extended Cab Standard Bed 4×2/4×4 | 3.73 | Max Trailering Package | 10,700/10,400 | 16,000 |
| Crew Cab Short Bed 4×2/4×4 | 3.42 | 9,700/9,400 | 15,000 | |
| Crew Cab Short Bed 4×2/4×4 | 3.73 | Max Trailering Package | 10,600/10,400 | 16,000 |
SIERRA DENALI TOWING CAPACITY FOR THE 6.2L V8 ENGINE
The 2012 Sierra Denali towing capacity ranges from 9,400 – 9,600 lbs.
| Axle Ratio | Towing Capacity (lbs) | GCWR (lbs) | |
| Crew Cab Short Bed 2WD | 3.42 | 9,600 | 15,000 |
| Crew Cab Short Bed 4WD | 3.42 | 9,400 | 15,000 |
2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity Chart
We’ve included the towing capacity charts for the GMC Sierra 1500 from the brochure below.
2012 GMC Sierra 1500 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Towing Capacity Chart
The 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Fifth Wheel/ Gooseneck Trailering can tow up to 10,600 lbs.
2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Payload Capacity
4.3 L V6 Engine
The 4.3 L V6 engine payload capacity in the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 ranges from 1,550 – 1,908 lbs.
| Axle Ratio | Payload Capacity (lbs) | GVWR (lbs) | |
| Extended Cab Standard Bed 4×2 | 3.23 | 1,908 | 7,000 |
| Regular Cab Standard Bed 4×2 | 3.23/3.73 | 1,757 | 6,400 |
| Regular Cab Standard Bed 4×4 | /3.73 | 1,550 | 6,400 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed 4×2 | 3.23/3.73 | 1,635 | 6,400 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed 4×4 | 3.73 | 1,794 | 6,800 |
4.8 L V8 ENGINE
The 4.3 L V6 engine payload capacity in the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 ranges from 1,550 – 1,937 lbs.
| Axle Ratio | Payload Capacity (lbs) | GVWR (lbs) | |
| Crew Cab Short Bed 4×2 | 3.23/3.73 | 1,937 | 7,100 |
| Crew Cab Short Bed 4×4 | 3.42 | 1,890 | 7,300 |
| Extended Cab Standard Bed 4×2 | 3.23/3.73 | 1,908 | 7,000 |
| Extended Cab Standard Bed 4×4 | 3.42 | 1,835 | 7,200 |
| Regular Cab Standard Bed 4×2 | 3.23/3.73 | 1,757 | 6,400 |
| Regular Cab Standard Bed 4×4 | 3.42 | 1,550 | 6,400 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed 4×2 | 3.23/3.73 | 1,635 | 6,400 |
| Regular Cab Long Bed 4×4 | 3.42 | 1,794 | 6,800 |
5.3 L V8 Engine
The 5.3 L V8 engine payload capacity in the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 ranges from 1,513 – 1,937 lbs.
| Axle Ratio | Packages | Payload Capacity | GVWR | |
| Regular Cab Standard Bed 4×2 | 3.08/3.42 | 1,757 | 6,400 | |
| Regular Cab Standard Bed 4×4 | 3.08/3.42 | 1,550 | 6,400 | |
| Extended Cab Standard Bed 4×2 | 3.08/3.42 | 1,908 | 7,000 | |
| Extended Cab Standard Bed 4×4 | 3.08/3.42 | 1,835 | 7,200 | |
| Crew Cab Short Bed 4×2 | 3.08/3.42 | 1,937 | 7,100 | |
| Crew Cab Short Bed 4×2 | 3.08 | XFE | 1,648 | 6,700 |
| Crew Cab Short Bed 4×4 | 3.08/3.42 | 1,890 | 7,300 | |
| Regular Cab Long Bed 4×2 | 3.08/3.42 | 1,635 | 6,400 | |
| Regular Cab Long Bed 4×4 | 3.08/3.42 | 1,794 | 6,800 | |
| Extended Cab Long Bed 4×2 | 3.08/3.42 | 1,641 | 6,900 | |
| Extended Cab Long Bed 4×4 | 3.08/3.42 | 1,513 | 7,000 |
6.2 L V8 Engine
The 6.2 L V8 engine payload capacity in the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 ranges from 1,835 – 1,937 lbs.
| Axle Ratio | Packages | Payload Capacity | GVWR | |
| Extended Cab Standard Bed 4×2/4×4 | 3.42 | 1,908/1,835 | 7,000/7,200 | |
| Extended Cab Standard Bed 4×2/4×4 | 3.73 | Max Trailering Package | 1,908/1,835 | 7,000/7,200 |
| Crew Cab Short Bed 4×2/4×4 | 3.42 | 1,937/1,890 | 7,100/6,800 | |
| Crew Cab Short Bed 4×2/4×4 | 3.73 | Max Trailering Package | 1,937/1,890 | 7,100/6,800 |
SIERRA DENALI PAYLOAD CAPACITY FOR THE 6.2L V8 ENGINE
The 2012 Sierra Denali payload capacity for the 6.2L V8 ranges from 1,626 – 1,675 lbs.
| Axle Ratio | Payload Capacity (lbs) | GVWR (lbs) | |
| Crew Cab Short Bed 2WD | 3.42 | 1,675 | 6,800 |
| Crew Cab Short Bed 4WD | 3.42 | 1,626 | 7,000 |
GMC Sierra 1500 Tongue Weight
GMC recommends that the hitch weight for conventional towing should be 10%-15% of the loaded trailer weight. More so, the fifth-wheel or gooseneck tongue weight should be 15% – 25% of the total loaded trailer weight.
The maximum tongue weight for a conventional weight-distributing hitch is 1,100 lbs.
A loaded trailer exceeding 2,000 lbs must be equipped with its own brake system, with brakes working on all axles.
You must make sure you have the appropriate hitch receiver to accommodate the towing capacity you are targeting.
2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Trims
The GMC Sierra 1500 in the 2012 family has 4 trims.
- Work Truck
- SL
- SLE
- SLT
- Denali
The SL Team is available only for the extended cab and crew cab, and along with XFE, SLE, and SLT, are available in 2WD and 4WD configurations. Do take note that XFE is available only for 2WD.
Each of these models has various options for customization, engine selection, cab size, and bed size.
GMC Sierra 1500 Cab Sizes
The 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 has three cab sizes. These are the Regular cab, Extended cab, and Crew cab.
The Regular Cab has only one row of seating but the other two options have two rows and can seat up to 6 passengers.
The Crew cab is the largest cab and provides the most back seat legroom for passengers.
GMC Sierra 1500 Bed Sizes
The GMC Sierra 1500 has three bed sizes. They have a 5’8″ bed, a 6’6″ bed, and an 8′ bed. These beds are referred to as the short, standard, and long bed respectively.
Regular and extended cab models are offered with an 6’6″ bed or an 8′ bed. Crew Cabs are available with 5’8″ and 6’6′ beds.
This bed type is a fleetside truck meaning that the wheel wells stick out into the bed of the truck making the shape no longer perfectly rectangular. This is very common for trucks.
Conclusion
The 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 has a towing capacity ranging from 4,400 – 10,700 lbs.
The engine type, drive, cab size, and bed size can all impact the towing capacity.
You should always do your own towing capacity calculations before you ever tow anything, especially those that are close to these limits.
If you need help calculating your towing capacity, I wrote an entire article that walks you through the steps to calculate your towing capacity along with other considerations you need to make when towing.
