GMC Sierra owners aiming to use their pickup to tow can dramatically increase their rig’s capability with the optional Max Trailering package. Tagged with RPO code NHT, the Max Trailering package adds a range of equipment that increases the light-duty pickup’s towing cap up to an impressive 13,200 pounds. However, the Max Trailering package isn’t compatible with the Sierra Denali and Denali Ultimate trim levels. Now, we’re taking a closer look at the reason why.
As it turns out, the NHT Max Trailering package is only available for the GMC Sierra SLE, Elevation, and SLT trim levels, and cannot be combined with the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B engine, the X31 Off-Road Package (RPO code X31), or any of the 22-inch wheel options.
Check out the table below for more information on availability for the NHT Max Trailering package:
| Trailering Package | Max Trailering Package | |
|---|---|---|
| RPO Code | Z82 | NHT |
| Pro | A1 | - |
| SLE | S | A2 |
| Elevation | S | A2 |
| SLT | S | A3 |
| AT4 | S | - |
| AT4X | S | - |
| Denali | S | - |
| Denali Ultimate | S | - |
- Requires auto-locking rear differential (G80) and 5.3L V8 engine (L84)
- Requires 5.3L V8 engine (L84) or Duramax 3.0L I6 engine (LZ0) as well as 18-inch or 20-inch wheels and tires
- Requires 5.3L V8 engine (L84), Duramax 3.0L I6 engine (LZ0) or 6.2L V8 engine (L87) as well as 18-inch or 20-inch wheels and tires
Right off the bat, it makes sense that the Max Trailering package is not offered for the Sierra AT4 or AT4X trim levels, as both of these variants seek to maximize off-road performance and handling via lifted off-road suspension. As such, max towing capabilities isn’t really a consideration for the Sierra AT4 or AT4X. So, with that said, what about the Sierra Denali or Denali Ultimate?
As it turns out, the reasoning once again comes down to the suspension. The Sierra Denali and Denali Ultimate are both fitted as standard with Denali Premium Suspension with Adaptive Ride Control (RPO code Z45), which is incompatible with the NHT Max Trailering package.
To note, the Max Trailering Package includes the following content (relevant RPO codes listed in parentheses):
- 9.76-inch rear axle
- 3.42 axle ratio (GU6)
- Enhanced cooling radiator
- Revised shock tuning for increased control
- Heavier-duty rear springs
- Increased RGAWR
- 220-amp alternator (KW5)
As a result, the Sierra Denali and Denali Ultimate variants are capped at 9,200 pounds when running 2WD, and 8,800 pounds when running 4WD.
Meanwhile, if it’s maximum towing capacity that you’re after, make sure to opt for an NHT-compatible trim with the 3.0L I6 LZ0 engine in a Double Cab, Standard Bed body configuration, the combination of which yields a max towing cap of 13,200 pounds. Check out our previous coverage for more 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 towing information.
Comments
So much for “We are professional grade”.
Towing ratings are set by SAE J2807 standards. Those include maximum squat, braking, GVWR and finally heat load.
Funny thing is I’m old school and used to using axle loading and tongue weight as the defining parameters. Today’s big trucks weight so much that their close to the NHTSA’s maximum weight empty (9600) lbs. That’s why despite having conventional towing maxed out at 13000lbs, they manage only 9000 with a gooseneck, despite a gooseneck distributing the weight much better. Compare this with the 2500’s that max conventional towing is 15000 and gooseneck is 20,000. In reality, only thing that scares me is the 22″ wheels. Your Denali has the power and frame strength to go a couple hundred over without blinking an eye. Cooling is sufficient, but I also remember in older trucks having to turn on the heater when slogging up a steep grade, something that SAE J2807 considers absolutely unacceptable, but I’m willing to overlook if i do it twice a year and allows me to get a used truck I actually like.
While this is all true, the bigger crime is that NO truck manufacturer makes it easy (sometimes, it’s not even POSSIBLE) to find out the payload capacity for any given configuration until the truck is built and the sill plate is put in place. And Payload Capacity is a MUCH bigger limiting factor when it comes to the size & weight of trailer you can pull, due to the tongue weight. Considering how many trucks are out there towing trailers (with heavy tongue weights) that are much too heavy for the truck’s payload capacity, you’d think there’d be a regulation requiring the truck makers to provide that info ahead of purchasing. Max towing weight is mostly just marketing hype.
Once again, your payload capacity is based of NHTSA setting “light truck” at a GVWR of 9600. If your truck is at that weight, You might not have your rear axle near fully loaded nor your suspension on the pump stop shocks. Use your better judgement.
IOW they don’t want heavy towing with 22” wheels and/or mud tires. Which makes sense.
I guess I can understand GM not wanting you doing heavy towing with mud tires, But why not with 22″ wheels, can you explain?
Thank you