GMC Canyon Towing Capacity
The GMC Canyon has a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds when outfitted with the Duramax Turbo-Diesel Engine.
Written by Cameron Thiessen
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The towing capacity of the GMC Canyon truck ranges from 3,500 to 7,000 pounds depending on which engine it’s equipped with.
If you’re looking for the perfect small truck to take to the mountains or tow your fifth wheel, paying attention to each of your option’s towing capacities is essential. Most trucks are built to tow, but a vehicle’s size, engine power, transmission, and more will ultimately determine the maximum weight you can haul.
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low, so keep reading!How much can a GMC Canyon tow?
Base towing capacity: 3,500 pounds
Maximum towing capacity: 7,700 pounds
Engines: 2.5-liter I4 gas, 3.6-liter V6 gas, or 2.8-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel
The GMC Canyon offers a premium midsize truck experience and an impressive towing capacity for a vehicle of its size. Plus, it still gets 30 mpg on the highway.
The baseline towing capacity of a Canyon 2WD Elevation Standard Extended Cab model is an impressive 3,500 pounds. But you can easily get up to 7,000 pounds—or even 7,700 pounds—if you choose a model with an upgraded engine.
Other available upgrades include an integrated trailer brake controller, a diesel exhaust braking system for reducing the amount of braking necessary, and an automatic locking rear differential for an added jump to your wheels.
Trailer hitches for the GMC Canyon
If you’re planning to buy a new GMC Canyon, you’ll have the opportunity to equip it with a trailer hitch pin.
To add a trailer hitch to a Canyon, you’ll have plenty of options, like the top-rated
CURT Class 3
trailer hitch, rated for up to 6,000 pounds gross trailer weight. MORE:
How to install a tow bar
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How to calculate the towing capacity you need
So we can throw numbers around all we want, but there’s one question we’re here to answer: How much can you haul with the Canyon’s towing capacity? Bear in mind, your towing capacity should be greater than the biggest load you plan to pull—so don’t expect to hitch a full 7,000 pounds to your Canyon if it only has the I4 engine.
Although exact load weights will vary from trip to trip, here’s what you can expect to be able to tow with a Canyon.
With a 2.5L I4 gas engine:
- Canoe or kayak trailer (600 to 800 lbs.)
- Motorcycle trailer (800 to 3,000 lbs.)
With 3.6L V6 gas or 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel:
- Pop-up camper (2,800 to 4,300 lbs.)
- Most utility trailers (up to 7,000 or 7,700 lbs.)
If you want to take your Canyon out to the dirt bike tracks with some bikes in tow, you’ll be well equipped with the I4 engine. But if you’ve got larger adventuring aspirations or just need to haul a big ol’ utility trailer, you’re going to have to shell out for an upgrade.
Remember, check the total weight of your trailer and hitch when it’s fully loaded every single trip. You’ll also need to factor in your vehicle’s weight along with the weight of passengers and cargo.
How to increase towing capacity
If you’re hoping to increase the load your Canyon is capable of pulling, check out these tips:
- Install a weight-distribution hitch to reduce sway and give the suspension a break
- Upgrade your brake pads and rotors to accommodate heavier loads
- Add a bigger radiator to improve your engine’s cooling capacity
- Level up to stronger axles, such as RV axles
It’s important to note that certain upgrades might actually decrease your truck’s towing capacity. Swapping out the Canyon’s standard 18-inch wheels for bigger aftermarket rims, for example, might end up increasing the pressure on your engine and detract from the vehicle’s overall towing capabilities.
While you can try to improve your truck’s towing capability with upgrades, minor changes will more than likely not give your Canyon a significant edge. If you’re looking for a truck capable of hauling truly huge loads, you may be better off with a full-size truck. The
Chevrolet Silverado C2500 Heavy Duty LT
has a maximum towing capacity of 20,000 pounds, and the Ford F-250 Super Duty
’s maximum rating is 24,200 pounds. Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
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Regardless of what you’re hoping to haul behind your Canyon, never catch yourself hauling huge loads without the right insurance coverage. But that doesn’t mean you need to overpay!
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
Is the GMC Canyon good for towing?
The GMC Canyon is a midsize truck able to tow up to 7,700 pounds with an upgraded diesel engine. While the Canyon can handle fairly big loads like campers and utility trailers, it’s not designed to tow weights above 7,700 pounds.
Can you put a trailer hitch on a GMC Canyon?
GMC Canyons come with a trailer hitch pin.
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