2011 Sierra 3500 HD Configurations

42 configurations across 4 trim levels

Configuration Max Towing Payload MPG Engine
WT 2dr Regular Cab RWD Long Bed
6.0L V8 • 6-Speed Automatic
DRW
16,000 lbs 6,335 lbs
10/13
city/hwy
 6.0L V8
322 hp • 380 lb-ft
WT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD Long Bed
6.0L V8 • 6-Speed Automatic
DRW 4WD
16,000 lbs 6,308 lbs
10/13
city/hwy
 6.0L V8
322 hp • 380 lb-ft
WT 4dr Extended Cab RWD Long Bed
6.0L V8 • 6-Speed Automatic
DRW
16,000 lbs 6,332 lbs
10/13
city/hwy
 6.0L V8
322 hp • 380 lb-ft
WT 4dr Extended Cab 4WD Long Bed
6.0L V8 • 6-Speed Automatic
DRW 4WD
16,000 lbs 6,055 lbs
10/13
city/hwy
 6.0L V8
322 hp • 380 lb-ft
WT 4dr Crew Cab RWD Long Bed
6.0L V8 • 6-Speed Automatic
DRW
16,000 lbs 6,223 lbs
10/13
city/hwy
 6.0L V8
322 hp • 380 lb-ft
WT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD Long Bed
6.0L V8 • 6-Speed Automatic
DRW 4WD
16,000 lbs 5,905 lbs
10/13
city/hwy
 6.0L V8
322 hp • 380 lb-ft
WT 2dr Regular Cab RWD Long Bed
6.0L V8 • 6-Speed Automatic
 13,000 lbs 4,592 lbs
10/13
city/hwy
 6.0L V8
322 hp • 380 lb-ft
WT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD Long Bed
6.0L V8 • 6-Speed Automatic
4WD
13,000 lbs 4,566 lbs
10/13
city/hwy
 6.0L V8
322 hp • 380 lb-ft
WT 4dr Extended Cab RWD Long Bed
6.0L V8 • 6-Speed Automatic
 13,000 lbs 4,397 lbs
10/13
city/hwy
 6.0L V8
322 hp • 380 lb-ft
WT 4dr Extended Cab 4WD Long Bed
6.0L V8 • 6-Speed Automatic
4WD
13,000 lbs 4,420 lbs
10/13
city/hwy
 6.0L V8
322 hp • 380 lb-ft
WT 4dr Crew Cab RWD Short Bed
6.0L V8 • 6-Speed Automatic
 13,000 lbs 4,200 lbs
10/13
city/hwy
 6.0L V8
322 hp • 380 lb-ft
WT 4dr Crew Cab RWD Long Bed
6.0L V8 • 6-Speed Automatic
 13,000 lbs 4,286 lbs
10/13
city/hwy
 6.0L V8
322 hp • 380 lb-ft
WT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD Short Bed
6.0L V8 • 6-Speed Automatic
4WD
13,000 lbs 4,227 lbs
10/13
city/hwy
 6.0L V8
322 hp • 380 lb-ft
WT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD Long Bed
6.0L V8 • 6-Speed Automatic
4WD
13,000 lbs 4,268 lbs
10/13
city/hwy
 6.0L V8
322 hp • 380 lb-ft

Recommended Towing Gear

Equipment recommended for a Class V hitch setup

Class V Hitch
Rated for heavy duty towing
Shop Hitches
Brake Controller
Required for trailers over 3,000 lbs
Shop Controllers
Towing Mirrors
Extended visibility for safer towing
Shop Mirrors
Weight Distribution
Stabilize heavy loads
Shop WDH

Other Sierra 3500 HD Model Years

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Common Questions

Answers based on our research and real owner data

What can a 2011 Sierra 3500 HD actually tow?

It depends on which configuration you get. The 2011 Sierra 3500 HD ranges from 13,000 to 17,000 lbs. That's a big spread! The difference usually comes down to cab style, drivetrain, and engine choice. We always recommend staying around 80% of your max — so 13,600 lbs for safe towing.

Which configuration should I pick?

Start with what you're towing. If you know your RV or trailer weight, work backwards. Generally, 4WD adds safety at boat ramps and campgrounds but reduces towing capacity slightly. Crew cabs give you passenger room but less payload. Check the table above — we highlight towing and MPG so you can compare at a glance.

How does payload affect what I can tow?

Here's what catches people off guard: tongue weight counts against your payload. For bumper pull trailers, that's typically 10-15% of the trailer's loaded weight. So if your trailer weighs 8,000 lbs, you're putting 800-1,200 lbs in your truck bed. Add passengers and gear, and payload fills up fast.

What hitch do I need for a Sierra 3500 HD?

For the 2011 Sierra 3500 HD, we recommend a Class V receiver hitch. It's rated for the full towing capacity of 17,000 lbs. Don't skimp here — your hitch is the critical link between truck and trailer.