The GMC Sierra 3500 is basically what happens when someone takes a proven design for a truck, and then makes a big heavy version of it, and then says, “Hey, let’s add some more truck to this.” Everywhere you look on the 3500, it’s been engineered to maximize capability.
Under the Hood of the GMC Sierra 3500
There’s no doubt that the 3500 is built for big jobs, so the base engine is a massive 6.6L v8, which is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This gas-powered setup provides 401hp and is augmented with features like a heavy-duty air filter, an external engine oil cooler, and an external auxiliary transmission oil cooler, because all of that power is intended to be heavily used.
To take advantage of the Sierra’s maximum hauling and towing ability, you can upgrade the powertrain to use a Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel, which bumps the horsepower to 445 and can produce up to 910 lb-ft of torque. The diesel version of the v8 gets a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission with auto grade braking and a tow/haul mode to make life easier when you’re moving a heavy load.
Inside the Cab
It probably goes without saying, but the cab offers plenty of space. Beyond just being roomy, the Sierra’s interior comes with a wealth of options to choose from to get things setup just how you prefer. Adapt to the weather, for example, with a power sunroof for nice days, and heated seats and steering wheel for when it’s miserable outside.
Many of the interior options combine convenience with practicality. The head-up display is especially useful on long drives, as are the integrated navigation system and compass. When you get where you’re going and need to park, possibly with a huge trailer, you can make things easier by using the Sierra’s camera views, of which you can get up to 15, to keep an eye on where everything is.
Behind the Hitch
The enormous engine at the front of the Sierra is there, in part, because sometimes you’ll have something enormous to tow behind the Sierra. Without investing in any options, the Sierra is able to tow more than 14,000 pounds. Given that the payload capacity itself starts at over 4,000 pounds, any way that you choose to customize your truck will result in a machine that you can load up with confidence.
If the kind of towing jobs you have in mind are of the extreme sort, then you can select options, like the diesel v8 or a towing package, to increase the towing capacity to more than 30,000 pounds.
Any version of the Sierra 3500 is a powerful workhorse, but every job is a bit different, and choices like the size of the cab, or whether to go with four-wheel drive, are what make your truck exactly the one to meet your needs. Visit Crain Buick GMC and we’ll help you pick the combination of features that’s right for you.


