We’ve talked extensively about the GMC Acadia, its capabilities, and its features on this blog. Today, we will take it a step further and tell you everything about the towing with it. This includes the maximum towing capacity and so much more information. Let’s start with a quick answer:
GMC Acadia manufactured from 2022 onwards have a towing capacity of 1,000 – 1,500 lbs without, and 3,500 – 4,000 lbs with a towing package. Acadia from 2017 – 2021 have a towing capacity of 1,000 lbs without, and 4,000 lbs with a towing package. Between 2007 – 2016 Acadia had a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs without, and 5,200 lbs with a towing package.
However, that certainly doesn’t tell the whole story. Below we’ve also outlined how the towing capacity changes with the number of occupants. Furthermore, we’ve written down everything you need to know regarding the maximum tongue load weight, what rules and recommendations GMC has concerning towing with an Acadia. We have written down a complete checklist for every generation that you can go through before towing at the end of this article. Read on!
Also read: 14 Annoying Problems Of A GMC Acadia
Towing With A 2022 – Present GMC Acadia
GMC Acadia manufactured from 2022 onwards have a standard towing capacity of 1,500 lbs for the 2.0 LSY engine with FWD or AWD. With a towing package, the maximum towing capacity is 3,500 lbs. The 3.6 LGX engine has a standard towing capacity of 1,000 lbs without a towing package and 4,000 lbs with a towing package.
Furthermore, it’s good to know that you also have to keep in mind the maximum trailer tongue weight. The tongue weight is the weight placed on the vehicle’s hitch at the point where the trailer meets the car. As a general rule of thumb, the tongue weight is 10 – 15% of the loaded trailer’s weight. Boat trailers fall outside of this rule, and this should be checked in the manual of the specific trailer.
GMC Acadia manufactured from 2022 onwards have a maximum trailer tongue weight of 400 lbs. This means a trailer can’t weigh more than 2,666 – 4,000 lbs, depending on the trailer weight distribution.
Determining If Trailer Weight Does Not Exceed Limits
To ensure that you can start towing with your GMC Acadia, the load of the vehicle can not exceed the following four limits:
- Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): The combined maximum weight of the vehicle and trailer
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum weight the vehicle can way. Two labels on the vehicle may show how much weight it may properly carry, the Tire and Loading Information label and the Certification/Tire label. GMC does not state this information in the owner manuals
- Maximum Trailer Weight Rating (MTWR): The maximum weight of the trailer
- Maximum Tongue Trailer Weight (MTTW): The maximum weight where the trailer meets the car
Example Calculation For 2022 Acadia With 2.0 Engine, AWD And Towing Package
- GCWR: 8,420 lbs
- GVWR: 6,000 lbs (example, see labels on vehicle for this rating)
- MTWR: GCWR – GVWR
- MTTR: 10 – 15% of MTWR
So we know that the combined weight of the car and the trailer cannot exceed 8,420 lbs. Furthermore, we need to know the GVWR of the car. As we can see, this cannot exceed 6,000 lbs. However, it usually weighs less than that.
You calculate GVWR by taking the vehicle’s curb weight and adding the passengers, baggage, and tongue weight of the trailer to that.
Let’s say the curb weight of a 2022 GMC Acadia is 4,100 lbs and that there are two passengers (330 lbs) with baggage (90 lbs) in the car. Furthermore, we expect a trailer weight of 2,000 lbs.
- Curb weight + Passengers + Baggage + Tongue Weight = GVWR
- 4,100 lbs + 330 lbs + 90 lbs + (15% of 2,000 lbs) = 4,820 lbs. This is less than 6,000 lbs and therefore does not exceed the limits
The final check is therefore as follows:
- GCWR = GVWR + Trailer Weigh = 4,820 + 2,000 = 6,820 lbs. This is within the limit of 8,420 lbs.
- GVWR = 4,820 lbs which is within the limit of 6,000 lbs.
- MTWR = 3,500 lbs as stated in the image above. The trailer weighs 2,000 lbs and does not exceed this limit.
- MTTR = cannot exceed 15% this should be measured with a scale to ensure this limit is not exceeded. Otherwise, items in the trailer will need to be shifted around to ensure proper balance.
Can A 2022 – Present GMC Acadia Tow It?
Below we’ve made an overview that includes different trailers and their average and empty, loaded weights. We’ve also included what type of Acadia from this generation can tow this trailer.
| Trailer Type | Empty and Loaded Weight (lbs.) | Can This GMC Acadia Tow It? |
| Canoe / Kayak Trailer | 200 / 400 | Yes |
| Jet Ski Trailer | 300 / 1,800 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Motorcycle Trailer | 500 / 2,400 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Teardrop Trailer | 1,700 / 2,400 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Small Open Utility Trailer | 700 / 2,500 | Yes, only with towing package |
| A-Frame Camper | 1,700 / 2,900 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Small Enclosed Utility Trailer | 1,000 / 3,200 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Fishing Boat Trailer | 600 / 3,300 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Pop Up Camper | 2,300 / 3,400 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Small Travel Trailer | 2,800 / 3,600 | Yes, only 3.6L with towing package |
| Tow Dolly | 600 / 4,000 | Yes, only 3.6L with towing package |
| Large Enclosed Utility Trailer | 2,700 / 7,100 | Yes, only empty with towing package |
| Small Horse Trailer | 2,900 / 7,200 | Yes, only empty with towing package |
| Large Travel Trailer | 6,700 / 8,300 | No |
| Car Trailer | 1,900 / 9,000 | Yes, only empty with towing package |
| Large Flatbed Trailer | 3,000 / 10,400 | Yes, only empty with towing package |
| Large Boat Trailer | 2,200 / 13,600 | Yes, only empty with towing package |
| Dump Trailer | 4,500 / 16,900 | No |
| Toy Hauler | 7,600 / 17,900 | No |
| Large Livestock Trailer | 7,300 / 18,700 | No |
| 5th Wheel Camper | 12,700 / 18,700 | No |
| Gooseneck Flatbed Trailer | 7,200 / 23,200 | No |
Towing With A 2019 – 2021 GMC Acadia
GMC Acadia, manufactured between 2019 – 2021, have a standard towing capacity of 1,500 lbs for the 2.0 LSY engine and 1,000 lbs for the 2.5 LCV and 3.6 LGX engine without a towing package. The 3.6 LGX engine can be upgraded with a towing package which increases the towing capacity to 4,000 lbs.
GMC Acadia, manufactured between 2019 – 2021, have a maximum trailer tongue weight of 500 lbs. This means a trailer can’t weigh more than 3,333 – 5,000 lbs, depending on the trailer weight distribution.
Refer to the calculations in the “Towing With A 2022 – Present GMC Acadia” to calculate exactly how much you can tow.
Can A 2019 – 2021 GMC Acadia Tow It?
Below we’ve made an overview that includes different trailers and their average and empty, loaded weights. We’ve also included what type of Acadia from this generation can tow this trailer.
| Trailer Type | Empty and Loaded Weight (lbs.) | Can This GMC Acadia Tow It? |
| Canoe / Kayak Trailer | 200 / 400 | Yes |
| Jet Ski Trailer | 300 / 1,800 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Motorcycle Trailer | 500 / 2,400 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Teardrop Trailer | 1,700 / 2,400 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Small Open Utility Trailer | 700 / 2,500 | Yes, only with towing package |
| A-Frame Camper | 1,700 / 2,900 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Small Enclosed Utility Trailer | 1,000 / 3,200 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Fishing Boat Trailer | 600 / 3,300 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Pop Up Camper | 2,300 / 3,400 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Small Travel Trailer | 2,800 / 3,600 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Tow Dolly | 600 / 4,000 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Large Enclosed Utility Trailer | 2,700 / 7,100 | Yes, empty with towing package |
| Small Horse Trailer | 2,900 / 7,200 | Yes, empty with towing package |
| Large Travel Trailer | 6,700 / 8,300 | No |
| Car Trailer | 1,900 / 9,000 | Yes, empty with towing package |
| Large Flatbed Trailer | 3,000 / 10,400 | Yes, empty with towing package |
| Large Boat Trailer | 2,200 / 13,600 | Yes, empty with towing package |
| Dump Trailer | 4,500 / 16,900 | No |
| Toy Hauler | 7,600 / 17,900 | No |
| Large Livestock Trailer | 7,300 / 18,700 | No |
| 5th Wheel Camper | 12,700 / 18,700 | No |
Towing With A 2016 – 2019 GMC Acadia
GMC Acadia, manufactured between 2016 – 2019, have a standard towing capacity of 1,000 lbs for the 2.5L and 3.6L engine. The 3.6L engine can be upgraded with a towing package which increases the towing capacity to 4,000 lbs.
GMC Acadia manufactured between 2016 – 2019 don’t have a maximum tongue weight stated in their owners manual. However, we recommend you don’t exceed a tongue weight of 100 lbs if you’re towing without a towing package and 400 lbs if you’re towing with a towing package.
Refer to the calculations in the “Towing With A 2022 – Present GMC Acadia” to calculate exactly how much you can tow.
Can A 2019 – 2021 GMC Acadia Tow It?
Below we’ve made an overview that includes different trailers and their average and empty, loaded weights. We’ve also included what type of Acadia from this generation can tow this trailer.
| Trailer Type | Empty and Loaded Weight (lbs.) | Can This GMC Acadia Tow It? |
| Canoe / Kayak Trailer | 200 / 400 | Yes |
| Jet Ski Trailer | 300 / 1,800 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Motorcycle Trailer | 500 / 2,400 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Teardrop Trailer | 1,700 / 2,400 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Small Open Utility Trailer | 700 / 2,500 | Yes, only with towing package |
| A-Frame Camper | 1,700 / 2,900 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Small Enclosed Utility Trailer | 1,000 / 3,200 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Fishing Boat Trailer | 600 / 3,300 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Pop Up Camper | 2,300 / 3,400 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Small Travel Trailer | 2,800 / 3,600 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Tow Dolly | 600 / 4,000 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Large Enclosed Utility Trailer | 2,700 / 7,100 | Yes, empty with towing package |
| Small Horse Trailer | 2,900 / 7,200 | Yes, empty with towing package |
| Large Travel Trailer | 6,700 / 8,300 | No |
| Car Trailer | 1,900 / 9,000 | Yes, empty with towing package |
| Large Flatbed Trailer | 3,000 / 10,400 | Yes, empty with towing package |
| Large Boat Trailer | 2,200 / 13,600 | Yes, empty with towing package |
| Dump Trailer | 4,500 / 16,900 | No |
| Toy Hauler | 7,600 / 17,900 | No |
| Large Livestock Trailer | 7,300 / 18,700 | No |
| 5th Wheel Camper | 12,700 / 18,700 | No |
| Gooseneck Flatbed Trailer | 7,200 / 23,200 | No |
Towing With A 2007 – 2016 GMC Acadia
GMC Acadia manufactured between 2012 – 2016 have a standard towing capacity of 2,000 lbs for the FWD and AWD versions. With a towing package, the capacity can be increased to 5,200 lbs for both models.
GMC Acadia manufactured between 2012 – 2016 don’t have a maximum tongue weight stated in their owners manual. However, we recommend you don’t exceed a tongue weight of 200 lbs if you’re towing without a towing package and 520 lbs if you’re towing with a towing package.
Refer to the calculations in the “Towing With A 2022 – Present GMC Acadia” to calculate exactly how much you can tow.
Can A 2007 – 2016 GMC Acadia Tow It?
Below we’ve made an overview that includes different kinds of trailers and their average and empty, loaded weights. We’ve also included what type of Acadia from this generation can tow this trailer.
| Trailer Type | Empty and Loaded Weight (lbs.) | Can This GMC Acadia Tow It? |
| Canoe / Kayak Trailer | 200 / 400 | Yes |
| Jet Ski Trailer | 300 / 1,800 | Yes |
| Motorcycle Trailer | 500 / 2,400 | Yes, with towing package |
| Teardrop Trailer | 1,700 / 2,400 | Yes, with towing package |
| Small Open Utility Trailer | 700 / 2,500 | Yes, with towing package |
| A-Frame Camper | 1,700 / 2,900 | Yes, with towing package |
| Small Enclosed Utility Trailer | 1,000 / 3,200 | Yes, with towing package |
| Fishing Boat Trailer | 600 / 3,300 | Yes, with towing package |
| Pop Up Camper | 2,300 / 3,400 | Yes, with towing package |
| Small Travel Trailer | 2,800 / 3,600 | Yes, with towing package |
| Tow Dolly | 600 / 4,000 | Yes, with towing package |
| Large Enclosed Utility Trailer | 2,700 / 7,100 | Yes, empty with towing package |
| Small Horse Trailer | 2,900 / 7,200 | Yes, empty with towing package |
| Large Travel Trailer | 6,700 / 8,300 | No |
| Car Trailer | 1,900 / 9,000 | Yes, empty with towing package |
| Large Flatbed Trailer | 3,000 / 10,400 | Yes, empty with towing package |
| Large Boat Trailer | 2,200 / 13,600 | Yes, empty with towing package |
| Dump Trailer | 4,500 / 16,900 | Yes, empty with towing package |
| Toy Hauler | 7,600 / 17,900 | No |
| Large Livestock Trailer | 7,300 / 18,700 | No |
| 5th Wheel Camper | 12,700 / 18,700 | No |
| Gooseneck Flatbed Trailer | 7,200 / 23,200 | No |
Before You Start Towing
The recommendations in this subheading count for every generation of the GMC Acadia.
- Do not tow a trialer within the first 500 miles (800 kilometers) of the lifetime of a new GMC Acadia
- Perform your the first oil change of a new GMC Acadia before towing a trailer.
- Never attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches. Only use frame-mounted hitches that do not attach to
the bumper. - Do not tow a trailer while using a compact spare tire on the vehicle.
- Tires must be properly inflated to support loads while towing a trailer
- Loaded trailers over 450 kg (1,000 lb) must be equipped with brake systems and with brakes for each axle.
- Always check all trailer lamps are working at the beginning of each trip, and periodically on longer trips.
- lf equipped, the trailer wiring harness, with a 7-pin connector is mounted on the trailer hitch (see image below). If the vehicle is not equipped with a trailer connector on the trailer hitch, a 7-wire trailering harness is tied to the vehicles frame. The harness requires the installation of a trailer connector, which is available through your dealer.
Sources
- https://cdn.dealereprocess.org/cdn/servicemanuals/gmc/2011-acadia.pdf
- https://www.carmanual.org/gmc-owners-manuals/2015-gmc-acadia-owners-manual-2629/
- https://cdn.dealereprocess.org/cdn/servicemanuals/gmc/2018-acadia.pdf
- https://cdn.dealereprocess.org/cdn/servicemanuals/gmc/2020-acadia.pdf
- https://cdn.dealereprocess.org/cdn/servicemanuals/gmc/2022-acadia.pdf
Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.
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