Best GMC Models for Hauling Desert Camping Trailers

Many of the customers we talk to here in El Centro need a lot of towing capacity. One thing some are surprised to hear is that GMC models are not to be ignored for the job! Yes, despite Chevrolet being a go-to for many tough duties like heavy duty trailers or industrial-purpose payload, a new GMC from GM's lineup has some of the best models for hauling camping trailers.

This article lists the top trucks from GMC, ideally kitted out for towing your desert camping trailer out of your home in Imperial Valley. Let’s take a deeper dive, highlighting their key features and capabilities for brisk mornings out in the SoCal desert (or anywhere you’d like to tow your recreational camping trailer).

Our Top Picks Among GMC’s Lineup for Hauling Camping Trailers in the Desert

For adventurers out of Imperial Valley braving the dusty backroads to Glamis Sand Dunes or weekend camping trips near Salton Sea’s shimmering shores, choosing the right truck means balancing brute strength with desert-smart features. Here’s how GMC’s lineup meets Imperial Valley’s unique demands:

• Best for Heavier Fifth Wheel Trailers: GMC Sierra 2500HD AT4

• Best for Versatility and Relative Towing Power: GMC Sierra 1500 AT4

• Best for Compact Off-Grid Trailers and Off-Road Capability: GMC Canyon AT4

GMC Sierra 2500HD AT4: Best for Heavy Fifth Wheel Trailers and Beyond

The new GMC Sierra 2500HD AT4 is a beast at towing the most substantial fifth-wheel trailers. This truck comes outfitted with a formidable Duramax turbo-diesel V-8 engine, which produces a remarkable horsepower and torque!

With its sturdy frame and various potent engine choices, the GMC truck is adept for heavy-duty towing operations. It can reach a 11,750 lbs. GVWR when it’s set up with Crew 4WD (w/Max Trailering Package).

Pros:

• Exceptional towing capacity

• 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V-8 engine

• 401 horsepower

• 464 lb-ft of torque

• AT4 trim, can do 17,300 lbs with fifth-wheel hitch

• Advanced towing technologies

• Multimatic DSSV™ dampers smooth the rougher edges of roads common near Algodones Dunes.

• Handles even the steep grades of Highway 78 to Ocotillo Wells, while the available 6.6L Duramax Turbo Diesel ensures stable power in summer heat, with an average high of 110°F

 Cons:

• Higher than average price point

• Reduced fuel efficiency when towing heavy loads

This level of strength has its trade-offs. Owning the Sierra 2500HD AT4 entails higher costs along with reduced fuel efficiency during the transport of hefty loads. Nevertheless, when it comes to tasks requiring significant hauling capabilities—the ability to manage weighty fifth-wheel trailers—this model shines in Anza-Borrego’s remote trails due to its extraordinary power. With trailering technology, you can tow the largest recreational trailers.

Rating:

• Price: 3/5

• Design: 4/5

• Towing Capacity: 5/5

• Fuel Efficiency: 3/5

• Overall: 4/5

GMC Sierra 1500 AT4: Best for Versatility and Towing Power for Various Sizes

The Sierra 1500 AT4’s 3.0L Turbo-Diesel engine shines on Imperial County’s mixed terrain, effortlessly towing weekend rigs to Buttercup Recreation Area while its ProGrade Trailering System simplifies hitching, even in El Centro’s midday glare. Our sales advisors sometimes remark at how it’s perfect for locals balancing workweek commutes on I-8 with off-grid adventures.

 The new GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 is a prime choice for individuals in need of a dependable towing vehicle, providing both flexibility and power enough to haul your life around. This truck comes equipped with the powerful—and pound-for-pound optimal—Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel engine. Better yet, it’s coupled with an efficient 10-speed automatic transmission to boost its performance and mid-level towing mastery.

Capable of 24 mpg (combined) it incorporates state-of-the-art towing technology including a trailer brake controller and rearview camera system to simplify the handling of substantial loads, boasting an impressive maximum tow capacity, even with some off-road capability, suitable for various camper hauling needs; some of the best trailers aren’t always the heaviest ones!

Pros:

• Advanced towing technologies

• High torque for better towing performance

• Off-road capabilities before or after towing

• 8,800-lb towing capacity easily pulls more compact campers without a gooseneck, like tent trailers (and some fifth-wheels)

• Top-spot contender multiple times over on USA Car News’ ratings; great for Imperial’s far-flung hotspots

• Integrated Trailer Camera simplifies hitching at El Centro’s sun-baked storage lots

• EPA-estimated 24 MPG highway saves fuel on drives to San Diego via I-8

• Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel engine

• 10-speed automatic transmission

• Maximum towing capacity: 8,800 lbs 

Cons:

• Lower towing capacity compared to the 2500HD

• Expensive upgrades for additional features

In terms of off-road capability, the Sierra stands out from other vehicles towing recreational craft to Buttercup Recreation Area, thanks to features like its two-speed Autotrac transfer case and protective underbody skid plates designed specifically for challenging desert landscapes.

Acquiring such capabilities can come at a premium cost when selecting additional options that enhance this truck’s robustness further. Despite potential considerations regarding price, its versatile nature combined with notable towing strength positions it as one of GMC’s premier offerings within their vehicle range.

Rating:

• Price: 4/5

• Design: 4/5

• Towing Capacity: 4/5

• Fuel Efficiency: 4/5

• Overall: 4/5

GMC Canyon AT4: Best for Compact Trailers and Off-Road Capability

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A new GMC Canyon AT4 stands out as an ideal choice for those in search of a smaller truck that still packs a punch when it comes to capability. This model comes outfitted with an Autotrac two-speed transfer case, simplifying the shift into four-wheel drive and ensuring exceptional performance off-road.

A 2-inch lift from the factory boosts its ground clearance to 9.6 inches. Bolstering its prowess on rugged terrain. Equipped with selectable driving modes, the Canyon AT4 can seamlessly adjust to varying road conditions and includes settings tailored specifically for different landscapes.

Pros:

• Excellent off-road capabilities

• Two-speed Autotrac transfer case

• 9.6 inches ground clearance

• Selectable drive modes

• Compact size for easier maneuverability

• Advanced technologies for varied terrain

• 7,700-lb towing pairs perfectly with mid-weight teardrops

• 33" Goodyear Territory MT tires grip loose silt near Superstition Mountain.

• 2" factory lift clears jagged volcanic rock.

Cons:

• Lower towing capacity compared to larger models; small off-grid trailers or light tent trailers are the only ones possible

• Limited cargo space in the bed

Despite possessing a modest towing capacity compared to larger GMC vehicles, the Canyon AT4 is highly proficient when tackling challenging off-road scenarios like Bradshaw Trail overland routes, thanks to its more compact dimensions which allow it greater agility through narrow passages and restricted trails. This streamlined size may result in reduced cargo space—a potential downside for certain users.

Nevertheless, considering its sophisticated technologies coupled with formidable capabilities designed for rough terrains, this vehicle ranks among some of GMC’s top-tier offerings especially suited for outdoor expeditions like desert camping or for stargazing at Fossil Canyon.

 Rating:

• Price: 4/5

• Design: 4/5

• Towing Capacity: 3/5

• Fuel Efficiency: 4/5

• Overall: 4/5

Key Considerations for Choosing a GMC Model for Hauling Camping Trailers Through Imperial Valley

While alternatives like the AT4 trim or AT4X trim, your GMC can handle desert towing, with a GMC-certified and local service center at our dealership nearby in El Centro, meaning quicker repairs before monsoon-season trips to Anza-Borrego.

 

 When choosing a GMC truck for towing camping trailers, it’s important to take into account several vital considerations. Safety, knowing what to tow, where to tow, and when not to are essential in making an informed choice and guaranteeing both safety and enjoyment during your camping trips. Then, there’s the weather!

Imperial’s 340-357 hours of sun per month demand trucks with great thermal management systems (prevents overheating in places like Salton Sea basin) and Corrosion-resistant underbodies for salty desert air.

Further Towing Pointers for Imperial Residents

As for towing, there’re a few things to get figured out. First off, evaluate the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight (GCVW) (not to be confused with GVWR), which takes into consideration the total weight of both your vehicle and attached trailer. This step is fundamental to understand what limits you’re working within while pulling trailers. Next up, look at the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) to grasp how much weight your GMC can safely tow in the Valley.

Tongue weight is another critical aspect influencing how stable your trailer will be as well as its effect on how easily you can handle your vehicle when it’s towing. Ensuring that tongue weight is accurate plays a significant role in achieving a seamless journey with no surprises along the way. Bear in mind that a vehicle’s curb weight impacts just how much additional payload it can carry without issue.

Consideration must also be given if opting for fifth wheel trailers since they typically offer more space and amenities to desert campers than travel trailers do. This comes paired with greater demands regarding weights that need support. It’s imperative then to check out whether or not your truck has enough payload capacity so that the pin weight of these larger quarters remains manageable.

Finally, don’t forget about inspecting advanced trailering technologies available in GMC trucks like adaptive cruise control designed specifically for use while hauling loads or their innovative MultiPro Tailgate feature which adds convenience by enhancing functionality significantly when dealing with various trailering scenarios.

One final consideration is this: you may use your truck for work here in Imperial Valley, not just hauling your camping trailer! In that case, you may want to choose on of the best work trucks we carry in used condition. You may find they’re just as capable as a new GMC at towing your fifth wheel, tent trailer, or teardrop for desert camping!

Our Best Used Pickup Trucks for Imperial Valley Commuting article has more tips to help you choose one for work and play alike!

Trucks from Other Makes Great for Desert Camping Trailers

GMC trucks are well-known for their ability to tow, yet other brands also provide formidable choices for pulling trailers across the desert during camping trips. For example, a used Ford F-350 Super Duty stands out as a robust rival with its substantial towing prowess and sophisticated elements such as an exhaust brake system and adaptive cruise control mechanisms. A used Ram 2500 brings to the table remarkable torque and ample capacity for towing, which positions it as a strong alternative.

Each of these trucks offers a unique combination of advantages and potential drawbacks. They present competitive price points along with an array of advanced features designed specifically for towing. It’s important when choosing a truck from another manufacturer to carefully balance what’s there against what you require personally and your own set preferences.

Pros:

• Wide range of options

• Competitive pricing

• Advanced towing features

Cons:

• Brand-specific limitations

• Availability issues

• Excepting Chevrolet models, not available new at our dealership

Visit Imperial Valley GM for Help Getting the Best GMC Models for Trailering Campers into the Desert

Hauling camping trailers is easy with a new GMC of your choice. Visit us at the Imperial Valley Auto mall and get acquainted with the systems that make getting to a camping spot in the desert easy.

Remember to consider key factors like Gross Combined Vehicle Weight, tongue weight, and advanced towing features when making your decision. And if GMC doesn’t have what you’re looking for, there are excellent alternatives from other manufacturers to consider. The first thing to do is find out some trailer weights for the type of camping you want to do; the next and easiest is to contact us and we’ll take it from there! Happy camping and safe travels.