Which GMC Truck Can Tow Your Water Toys to Little Traverse Bay?
A Northern Michigan guide to matching the right GMC — Canyon, Sierra 1500, or Sierra HD — to the pontoon, ski boat, or jet ski in your driveway.
If you're towing a jet ski or small fishing boat, the GMC Canyon handles it easily. Mid-size pontoons and ski boats are right in the Sierra 1500's wheelhouse. And if you're hauling a large pontoon, multiple watercraft, or a serious fishing rig, the Sierra 2500HD or 3500HD is the truck for the job.
Summer in Northern Michigan means one thing: water. Whether you're launching a pontoon off Bay Harbor Marina, pulling a wakeboarder across Little Traverse Bay, or drifting out of Petoskey State Park with a fishing boat in tow — getting your gear to the water starts in your driveway, with the right truck.
Here's how to match the right GMC truck to the water toys you're towing — and where to find yours right here in Petoskey.
Step One: How Much Does Your Water Toy Actually Weigh?
Before you start comparing tow ratings, you need to know what you're pulling. Loaded tow weight includes the boat or watercraft plus the trailer — and that combination adds up faster than most buyers expect.
| Water Toy | Typical Loaded Weight | Recommended GMC Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Single Jet Ski / PWC | ~1,500–2,500 lbs | Canyon, Sierra 1500 |
| Two PWCs on a Tandem Trailer | ~2,500–4,000 lbs | Canyon (equipped), Sierra 1500 |
| Small Aluminum Fishing Boat (14–17 ft) | ~1,500–3,000 lbs | Canyon, Sierra 1500 |
| Fiberglass Fishing Boat (18–20 ft) | ~3,500–5,500 lbs | Sierra 1500 |
| Ski / Wakeboard Boat (20–24 ft) | ~4,500–7,000 lbs | Sierra 1500 |
| Pontoon (20–22 ft) | ~4,500–6,500 lbs | Sierra 1500 |
| Pontoon (24–26 ft) | ~6,000–9,000 lbs | Sierra 1500 (top config) / Sierra HD |
| Large Pontoon or Party Barge (26–28 ft) | ~8,000–11,000 lbs | Sierra 2500HD / 3500HD |
*Weights are approximate. Always verify your specific trailer/boat combo with your dealer or trailer manufacturer before towing.
Once you know your number, you can match it to the right truck — with confidence to spare.
The GMC Lineup: Towing Capacity by Model
GMC Canyon
Tows up to 7,700 lbsThe GMC Canyon is the lineup's most maneuverable option — and it's genuinely capable. When properly equipped with a towing package, the Canyon handles up to 7,700 lbs. That covers the most popular water toys on Little Traverse Bay with room to spare.
Best for:
- Single jet ski or PWC on a trailer (~1,500–2,500 lbs)
- Two PWCs on a tandem trailer (~2,500–4,000 lbs)
- Small aluminum fishing boats, 14–17 ft (~1,500–3,000 lbs)
The Canyon's smaller footprint also makes it easier to navigate Petoskey's marina parking lots and boat launch areas around the bay — a real-world advantage that higher tow ratings don't account for.
GMC Sierra 1500
Tows up to 13,200 lbsThe Sierra 1500 is the workhorse of Northern Michigan summer weekends. With the 6.2L V8 or 3.0L Duramax inline-six diesel and a Max Trailering Package, it tows up to 13,200 lbs — putting virtually every recreational watercraft within reach.
Best for:
- Ski and wakeboard boats, 20–24 ft (~4,500–7,000 lbs)
- Pontoon boats, 20–24 ft (~4,500–7,000 lbs)
- Fiberglass fishing boats, 18–20 ft (~3,500–5,500 lbs)
- Two PWCs on a heavy tandem trailer
The Sierra 1500 also shines on the drive up — whether you're coming from Grand Rapids on US-131 or heading north on US-31 through Charlevoix. The ProGrade Trailering System provides integrated trailer brake control, multiple camera views, and a trailer profile that saves your settings between trips.
GMC Sierra 2500HD & 3500HD
Tows up to 36,000 lbs†If you're towing a large pontoon, a commercial-grade fishing rig, or multiple watercraft on a single trip, the Sierra Heavy Duty doesn't break a sweat. The 2500HD tops out at 18,500 lbs (gas) with available Duramax diesel, while the 3500HD reaches 36,000 lbs in gooseneck/fifth-wheel configuration.
Best for:
- Large pontoon boats, 24–28 ft (~8,000–11,000 lbs)
- Multiple boats or watercraft on a multi-vehicle trailer
- Commercial fishing setups or charter boats
- Buyers who want maximum tow capacity regardless of future needs
The Sierra HD is also the truck of choice for buyers who use their rig year-round — snowmobiles in the winter, boats in the summer, and work loads in between.
Quick-Glance Comparison: GMC Towing Capacity for Water Toys
| GMC Model | Max Tow Rating* | Engine Highlight | Best For at Little Traverse Bay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon | Up to 7,700 lbs | 2.7L Turbo 4-cyl | Jet skis, small aluminum fishing boats |
| Sierra 1500 | Up to 13,200 lbs | 6.2L V8 / 3.0L Duramax | Ski boats, pontoons up to ~24 ft, PWC doubles |
| Sierra 2500HD | Up to 18,500 lbs | 6.6L V8 Gas / Duramax Diesel | Large pontoons (24–26 ft), loaded fishing boats, multiple PWCs |
| Sierra 3500HD | Up to 36,000 lbs† | 6.6L Duramax Diesel | Commercial watercraft, multiple large boats, heavy custom rigs |
*Max tow ratings when properly equipped. Actual tow capacity varies by cab/bed configuration, drivetrain, and installed options. †Sierra 3500HD conventional tow is up to 23,100 lbs; gooseneck/5th-wheel configured trucks reach up to 36,000 lbs. Always verify with your Fletch's sales team.
Towing Tips for Northern Michigan Roads
Northern Michigan's terrain adds a few considerations that flat-state towing guides don't cover. Here's what to keep in mind on your way to Little Traverse Bay:
- US-131 grades near Petoskey can challenge underpowered setups — having tow capacity to spare keeps you in the right lane and out of trouble.
- The Bay Harbor Marina launch and the Petoskey State Park ramp require tight turns. Size matters: the Canyon's shorter wheelbase is an asset here.
- Seasonal road conditions — including spring frost heave — make it worth checking tongue weight and trailer sway control settings before each trip.
- On-the-road features like GMC's Hitch Guidance with Hitch View camera and Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert are especially useful when you can't see the stern of a 24-ft pontoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the towing capacity of a GMC Sierra 1500?
The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 tows up to 13,200 lbs when properly equipped with the 6.2L V8 or 3.0L Duramax inline-six diesel engine and the Max Trailering Package. Configuration matters — cab size, bed length, and drivetrain all affect the final rating. Your Fletch's sales team can spec the exact configuration for your tow needs.
Can a GMC Canyon tow a pontoon boat?
Yes — with some limits. The GMC Canyon tows up to 7,700 lbs, which covers most pontoons in the 20–22 ft range that weigh under 6,500 lbs loaded. For a 24 ft or larger pontoon, you'll want the Sierra 1500 or Sierra HD to ensure a safe tow margin.
What GMC truck do I need to tow a jet ski?
Any GMC truck in the current lineup can tow a jet ski. A single PWC on a trailer typically weighs 1,500–2,500 lbs — well within the GMC Canyon's 7,700-lb rating. Even two jet skis on a tandem trailer (2,500–4,000 lbs) is well within Canyon or Sierra 1500 range.
How do I find my truck's actual tow rating?
Your truck's specific tow rating is listed on the driver's door jamb sticker and in the owner's manual. It varies based on engine, cab, bed, axle ratio, and towing package — so the same model in different configurations can have meaningfully different ratings. If you're building a new truck for a specific boat, let the team at Fletch's help you spec it right.
Where can I find GMC trucks for sale near Little Traverse Bay?
Fletch's Buick GMC is located right here in Petoskey, MI — a few miles from the Little Traverse Bay shoreline. We carry the full GMC truck lineup including the Canyon, Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500HD, and Sierra 3500HD, with configurations ready for Northern Michigan summers.
Ready to Find Your Tow Truck? Start Here.
You've got the bay. You've got the boat. Now you need the right truck to get it there. Browse our current GMC truck inventory or stop in — we know these roads, these ramps, and these boats.
View GMC Trucks at Fletch's