If you have a vehicle like the Hummer EV, you’re likely to want to tow a trailer of some kind on occasion. That’s great. However, you should always take care when towing loads (especially large and heavy ones).
Always follow the advice found in your owner’s manual. Never pull anything that compromises the maximum limits of your GMC Hummer EV and its towing capacity!
Doing so could result in serious damage, legal compensation, injury, and even death. It would also void your warranty. With that warning out of the way, here is what you need to look for.
Table of Contents
What is the maximum Hummer EV towing capacity?
The only way to know this for sure is to examine your individual vehicle. You’ll find all the information you need on the B-pillar and in your owner’s manual.
If you’re struggling, give your local dealer a ring or take your vehicle to them.
Never take any risks when towing heavy loads!
The standard GMC Hummer EV Pickup and SUV have maximum towing capacities of at least 6,000 pounds. So far, we have yet to see any tow capacities above 7,500 pounds. Never drive until you know yours for sure.
Understanding gross vehicle and trailer weights
Towing is more dangerous than you might think. Before connecting a trailer to your GMC Hummer EV, you must meet all the tow capacity demands. These are:
- GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
- GAWR-RR (Gross Axle Weight Rating – Rear)
- Maximum Trailer Weight RatingMaximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
- Trailer Load Balance
To be sure, you’ll need to take your vehicle and trailer to a public scale to measure the weights of the following:
- The two combined
- The Hummer EV alone
- The trailer alone
You must be packed and ready for your trip, meaning both the vehicle and trailer are fully loaded.
What do all the measurements mean?
This section explains a little more about each weight measurement you need to make. All of the real-life readings must be less than the listed limits! If, for example, your GCWR is higher than it should be, you’ll need to unload some things or find a different tow vehicle.
To reinforce the point, never exceed these limits! You must check them all before towing heavy loads. Go to a public scale to accurately measure your vehicle’s and trailer’s weights.
GCWR – Gross Combined Weight Rating
This is the combined weight of your vehicle, the trailer, and everything in both of them (including passengers). In the Hummer EV owner’s manual, GMC advises calculating GCWR as follows: Add the following up:
- Curb weight
- Trailer weight
- Trailer contents weight
- Passenger and driver weights
- Cargo and luggage in the vehicle weights
- Hitch equipment and hardware weights
- Any aftermarket accessories or other weights
The most accurate reading comes from driving your truck and trailer to a public scale.
GVWR – Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
This is the maximum gross weight of the vehicle and everything in it. This includes:
- The curb weight
- Passengers and driver weights
- Cargo and luggage weights
- Optional extras (like tow hardware)
- Trailer tongue weight
- (This is another downward force acting on the vehicle)
- Aftermarket accessories
GAWR-RR – Gross Axle Weight Rating (Rear)
GAWR-RR is the total gross weight applied to the rear axle. It consists of the following:
- Weight over the rear axle
- Contents of the vehicle weights
- Passenger and driver weights
- Aftermarket accessory weights
- Towing hardware weights
- Trailer weight
- Trailer contents weight
- Trailer tongue weight
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
This is the heaviest trailer your vehicle can tow. It assumes you have a driver, a front passenger, and all the required towing equipment (correctly installed). You can use GM’s tow rating guide to establish your Hummer EV’s maximum trailer weight rating.
Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
The Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating is the heaviest trailer tongue the Hummer EV can support with a conventional hitch. Your Hummer EV Trailer Tongue Weight Rating is on the Towing Label.
Trailer Load Balance
You’ll also need to take the Trailer Load Balance into account. This is the percentage of weight supported at the trailer tongue.
It’s calculated as the tongue weight (measured at the hitch point) divided by the gross trailer weight (measured at the axle) multiplied by 100.
- The Trailer Load Balance should be 10% to 15% for standard trailer tongues.
- The Trailer Load Balance should be 15% to 25% if you have a fifth-wheel or gooseneck tongue.
Trailer Load Balance doesn’t apply to certain trailer types, such as boat trailers. You’ll need a public scale to accurately measure this.
Find more information on Trailer Load Balance in your GMC Hummer EV owner’s manual.
Hummer EV towing capacity and limits
Before driving with a heavily-laden vehicle and trailer, you must ensure you aren’t exceeding any of these limits. Doing so could be catastrophic and potentially fatal.
Consider using Tow/Haul for very heavy loads (above 75% of any limits) and leaving Four-Wheel Steering in Automatic mode.
Consult your owner’s manual and Towing Label for detailed information on what you need. Don’t attempt to tow any heavy loads until you’ve done so and checked you aren’t exceeding any weight restrictions.
While this article summarizes the GMC Hummer EV’s tow capacity and limits, it can’t be vehicle-specific. It’s your responsibility to check this (strictly) before driving and risking lives.
Find your Towing Capacity Label on the B-pillar of your Hummer EV. Find a copy of the Hummer EV’s owner’s manual below.
FAQs
How much can the Hummer EV tow?
The exact towing capacity of a Hummer EV may vary depending on the specific model and configuration of the vehicle. You should consult your individual vehicle’s owner’s manual and check the information on the B-pillar of your vehicle for precise towing capacity details.
How far can EV trucks go towing?
The distance an electric truck can travel while towing a load depends on several factors, including the vehicle’s battery capacity, the weight of the trailer and its contents, driving conditions, and driving habits. Towing heavy loads generally reduces the electric vehicle’s range compared to driving without a trailer. You can refer to the manufacturer’s specifications and test reports for estimates of range when towing with a specific electric truck.
How long will a Hummer EV battery last?
The longevity of a Hummer EV’s battery largely depends on various factors, including usage patterns, driving conditions, and maintenance. Electric vehicle batteries degrade over time, which can result in a decrease in the vehicle’s total driving range. Manufacturers typically provide warranties for their electric vehicle batteries, and these warranties often cover a certain number of years or miles before a significant capacity drop is expected. The specific details for the Hummer EV’s battery life and warranty should be available in the owner’s manual or through the manufacturer’s official documentation. It’s important to follow recommended maintenance practices and charging guidelines to maximize the lifespan of the battery.
Why is the Hummer EV so heavy?
The Hummer EV is heavy primarily due to its large battery for extended range, its focus on off-road capability with a rugged suspension and tires, its towing capacity necessitating a robust chassis, and the inclusion of luxury features that add weight. These factors collectively contribute to its substantial weight.