Jim Cook GMC – Which Truck Tows With More Confidence Around Asheville, NC — 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 HD or 2026 Ram 2500?
When Asheville-area drivers ask which heavy-duty pickup tows with more confidence, the conversation often centers on usable control, visibility, gearing, and trailer technology rather than a single torque number. Both trucks are capable. The 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 HD pairs either a 6.6L gas V8 or a Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 with a 10-speed automatic that helps the engine stay in the right gear on rolling grades. The 2026 Ram 2500’s available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 is matched with a TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic and offers stout torque. From the driver’s seat, though, confidence is defined by the truck’s poise with a heavy trailer attached, how predictably it slows, how calmly it tracks in crosswinds, and how well the technology keeps a driver informed without distraction.
That is why so many towing veterans put emphasis on the Sierra 2500 HD’s trailering innovations. The available 15-view camera system can show a Transparent Trailer view to virtually look through a compatible trailer, a huge help when merging or checking lanes. The ProGrade Trailering interface simplifies light checks and trailer profiles, and the available Super Cruise® system supports hands-free driving with a trailer on compatible roads. Ram answers with a 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, Trailer Tow Pages, and Trailer Reverse Steering Control, each useful in tight spaces. Still, when the route mixes four-lane highway with winding two-lane segments and busy construction zones, many drivers report the Sierra 2500 HD’s comprehensive camera coverage and 10-speed gearing feel more naturally in sync with the moment-to-moment demands of towing.
- Towing control feel: The Sierra 2500 HD’s 10-speed calibration helps manage grades and passing with fewer downshift spikes under load.
- Situational awareness: GMC’s Transparent Trailer view, bed and hitch views, and side cameras reduce guesswork when traffic tightens.
- Driver workload on long trips: Available Super Cruise® with trailering on compatible roads lessens fatigue while preserving lane discipline and following distance.
- Setup and checks: In-vehicle trailering tools streamline pre-trip routines so departures happen faster and with fewer steps.
Numbers matter, and so does execution. The Ram’s available torque lead is real, but the Sierra 2500 HD’s 22,500-lb maximum 2500-series tow rating, the stability baked into its chassis tuning, and the breadth of the camera suite shape a towing experience that feels composed and predictable. That composure is what many owners call confidence, especially when hours in the saddle stretch long and the weather turns. If your routine includes mountain passes, tight jobsite access, and frequent hook-ups, the total package becomes more important than any one specification.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the Sierra 2500 HD’s 10-speed make a difference with a heavy trailer?
Yes. The wider ratio spread helps the engine stay in its power band on grades, reduces abrupt kickdowns, and improves engine-braking control on descents.
How does Transparent Trailer view help in real traffic?
By virtually seeing through a compatible trailer, the system reveals vehicles and lane markers otherwise hidden in mirrors, improving lane changes and merges in crowded areas.
Is hands-free driving with a trailer actually useful?
On compatible divided highways, available Super Cruise® with trailering maintains lane position and following distance, reducing workload on long drives while keeping the driver attentive.
For shoppers who want a truck that assists from the first hitch connection to the last downhill mile, the Sierra 2500 HD’s towing technology and gearing deliver that steady, confident feel. Visit the team at Jim Cook Chevrolet GMC to map your towing needs to the right configuration and features. Our dealership is proudly serving Morganton, Asheville, and Spruce Pine with knowledgeable guidance and a thoughtful, low-pressure process built around your use case.
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