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It’s always nerve-wracking to switch trucks when you regularly tow something heavy. Whether it’s a travel trailer, a camper, or in John A. Colgan Jr.’s case, a nearly 10,000-pound Cobalt A29 boat, there’s always that question in the back of your mind: Can this new truck handle what my old one did? That concern is especially common among those transitioning from traditional diesel workhorses like the Ram 2500 to modern electric trucks such as the new 2026 GMC Sierra EV AT4. While scrolling through the “GMC Sierra EV Group” on Facebook this evening, I came across a post from John that immediately stood out. He had just towed his massive Cobalt A29 with his brand-new Sierra EV AT4 and admitted that he was nervous at first about how the truck would handle the weight. But by the end of the trip, he said the experience completely changed his expectations.
“The 2026 AT4 is absolutely amazing when towing. I went from a 2020 ram 2500 and was worried about towing my Cobalt A29. It's close to 10k lbs. I couldn’t even feel it back there. I’m so impressed with this truck so far. The suspension on this truck is stout; it didn't even squat the truck very much. I'm very happy with it.”
That’s high praise coming from someone used to a heavy-duty diesel platform. John’s post has since sparked a wave of discussion among truck owners, particularly those curious whether GMC’s new electric HD lineup can truly replace traditional diesel towing performance. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time John’s ownership story has drawn attention. His earlier feedback was also detailed in a previous GMC Sierra EV reliability report that explored his initial ownership impression, offering context for how his experience has evolved.
A Remarkable Leap in Towing Confidence
What makes this story so fascinating is that John’s expectations were shaped by years of towing experience with his 2020 Ram 2500. That truck was already known for its brute pulling power and durability. Yet the Sierra EV AT4 not only matched that performance, but it exceeded it in ways that feel revolutionary. Electric torque delivery provides instant response without gear shifts or turbo lag, translating into seamless and continuous pulling force for the kind of heavy hauls it’s built to handle.
In fact, this kind of feedback mirrors what other early adopters have shared. Another owner described their experience as composed and quiet even while towing at full capacity, reinforcing just how refined and confident the Sierra EV feels under load.
Understanding Why It Feels So Effortless
The Sierra EV’s dual-motor system delivers power so smoothly that even large boats and enclosed trailers can feel weightless at highway speeds. Unlike diesel engines that build torque through revs, electric motors provide it instantly from zero RPM. The result is a towing experience that feels both stable and calm. Add in features like adaptive air suspension and weight distribution management, and it’s no wonder John said he couldn’t even feel it back there.
For drivers making the switch from gas or diesel, this instant torque can feel almost surreal. It’s the same reason so many Ram owners are hesitant to move to EV trucks but eventually realize the benefits, like this Sierra EV owner who said they were hesitant to switch from their Ram 2500 until experiencing its instant torque and Super Cruise technology firsthand.
Real Drivers, Real Experiences
When John posted his towing results, several community members chimed in with their own insights, each adding valuable perspective on what towing with electric trucks actually feels like in real life.
Erick Pinzon Jr. said, “It's hard to beat electric trucks for local towing. We had a Rivian prior, Lightning now, and will have the Silverado EV next. My employees pick it over the diesel every day.”
Erick’s point highlights what many truck owners overlook. Electric pickups excel in local and mid-distance hauling thanks to their instant torque and regenerative braking. Employees choosing EVs over diesel every day says a lot about how far usability and dependability have come.
Then there’s Roger Cote, who described the sensation of towing with electric trucks in almost poetic terms:
“People that have never towed with these things just cannot imagine what it's like. There's nothing else like this experience on the planet. Even 1,000+ TQ diesels have a rev range of power band that starts off relatively weak and climbs in power as the revs climb and drop off again to start the building of revs and power every gear change. Whether it's an ‘old school’ 4-6 gears, or 10, the constant and steady flow of torque from 0 to 90+ MPH is unworldly with a decent load behind. We run around 250 people through this experience a day, and we blow 250 minds away every day.”
His description perfectly captures what makes electric towing so different. It’s not just about power, but how that power is delivered. No shifting, no lag, no noise. Just smooth, continuous momentum that feels entirely new. That is, of course, assuming you're towing within range and something that it's rated for.
Loren Stout added another layer to the discussion, writing, “Another thing that has stood out to me is the re-gen braking helping to minimize the brake load on trailers. I have some steep hills that were previously heating up the boat brake system.”
Regenerative braking hits on one of the most underrated benefits of electric towing. The system not only recaptures energy but also reduces brake wear and improves control on downhill grades, which is especially valuable when towing heavy loads like John’s 10,000-pound Cobalt boat.
A New Era for Towing and Trust in EV Technology
Despite the praise, not every Sierra EV story has been perfect. Some owners have shared concerns over manufacturing hiccups and post-purchase frustrations, such as one driver who shared their frustration after GM denied a buyback request under Arizona’s lemon law. But stories like John’s remind us that innovation isn’t just about flashy technology, it’s about building reliability and confidence in real-world use.
From my perspective, what stands out most about John’s experience is how electric trucks are redefining what “power” feels like. We’ve entered a phase where refinement, and torque delivery are more impressive than sheer noise and vibration. I think moments like when a lifelong diesel owner realizes an EV can outperform what they once considered unbeatable represent a quiet revolution happening in many driveways across America. It’s not about replacing tradition overnight; it’s about expanding what’s possible.
Key Takeaways for Readers
- Instant Torque, Instant Confidence: EV trucks deliver continuous pulling power that transforms how towing feels.
- Reduced Stress on Brakes: Regenerative braking makes downhill towing safer and easier.
- Towing With Ease: Minimal squat and balanced suspension give EV trucks an advantage in load control.
- Transitioning Is Easier Than You Think: Real owners like John prove the shift from diesel to electric can exceed expectations.
- The Conversation Is Still Evolving: Each owner’s experience adds another piece to the bigger story of how electric trucks are changing the towing landscape.
Add Your Thoughts to the Conversation
Have you ever towed something heavy with an electric truck? Or are your towing needs too heavy to replace with an electric truck?
And do you think EVs like the GMC Sierra AT4 and Silverado EV will soon become the new towing standard for non-heavy loads? Or will diesels continue to dominate for them?
We'd love to get your thoughts in the comments below.
Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.
Image Sources: The “GMC Sierra EV Group” public Facebook group and GMC’s gallery.
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