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You can’t hitch just any ordinary vehicle up to a hefty load and expect to arrive safely from point A to point B. You need a strong and capable vehicle to tow the load confidently.
While Chevrolet has had a reputation for making their vehicles as tough as rocks, does this include the Silverado 3500? Is the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD’s towing capacity enough to get the job done?
Let’s take a peek under the hood and behind the towing numbers!
What Is Towing Capacity?
A vehicle’s towing capacity is how much a vehicle can safely and legally tow. Trucks typically have a conventional towing capacity and a slightly higher fifth wheel or gooseneck towing capacity.
If you want to stay safe and legal, you’ll want to make sure any loads you tow with your vehicle are under this limit set by the manufacturer.
Why Does Towing Capacity Matter?
A manufacturer sets the towing capacity for a vehicle based on their research regarding the truck’s capabilities. In addition, they want to ensure drivers have a safe towing experience.
Exceeding the towing capacity of a vehicle drastically reduces safety by increasing the likelihood of trailer sway. It also takes the weight off the vehicle’s front axle, which is the steering axle. Not being able to steer effectively is not ideal for a driver.
Additionally, a vehicle may be able to tow more than the towing capacity, but it might need help to stop in these situations. The heavier the load, the longer the braking distance will be for a vehicle.
Staying under the towing capacity of a vehicle can help ensure a driver is able to not only tow the load, but also safely stop it when necessary.
About the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
The Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD has been in production since 1999, and the newest edition is one of the toughest trucks that Chevy has ever made.
You can choose from two incredibly powerful powertrain options to make sure you get a truck capable of handling what you throw at it. The Silverado 3500HD is the perfect truck for work, play, and a night out on the town.
Models
The Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD comes in four different models in the lineup. The base level is the WT. Then Chevy adds features and luxury options incrementally through the LT, LTZ, and High Country models.
Typically, not much separates the base models of these vehicles from one another except for comfort and luxury features.
Those drivers looking for a powerful and robust truck on a budget will enjoy the WT model. However, those looking for a premium or luxury experience and willing to pay a bit extra will find the High Country incredibly comfortable and loaded with features.
This results in an approximately $30,000 difference between some of these truck models.
Specs
Chevrolet isn’t shy about saying this is the “strongest, most capable Silverado HD ever.” With a max available towing of 36,000 pounds, it can fight against some of the leading tow vehicles on the market.
Its over 400 horsepower allows it to stand toe-to-toe with some of the other manufacturers who dominate the market.
Drivers who choose the gas V-8 engine have a massive payload capacity of 7,442 pounds.
On the other hand, the heavier and more powerful diesel engine only allows for 6,523 pounds of payload. You’ll have plenty of storage space no matter what you’re hauling in this truck.
Standout Features
Chevrolet values driver safety and doesn’t deviate from that in the Silverado 3500HD. It has a following distance indicator, forward collision alert, and automatic emergency braking. That means you and your passengers will be incredibly safe in this vehicle.
However, while safety is very important to Chevy, so is customer satisfaction. The Silverado 3500HD has special solar-absorbing glass to help keep the driver and passengers comfortable.
The High Country model is full of many features that make it easy to stay comfortable and look fancy while doing it.
We love how Chevy has integrated bed steps and trailering mirrors into the design of this truck. They look natural and add to the overall aesthetics and flow of the vehicle.
Instead of looking like add-ons, they look like they belong there. It makes you wonder why more manufacturers don’t do this.
What Is the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Towing Capacity?
The Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is a beast of a towing vehicle. If you’re in the market for a towing vehicle, don’t overlook this one. It may not be the most capable, but it puts up a fight.
Let’s look at what you can expect from the past few years of Silverado 3500HD’s towing capacity.
2023 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Towing Capacity
The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD has a max towing capacity of 20,000 pounds for conventional towing and 36,000 pounds for fifth-wheel/gooseneck towing.
2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Towing Capacity
With a max towing capacity of 20,00 pounds for conventional towing, the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is 36,000 pounds for fifth-wheel/gooseneck towing.
Pro Tip: Do you know how much your truck can really tow? Click the link to find out
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Towing Capacity
It has a max towing capacity of 20,00 pounds for conventional towing and 36,000 pounds for fifth-wheel/gooseneck towing.
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Towing Capacity
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD has a max towing capacity of 17,500 pounds for conventional towing and 35,500 pounds for fifth-wheel/gooseneck towing.
How Much More Can the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Tow Than the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD?
Thanks to a sturdier frame, stiffer suspension, and higher-capacity brakes, the 3500HD is a much stronger and more capable vehicle. It can tow nearly double the weight of the 2500HD.
While the 2500HD can tow an impressive 18,510 pounds, the 3500HD can tow an impressive 36,000 pounds.
What Are the Two Different Engines Available in the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD?
The Silverado 3500HD has two engine choices: the 6.6-liter V8 gas engine and the 6.6-liter V8 turbo-diesel engine. While the diesel engine weighs more and takes away from the payload capacity, it’s much more capable. It creates more than double the torque and increases the horsepower from 401 to 445.
If you’re planning to tow regularly, the benefits and capabilities of the diesel engine are worth considering.
Keep in Mind: Are you in the market for an SUV for towing? You’ve Got Options
How Much Does a Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Cost?
The Silverado 3500HD comes in four different models, which typically hit the market, ranging from $44,386 to $71,306.
The base models may not come loaded with all the fancy features as in the High Country, but they’re still a tremendous bang for your buck.
You can save cash while having an incredibly tough and capable towing vehicle.
Is a Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Good for Towing?
The Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is great for towing. There are various options to consider that make it one of the most capable towing vehicles on the market. There aren’t many tasks that it won’t be able to handle.
As we stated earlier, the diesel engine is worth it if you’re planning to tow regularly.
The results it provides are astounding, and you’ll appreciate the increased torque and horsepower when navigating a steep incline or mountain pass. Are you considering the Silverado 3500HD for your next vehicle?
