2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD - 2500HD and 3500HD Step Up Their Heavy-Duty Towing Game | Edmunds

GM just announced big changes to the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD that vault its maximum tow rating a full 52 percent and it now leads the rest with a rating of 35,500 pounds.

The Chevrolet Silverado HD used to trail the competition in terms of maximum tow capacity by a fairly significant margin, and that only looked set to get worse after Ram introduced a top tow rating of 35,100 pounds for its 3500 dually.

Q: What engines are available in the Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD pickups?
A: The same two engines can be fitted to the 2500 and 3500 HD pickups. The 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine is standard and makes 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque ― both significantly up from last year. The optional engine is a 6.6-liter V8 Duramax turbodiesel that makes 445 hp and 910 lb-feet of torque. The gas engine drives through a six-speed automatic, while the diesel is paired with a new Allison 10-speed automatic.

Q: Can you tell me more about the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD tow ratings?
A: The maximum gasoline tow rating is 17,400 pounds. To get beyond that, you must choose the diesel engine. If you do, the maximum conventional-hitch tow rating for the 2500HD is 18,500 pounds, while the 3500HD single and dual rear-wheel versions can tow up to 20,000 pounds. The 2500HD's maximum fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitch rating is much the same at 18,600 pounds, but the use of that type of hitch dramatically increases the capability of the 3500HD truck. Single rear-wheel versions can tow up to 21,500 pounds and dual rear-wheel versions can tow up to 35,500 pounds. It's worth noting that any diesel-equipped dually cab-bed configuration will tow at least 31,400 pounds.

Q: What about the bed of the Chevrolet Silverado HD?
A: Chevrolet has increased the length of the standard bed by more than 3 inches. Last year it measured just under 6 feet 7 inches long inside. This year it spans 6 feet 10 inches. The number of fixed tie-down hooks has increased to 12. And the rear fender now comes with a bed step molded in ahead of the rear tire to improve access to the front corner of the bed.

Q: What has Chevy done to the Silverado HD's cab?
A: The Silverado HD has a longer frame. That enables the longer bed but also an increase in the size of the crew cab. The rear seat now has a full 3 inches more rear legroom. The amount has increased enough that it no longer matters which truck has the most and if Chevrolet can make that claim or not. You'd have to be an NBA center to complain about legroom in here ― and even then you might not.

Read more about the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD here:
https://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/silverado-2500hd/2020/

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