A Guide to Towing With the Chevy Silverado 1500

When it comes to versatility and accomplishing nearly impossible tasks, many drivers have come to rely on the Chevy Silverado 1500 as the gold standard of capability. From pulling trailers across state lines and employing this pickup on job sites as the ideal workhorse, there’s very little that the 2024 Silverado 1500 can’t accomplish when it’s put to the test. 

If you’re looking for an affordable vehicle that can deliver the goods, then a new or used Chevy Silverado for sale will surely be the best tool for the job. Today, we’ll be breaking down what each variation of the Silverado 1500 can tow based on powertrain and drive configuration; this way, you can judge what incarnation of Chevy’s flagship product will suit you best. 

Towing Capacities By Powertrain 

The 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 has four different powertrain options, each with unique advantages regarding towing capacity. Right now, we’ll be taking the time to break down each one and their capabilities. Later on, we’ll review the different packages that you can employ to enhance your towing experience with the Silverado 1500. 

2.7L TurboMax

As the standard engine on the Silverado 1500, the newly rechristened “TurboMax” delivers a turbocharged punch in the performance factor with 310 hp and the capability to generate 430 lb-ft of torque. Its best workplace capabilities are when your pickup is equipped with 2WD, as it possesses this model’s highest payload rating of 2,260 lbs, and it can easily pull 9,500 lbs.

Even with 4WD, this vehicle is still highly capable, with a towing capacity of 9,300 lbs and a slightly diminished payload capacity of 2,140 lbs. The TurboMax engine is the only one of the four to be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, as the others will have a ten-speed automatic, getting you noticeably smoother shifting between gears.

5.3L V8 

The first of two V8 engines available on the 2024 Silverado 1500, the 5.3L V8 has the second highest amount of power output (at 355 hp) and can pull 11,300 lbs in 2WD or 11,000 lbs when equipped with 4WD. Drivers looking for a higher towing rating than the TurboMax will be pleased with the 5.3L V8, and it still gets a significant payload limit as it can hold 2,180 lbs in 2WD or 2,110 lbs in 4WD. It’s the perfect combination of towing prowess and payload with ample performance. 

6.2L V8 

The second available V8 for the 2024 Silverado 1500 is heavy on power, with 420 hp and the ability to generate 460 lb-ft of torque. While the 6.2L V8 is a 4WD-exclusive vehicle, it has the highest towing capacity of the three gas-fueled engines, with a maximum rating of 13,300 lbs. While it can still provide a decent payload of 1,980 lbs, it has the second-lightest capability of the four engines. The 6.2L V8 is perfectly formulated for high performance and exceptional towing strength. 

3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel 

Diesel powertrains have been enjoying a renaissance in the past several years, much of which is owed to GM’s 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel six-cylinder, a highly capable piece of machinery that generates 305 hp and an impressive 495 lb-ft of torque. Despite having the lowest payload limits of this model—at 1,970 lbs in 2WD or 1,960 in 4WD—its towing prowess matches the 6.2L V8 with the ability to pull 13,300 lbs in 2WD or 13,300 lbs in 4WD. The Duramax is ideal for drivers with plenty to tow and long distances to travel, as it offers exceptional fuel economy. 

Chevy’s Max Trailering Package 

If towing and trailering are what you live for, then it’s imperative that you have the right equipment for any job. The Max Trailering package is one of the best things you could consider when upgrading your 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500. Not only does this outfit make your vehicle a more powerful workhorse from the ground up, but the towing capabilities of each powertrain option are expanded. 

One of the additions to the Silverado 1500 that heightens its performance is a rear automatic locking differential that forces both rear wheels to run in unison. As any experienced tower attests, this ability is invaluable when exerting control while hauling or carrying a heavy load through tenuous, soft, unsteady ground. Other notable adjustments to this truck include tuned shock absorbers, a heftier rear axle, an enhanced radiator (to relieve some of the pressure on the engine while in use), and a trailer brake controller to allow for safer and more efficient transportation. 

Increase Your GCWR Rating 

Knowing your vehicle’s GCWR is one of the most critical items when doing any towing task. The GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) is the total combined weight of the truck, trailer, and passengers. Knowing this allows you to comprehend how much total weight your vehicle can handle, which is imperative when you’re coming close to that figure. 

With the Max Trailering package and 20-inch wheels, the 2.7L four-cylinder version’s GCWR increases from 14,000 to 14,500 lbs. To maximize the towing limit of 9,500 lbs, a Regular Cab, long bed, and 2WD are required. The 5.3L V8 considerably improves its GVWR with the Max Trailering package, increasing from 15,000 to 16,800 lbs. To pull its maximum weight of 11,300 lbs, a Double or Crew Cab and 2WD are required. 

As previously mentioned, the 6.2L V8 and 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engines grant the most potent towing strength. Opting for the Max Trailering package with either of these extends capability far beyond expectation. The GCWR of the Silverado 1500—when equipped with a 6.2L V8—goes from 15,000 to 17,800 lbs, and an RST trim with 20-inch wheels further increases this capacity to 19,100 lbs. Both the short and standard bed of the Crew Cab can pull 13,200 lbs, and a standard double bed can pull 13,300 lbs with minimal difficulty. 

As for the 3.0L Duramax, its GCWR rating (with the Max Trailering package) is nearly identical to the specs of the 6.2L V8 with the RST trim, being 19,000 lbs compared to 19,200 lbs. When equipped with the Max Trailering package and 20-inch wheels, the Duramax outfit is easily the most accessible for getting the best towing ratings. With a short bed, 2WD, and Crew or Double Cab configuration, you’ll get 13,300 lbs of towing capacity, making the Duramax the ideal means of towing prowess. 

Towing Has Never Been Easier Than With the Chevy Silverado 1500 

In an age where many manufacturers have taken to streamlining their lineup, Chevy still cares that diverse drivers have diverse needs, especially when it comes to towing and trailering. Thus, you can turn the 2024 Silverado 1500 into a lean, mean towing machine with the right engine and the Max Trailering package. 

Getting into a Chevy Silverado 1500 and hitching your load is easy when you shop with the experts at North Park Chevrolet. We have new and used versions of the Silverado 1500, as well as larger, heavy-duty Silverado models and the midsize Chevy Colorado. We know you have a lot of hard work ahead of you, and we want to work extra hard to ensure that you get into the pickup truck that’ll allow you to accomplish what other trucks might find impossible.

Posted in Used Chevy Silverado for Sale | No Comments »