The 2012 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD heavy-duty pickup truck comes in three different configurations: regular cab, extended cab, and crew cab to handle the toughest of towing jobs.
As part of the Silverado 3500 lineup, the 2012 Silverado 3500 HD is offered with two engine options including the standard Vortec 6.0L Gas Engine, and an available Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel Engine.
The maximum towing capacity of the 2012 Silverado 3500 HD is 23,000 lbs when the truck is properly equipped with towing features.
In this article, we’ll explore the 2012 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity with comprehensive towing charts and essential towing recommendations.
Table of Contents
2012 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD
The 2012 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD is one of the most powerful performers when it comes to towing jobs.
The truck is available in four trim levels including WT (Work Truck), LT, and LTZ. There are various technologies, and features to enhance safety, and towing capability.
Key Features of the 2012 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD
- Two powerful engine options
- Long List of Standard Safety Features
- 6-speed automatic transmission
- Maximum Towing of up to 23,000 lbs
- 4-Wheel Drive configurations
- Three different cab configurations
- Towing Technologies
- Spacious and Comfortable Interior
The 2012 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD presents a range of formidable engine options for drivers. Its standard offering is the Vortec 6.0L V8 Gas Engine, paired with the reliable Hydra-Matic 6L90 6-speed automatic override transmission. For those desiring even more power, there is the available Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 engine, equipped with the renowned Allison 1000 6-speed automatic override transmission.
Experience remarkable performance and potency with the 2012 Chevy Silverado 3500HD. Its default configuration includes the robust 6.0L Vortec V8 engine, providing an impressive output of 360 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. This engine guarantees a smooth and enjoyable driving journey, effortlessly managing most tasks that come its way.
For individuals in pursuit of unparalleled power, the Silverado 3500HD offers an optional upgrade to the 6.6L Duramax V8 Turbo Diesel engine. This powerhouse delivers an astounding 445 horsepower and an incredible 765 lb-ft of torque, positioning itself as one of the dominant engines within its class. Not only does the Duramax engine offer exceptional strength, but it also showcases remarkable fuel efficiency, making it an optimal choice for demanding towing or hauling requirements.
2012 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity Based on engine types
| ENGINE TYPE | MAX. CONVENTIONAL TOWING | MAX. 5TH-WHEEL/GOOSENECK TOWING |
| Vortec 6.0L V8 Gas | 13,800 lbs | 14,200 lbs |
| Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 18,000 lbs | 23,000 lbs |
Now, let’s explore the conventional, and 5th-wheel/gooseneck towing charts.
The 2012 Silverado 3500 HD is available in Regular Cab, Extended Cab, and Crew Cab. The towing capacity differs according to the cab type, engine configuration, and wheel size.
2012 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity – Conventional (Regular Cab)
| MODEL | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | CONVENTIONAL TOWING |
| Long Box 2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD Big Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 14,100 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 Big Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 13,800 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD Big Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 9,600 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 9,700 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 Big Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 9,300 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 24,500 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 Big Dually | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 30,500 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
2012 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity – Conventional (Extended Cab)
| MODEL | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | CONVENTIONAL TOWING |
| Long Box 2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD Big Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 13,600 lbs |
| Long Box4x4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 Big Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 13,400 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 9,500 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD Big Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 9,100 lbs |
| Long Box4x4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 9,200 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 Big Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 8,900 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 24,500 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD Big Dually | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 30,500 lbs | 16,500 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 24,500 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 Big Dually | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 30,500 lbs | 18,000 lbs |
2012 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity – Conventional (Crew Cab)
| MODEL | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | CONVENTIONAL TOWING |
| Standard Box 2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD Big Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 13,500 lbs |
| Standard Box 4×4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 Big Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 13,200 lbs |
| Standard Box 2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 9,500 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 9,400 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 9,000 lbs |
| Standard Box 4×4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 9,200 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 9,100 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 8,700 lbs |
| Standard Box 2WD | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 24,500 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 24,500 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD Dually | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 30,500 lbs | 16,500 lbs |
| Standard Box 4×4 | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 24,500 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 24,500 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 Dually | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 30,500 lbs | 18,000 lbs |
2012 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity – 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck (Regular Cab)
| MODEL | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | 5TH-WHEEL/GOOSENECK TOWING |
| Long Box 2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 14,500 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD Big Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 14,100 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 14,200 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 Big Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 13,800 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD Big Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 9,600 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 9,700 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 Big Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 9,300 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 24,500 lbs | 17,400 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 Big Dually | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 30,500 lbs | 23,000 lbs |
2012 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity – 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck (Extended Cab)
| MODEL | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | 5TH-WHEEL/GOOSENECK TOWING |
| Long Box 2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 14,000 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 13,600 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 13,700 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 13,400 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 9,500 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 9,100 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 9,200 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 8,900 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 24,500 lbs | 17,300 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD Dually | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 30,500 lbs | 22,800 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 24,500 lbs | 16,900 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 Dually | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 30,500 lbs | 22,600 lbs |
2012 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity – 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck (Crew Cab)
| MODEL | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | 5TH-WHEEL/GOOSENECK TOWING |
| Standard Box 2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 14,000 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 13,900 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 13,500 lbs |
| Standard Box 4×4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 13,700 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 13,600 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 20,500 lbs | 13,200 lbs |
| Standard Box 2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 9,500 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 9,400 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 9,000 lbs |
| Standard Box 4×4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 9,200 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 9,100 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 3.73 | 16,000 lbs | 8,700 lbs |
| Standard Box 2WD | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 24,500 lbs | 17,200 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 24,500 lbs | 17,300 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD Dually | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 30,500 lbs | 22,800 lbs |
| Standard Box 4×4 | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 24,500 lbs | 17,000 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 24,500 lbs | 16,800 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 Dually | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 30,500 lbs | 22,400 lbs |
Important Points to be noted from the towing charts.
- The maximum weight ratings for towing a trailer are calculated based on a standard vehicle configuration, excluding any additional options, and with only the driver onboard.
- Keep in mind that the weight of optional equipment, passengers, and cargo will decrease the maximum trailer weight that your vehicle can safely tow. For more specific information, it is advisable to consult your local Chevy dealer.
- When determining the maximum payload capacity, take into account the combined weight of the driver, passengers, optional equipment, and cargo. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) considers the total weight of the vehicle, passengers, cargo, and equipment when properly equipped.
- To ensure safe towing, the trailer tongue weight should be within 10 to 15 percent of the fully loaded trailer weight, up to 1,500 lbs. for 2500HD and 3500HD models.
- Similarly, for fifth-wheel trailers, the kingpin weight should be between 15 to 25 percent of the fully loaded trailer weight, up to 3,000 lbs. for 2500HD models and up to 3,500 lbs. for 3500HD models.
- It’s important to note that adding trailer tongue weight or kingpin weight must not exceed the Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (RGAWR) or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle. You can find these ratings on the certification label located on the driver’s door or doorframe.
- If desired, a fifth-wheel trailer hitch can be installed as an accessory by your authorized dealer on select models.
Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing and Safety Features
The Chevy Silverado HD is equipped with various advanced towing accessories that are essential for pulling a heavy load with ease.
- Diesel Exhaust Brake System
- Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
- Auto Grade Braking
- StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System
- Trailer Sway Control
- Tow/Haul Mode
- Hill Start Assist
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Conclusion on 2012 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity
In conclusion, the 2012 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD stands as a true powerhouse when it comes to towing capacity. With its impressive engine options, including the Vortec 6.0L V8 Gas Engine and the Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 engine, drivers have the freedom to choose the level of power that suits their needs.
To provide a clear understanding of its towing capabilities, Chevy has provided a comprehensive conventional towing chart and fifth-wheel towing chart. These charts outline the maximum trailer weights for both configurations, ensuring that drivers can make informed decisions based on their specific towing requirements.
It’s crucial to adhere to the recommended towing guidelines provided by Chevrolet. Considering factors such as trailer tongue weight, kingpin weight, and overall vehicle weight ratings will help maintain safety and performance while towing.
Always consult the certification label located on the driver’s door or doorframe to ensure that the weights remain within the specified limits.
Whether you’re towing a boat, RV, or heavy cargo, the 2012 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD offers the capability and reliability you need. Its robust engines, precise engineering, and attention to towing details make it a trusted companion for any towing adventure.
Let’s conclude with some important towing tips.
- Ensure Proper Weight Distribution: Distribute your load evenly and stay within your truck’s towing capacity to prevent damage to the transmission, brakes, and suspension.
- Use Appropriate Equipment: Utilize the correct hitch, trailer ball, and safety chains to establish a secure connection. Before towing, double-check that all equipment is functioning properly.
- Verify Trailer Brake Functionality: Before hitting the road, confirm that your trailer’s electric brakes are in good working order.
- Utilize Extended Side-View Mirrors: Improve visibility around your trailer by using extended side-view mirrors.
- Reduce Speed and Maintain Safety: Drive at a safe speed while towing, considering that your vehicle’s handling and stopping distance will be affected. Give yourself extra time to respond to traffic situations.
- Stay Mindful of Height and Length Restrictions: Be aware of height and length limitations on roads, bridges, and parking garages.
- Maintain Your Vehicle: Regularly maintain your Silverado 3500 HD, especially when towing heavy loads. Prior to each trip, check the brakes, tires, and fluids.
- Plan Your Route: Plan your route in advance and take note of potential hazards such as steep hills, winding roads, and narrow bridges. Avoid overloading your trailer and stay within the maximum towing capacity of your Silverado 3500 HD.
Stellan Carter is an accomplished writer, entrepreneur, and avid Ford Raptor owner. As a co-founder and content contributor for this renowned blog website, Stellan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the automotive industry. When he's not behind the wheel of his beloved Ford Raptor, Stellan can be found exploring new terrains, capturing the essence of his automotive adventures through his camera lens.