The 2016 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD is a powerful pickup truck that is available in a variety of configurations to meet the requirements for the toughest towing.
With a maximum towing capacity of up to 23,200 lbs, you can tow fifth-wheel trailers and other heavy equipment using the 2016 Silverado 3500 HD heavy-duty pickup.
The truck also comes with lots of towing technologies, and features to enhance your towing requirements.
In this article, we’ll explore the 2016 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity with comprehensive towing charts and essential towing recommendations.
Table of Contents
2016 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD
The 2016 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, LTZ, and High Country. There are various technologies, and features to enhance safety, and towing capability.
Key Features of the 2016 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD
- Two engine options: a 6.0-liter V-8 engine or a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V-8 engine
- Six-speed automatic transmission
- Rear- or four-wheel drive
- Single or dual-wheel setups
- Two-bed lengths
- Maximum towing capacity of up to 23,200 pounds
- Towing Technologies, and Features
The 2016 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD features two powerful engines: the Vortec 6.0L V8 Gas Engine (Standard), and the Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 engine (Available).
The 2016 Silverado 3500 HD comes equipped with the Vortec 6.0L V8 as its standard gas engine. It boasts an impressive peak power of 360 horsepower at 5,400 RPM and a peak torque of 380 lb.-ft at 4,200 RPM. With CNG option, the engine produces power of 301 hp, and torque of 333 lb.-ft. This gas engine is paired with the reliable Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission.
In addition, the renowned Duramax 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel engine is also available for the Silverado 3500 HD. It offers an impressive maximum power of 397 horsepower at 2,800 RPM and a maximum torque of 765 lb.-ft at 1,600 RPM. This powerful diesel engine is coupled with the Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission.
2016 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 | 14,500 lbs | 14,600 lbs |
| Duramax 6.6L V8 | 20,000 lbs | 23,200 lbs |
Now, let’s explore the conventional, and 5th-wheel/gooseneck towing charts.
The 2016 Silverado 3500 HD is available in Regular Cab, 4-Door Double Cab, and Crew Cab. The towing capacity differs according to the cab type, engine configuration, and wheel size.
2016 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity – Conventional (Regular Cab)
| MODEL | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | MAX PAYLOAD | CONVENTIONAL TOWING |
| Long Box2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 4,390 lbs | 14,500 lbs |
| Long Box2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 CNG | 4.10 | 3,735 lbs | 14,000 lbs |
| Long Box4x4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 4,361 lbs | 14,500 lbs |
| Long Box4x4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 CNG | 4.10 | 3,696 lbs | 13,600 lbs |
| Long Box2WD Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 7,153 lbs | 14,300 lbs |
| Long Box4x4 Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 6,724 lbs | 14,000 lbs |
| Long Box4x4 | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 4,335 lbs | 14,500 lbs |
| Long Box4x4 Dually | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 5,587 lbs | 20,000 lbs |
2016 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity – Conventional (4-Door Double Cab)
| MODEL | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | MAX PAYLOAD | CONVENTIONAL TOWING |
| Long Box2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 4,272 lbs | 14,200 lbs |
| Long Box2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 CNG | 4.10 | 3,582 lbs | 13,500 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 4,292 lbs | 13,900 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 CNG | 4.10 | 3,602 lbs | 13,200 lbs |
| Long Box2WD Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 6,234 lbs | 13,800 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 5,955 lbs | 13,600 lbs |
| Long Box2WD | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 3,986 lbs | 14,500 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 4,142 lbs | 14,500 lbs |
| Long Box2WD Dually | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 5,475 lbs | 20,000 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 Dually | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 5,195 lbs | 20,000 lbs |
2016 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity – Conventional (Crew Cab)
| MODEL | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | MAX PAYLOAD | CONVENTIONAL TOWING |
| Standard Box2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 4,062 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| Standard Box2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 CNG | 4.10 | 3,472 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| Standard Box4x4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 4,062 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| Standard Box4x4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 CNG | 4.10 | 3,473 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| Long Box2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 4,147 lbs | 14,100 lbs |
| Long Box2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 CNG | 4.10 | 3,456 lbs | 13,400 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 4,109 lbs | 13,700 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 CNG | 4.10 | 3,419 lbs | 13,100 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 6,111 lbs | 13,700 lbs |
| Long Box4x4 Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 5,743 lbs | 13,400 lbs |
| Standard Box2WD | Duramax 6.6L Turqbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 3,979 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| Standard Box4x4 | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 4,080 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| Long Box2WD | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 4,063 lbs | 14,500 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 3,914 lbs | 15,000 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD Dually | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 5,352 lbs | 20,000 lbs |
| Long Box4x4 Dually | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 5,002 lbs | 20,000 lbs |
2016 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity – 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck (Regular Cab)
| MODEL | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | MAX PAYLOAD | 5TH-WHEEL/GOOSENECK TOWING |
| Long Box2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 4,390 lbs | 14,600 lbs |
| Long Box4x4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 4,361 lbs | 14,300 lbs |
| Long Box2WD Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 7,153 lbs | 14,300 lbs |
| Long Box4x4 Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 6,724 lbs | 13,900 lbs |
| Long Box4x4 | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 4,335 lbs | 17,500 lbs |
| Long Box4x4 Dually | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 5,587 lbs | 23,200 lbs |
2016 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity – 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck (4-Door Double Cab)
| MODEL | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | MAX PAYLOAD | 5TH-WHEEL/GOOSENECK TOWING |
| Long Box2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 4,272 lbs | 14,200 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 4,292 lbs | 13,900 lbs |
| Long Box2WD Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 6,234 lbs | 13,800 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 5,955 lbs | 13,500 lbs |
| Long Box2WD | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 3,986 lbs | 17,400 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 4,142 lbs | 17,100 lbs |
| Long Box2WD Dually | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 5,475 lbs | 23,100 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 Dually | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 5,195 lbs | 22,800 lbs |
2016 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity – 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck (Crew Cab)
| MODEL | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | MAX PAYLOAD | 5TH-WHEEL/GOOSENECK TOWING |
| Standard Box2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 4,062 lbs | 14,200 lbs |
| Standard Box4x4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 4,062 lbs | 13,900 lbs |
| Long Box2WD | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 4,147 lbs | 14,100 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 4,109 lbs | 13,700 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 6,111 lbs | 13,700 lbs |
| Long Box4x4 Dually | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 4.10 | 5,743 lbs | 13,300 lbs |
| Standard Box2WD | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 3,979 lbs | 17,500 lbs |
| Standard Box4x4 | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 4,080 lbs | 17,200 lbs |
| Long Box2WD | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 4,063 lbs | 17,300 lbs |
| Long Box 4×4 | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 3,914 lbs | 16,900 lbs |
| Long Box 2WD Dually | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 5,352 lbs | 22,900 lbs |
| Long Box4x4 Dually | Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 5,002 lbs | 22,600 lbs |
Important Points to be noted from the towing charts.
- These maximum payload ratings are intended for comparison purposes only.
- Before you buy a vehicle or use it to haul people or cargo, carefully review the Vehicle Loading section of the Owner’s Manual and check the carrying capacity of your specific vehicle on the label on the inside of the driver door jamb.
- Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual.
- The weight of passengers, cargo, and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Features
The Chevy Silverado HD is equipped with various advanced towing accessories that are essential for pulling a heavy load with ease.
- Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package
- Digital Steering Assist
- Available Rear Vision Camera
- Diesel Exhaust Brake System
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Available Diesel Exhaust Brake System
- Tow/Haul Mode
- Hill Start Assist
- StabiliTrak with Trailer Sway Control
- Convenient Cargo Bed Lamps
- EZ Lift & Lower Tailgate
Safety Features on the Silverado 3500 HD
- Safety Alert Seat for Driver
- Lane Departure Warning
- Forward Collision Alert
- Front and Rear Park Assist
- Rear Vision Camera
- ABS Brakes
- Teen Driver
- Available Onstar Automatic Crash Response
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Conclusion on 2016 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity
As we conclude this article, we have delved into the impressive towing capabilities of the 2016 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD. This exceptional pickup truck is offered in various configurations to meet even the most challenging towing requirements.
Here are the key points to remember from the article:
- The 2016 Silverado 3500 HD comes with the Vortec 6.0L V8 engine as the standard gasoline option. If you’re looking for more power, you can opt for the available 6.6L Duramax Turbo Diesel V8 engine.
- When you choose the 6.6L Duramax engine and add the appropriate max trailer packages, the 2016 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD impressively achieves a maximum towing capacity of 23,200 lbs (5th-Wheel/Gooseneck). It can also tow up to 20,000 lbs conventionally with the same engine.
- To further enhance its towing and hauling capabilities, the Silverado 3500 HD comes equipped with standard features like a trailer brake controller and a heavy-duty cooling system.
Let’s conclude with some important towing tips.
- Proper Weight Distribution: Keep your load evenly distributed and within the towing capacity of your truck to avoid damage to the transmission, brakes, and suspension.
- Use Proper Equipment: Use the correct hitch, trailer ball, and safety chains to create a secure connection. Check that all equipment is functioning correctly before towing.
- Check Trailer Brakes: Verify that your trailer’s electric brakes are working correctly before setting out on the road.
- Use Extended Side-View Mirrors: Use extended side-view mirrors to improve visibility around the trailer.
- Slow Down and Maintain Safe Speeds: Drive at a safe speed while towing, taking into account that your vehicle’s handling and stopping distance will be affected. Allow yourself extra time to respond to traffic situations.
- Be Aware of Height and Length Restrictions: Be mindful of height and length restrictions on roads, bridges, and parking garages.
- Maintain Your Vehicle: Regular maintenance will ensure your Silverado 3500 HD is in top condition, particularly when towing heavy loads. Check brakes, tires, and fluids before each trip.
- Plan Your Route: Plan your route ahead of time and be aware 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.