Discover the 2021 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity with Full Charts

The Chevy Silverado HD derives its name from its potent performance and robust durability, denoted by the “HD” moniker, which stands for Heavy Duty. The recently launched 2021 Silverado 3500 HD features a highly proficient engine and powertrain, enabling unmatched performance in diverse on-road and off-road conditions.

The 2021 Silverado 3500 HD boasts of an unparalleled maximum towing capacity of up to 36,000 lbs, obtainable with the installation of trailer tow packages and formidable engines. With the 3500 HD, confidence is guaranteed whenever hitching up.

It is noteworthy that the towing capacity of the 3500 HD model varies depending on the specific trim, cargo, availability of towing accessories, number of passengers, and other relevant factors. A comprehensive analysis of these variables is necessary to gain further insight.

What is the Towing Capacity of Chevy Silverado HD?

The Chevy Silverado HD is an absolute powerhouse that leaves its competitors in the dust. With a plethora of robust powertrain options, this truck is not one to be underestimated. The available Multi-Flex Tailgate is a game-changer, providing a functional and versatile option for truck owners. Plus, the Durabed is impressively large and utilitarian, making hauling cargo a breeze.

For those seeking options, the 2021 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD has four models to choose from: WT, LT, LTZ, and High Country. Additionally, drivers can opt for either 2WD or 4×4 configurations on all models, ensuring that the truck can handle whatever terrain comes its way.

Under the hood, the standard 6.6L V8 Gasoline engine with 6-speed transmission provides plenty of power. However, those seeking more muscle can opt for the available Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 engine with 10-speed transmission. This combination of power and performance makes the Chevy Silverado 3500 HD a force to be reckoned with on the road.

When equipped with an available diesel engine, the truck can handle a maximum conventional towing capacity of 20,000 lbs. And if that’s not enough, the maximum gooseneck/5th-wheel trailering capacity is a staggering 36,000 lbs. With this kind of towing capacity, the Chevy Silverado 3500 HD is the perfect truck for those who need to haul heavy loads.

2021 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity Based on engine types

ENGINE TYPEMAX. CONVENTIONAL TOWINGMAX. 5TH-WHEEL/GOOSENECK TOWING
6.6L V8 Gas16,800 lbs16,800 lbs
Duramax 6.6L V820,000 lbs36,000 lbs

Now, let’s explore the conventional, and 5th-wheel/gooseneck towing charts.

The 2021 Silverado 3500 HD is available in Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab. The towing capacity differs according to the cab type, engine configuration, and wheel size.

Regarding configurations, the Silverado 3500 HD is available in three different configurations: Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab. 2WD SRW, 4×4 SRW, 2WD DRW, and 4×4 DRW are the four long bed models for the 3500 HD.

2021 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity Chart (Regular Cab)

2021 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity (Regular Cab)

MODELENGINEWHEEL SIZEGVWRGCWRCONVENTIONAL TOWINGGOOSENECK/5TH-WHEEL
Long Bed 2WD SRW6.6L V8 Gas18”/20”10,750 lbs24,000 lbs14,500 lbs17,200 lbs
Long Bed 4×4 SRW6.6L V8 Gas18”/20”11,100 lbs24,000 lbs14,500 lbs16,950 lbs
Long Bed2WD DRW6.6L V8 Gas17”14,000 lbs24,000 lbs16,800 lbs16,800 lbs
Long Bed 4×4 DRW6.6L V8 Gas17”14,000 lbs24,000 lbs16,800 lbs16,710 lbs
Long Bed 2WD SRWDuramax 6.6L V818”/20”11,500 lbs29,100 lbs14,500 lbs21,500 lbs
Long Bed 4×4 SRWDuramax 6.6L V818”/20”11,800 lbs29,100 lbs14,500 lbs21,500 lbs
Long Bed2WD DRWDuramax 6.6L V817” (5th-Wheel)14,000 lbs43,500 lbs20,000 lbs32,000 lbs
Long Bed2WD DRWDuramax 6.6L V817” (Gooseneck)14,000 lbs43,900 lbs20,000 lbs36,000 lbs
Long Bed 4×4 DRWDuramax 6.6L V817”14,000 lbs40,000 lbs20,000 lbs31,760 lbs
2021 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity Chart (Double Cab)

2021 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity (Double Cab)

MODELENGINEWHEEL SIZEGVWRGCWRCONVENTIONAL TOWINGGOOSENECK/5TH-WHEEL
Long Bed 2WD SRW6.6L V8 Gas18”/20”11,100 lbs24,000 lbs14,500 lbs16,700 lbs
Long Bed 4×4 SRW6.6L V8 Gas18”/20”11,400 lbs24,000 lbs14,500 lbs16,500 lbs
Long Bed2WD DRW6.6L V8 Gas17”14,000 lbs24,000 lbs16,400 lbs16,400 lbs
Long Bed 4×4 DRW6.6L V8 Gas17”14,000 lbs24,000 lbs16,390 lbs16,270 lbs
Long Bed 2WD SRWDuramax 6.6L V818”/20”11,850 lbs29,700 lbs14,500 lbs21,490 lbs
Long Bed 4×4 SRWDuramax 6.6L V818”/20”12,150 lbs29,700 lbs14,500 lbs21,210 lbs
Long Bed2WD DRWDuramax 6.6L V817” 14,000 lbs40,000 lbs20,000 lbs31,500 lbs
Long Bed 4×4 DRWDuramax 6.6L V817”14,000 lbs40,000 lbs20,000 lbs31,340 lbs
2021 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity Chart (Crew Cab)

2021 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity (Crew Cab)

MODELENGINEWHEEL SIZEGVWRGCWRCONVENTIONAL TOWINGGOOSENECK/5TH-WHEEL
Standard Bed2WD SRW6.6L V8 Gas18”/20”11,000 lbs24,000 lbs14,500 lbs16,700 lbs
Standard Bed4x4 SRW6.6L V8 Gas18”/20”11,350 lbs24,000 lbs14,500 lbs16,530 lbs
Standard Bed High Country4x4 SRW6.6L V8 Gas20”11,350 lbs24,000 lbs14,500 lbs16,230 lbs
Long Bed 2WD SRW6.6L V8 Gas18”/20”11,150 lbs24,000 lbs14,500 lbs16,700 lbs
Long Bed4x4 SRW6.6L V8 Gas18”/20”11,500 lbs24,000 lbs14,500 lbs16,410 lbs
Long BedHigh Country4x4 SRW6.6L V8 Gas20”11,500 lbs24,000 lbs14,500 lbs16,110 lbs
Long Bed 2WD DRW6.6L V8 Gas17”14,000 lbs24,000 lbs16,300 lbs16,200 lbs
Long Bed4x4 DRW6.6L V8 Gas17” 14,000 lbs24,000 lbs16,240 lbs16,120 lbs
Long BedHigh Country4x4 DRW6.6L V8 Gas17” 14,000 lbs 24,000 lbs16,020 lbs15,900 lbs
Standard Bed2WD SRWDuramax 6.6L V818”/20”11,750 lbs29,700 lbs20,000 lbs21,500 lbs
Standard Bed4x4 SRWDuramax 6.6L V818”/20”12,100 lbs29,700 lbs20,000 lbs 21,300 lbs
Standard Bed High Country4x4 SRWDuramax 6.6L V820”12,100 lbs29,700 lbs20,000 lbs21,030 lbs
Long Bed 2WD SRWDuramax 6.6L V818”/20”11,900 lbs29,700 lbs20,000 lbs21,330 lbs
Long Bed4x4 SRWDuramax 6.6L V818”/20”12,250 lbs29,700 lbs20,000 lbs21,040 lbs
Long BedHigh Country4x4 SRWDuramax 6.6L V820”12,250 lbs29,700 lbs20,000 lbs20, 910 lbs
Long Bed 2WD DRWDuramax 6.6L V817”14,000 lbs40,000 lbs20,000 lbs31,400 lbs
Long Bed4x4 DRWDuramax 6.6L V817” 14,000 lbs40,000 lbs20,000 lbs 31,180 lbs
Long BedHigh Country4x4 DRWDuramax 6.6L V817” 14,000 lbs 40,000 lbs31,1000 lbs31,000 lbs
2021 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity

Important Points to be noted from the towing charts.

  • It is crucial to thoroughly review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual before purchasing a vehicle or using it for towing purposes. Keep in mind that the weight of passengers, cargo, and any added options or accessories may impact the amount that you can tow.
  • The Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is a vital consideration when it comes to towing. This rating includes the weight of the vehicle, passengers, cargo, and equipment, and it is crucial to ensure that your vehicle is properly equipped to handle the load.
  • Similarly, the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is another crucial factor to consider. This rating includes the weight of the vehicle and the trailer combination, along with the weight of the driver, passengers, fuel, optional equipment, and any cargo in both the vehicle and the trailer.
  • If you are aiming for maximum towing capacity, it’s worth noting that the 36,000 lbs limit is only achievable with available 18″ mud-terrain tires (QG3). It is essential to ensure that your vehicle is properly equipped to handle the load before hitting the road with your trailer.

Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Package

The 2023 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD is equipped with various advanced towing accessories that are essential for pulling a heavy load with ease.

2022-chevy-silverado-3500-hd-features-navigation-thecartowing

The following tool kits are available for the Silverado HD Powerful Pickup truck.

  • A Standard Trailer Package is equipped that includes a trailer hitch with a 2.5-inch receiver, a 2-inch insert, a 7-pin wiring connector, and hitch guidance.
  • All Silverado HD models are featured with Vertical Trailering Mirrors.
  • StabiliTrak with Electronic Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist, Tow/Haul mode, and Auto Grade Braking are the additional standard features.
  • Silverado HD models are built with optimized cargo bed rail height that allows clearance for fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers.
  • Access to the front of the bed is easy even with a 5th-wheel or gooseneck trailer hitched. Thanks to the Integrated BedSteps.
  • Industry-first Trailering information is labeled on the driver-side door jamb that contains vehicle-specific information along with towing capabilities.
  • Customized Trailer Profiles, Pre-Departure Checklists, Trailer Lighting Diagnostics, and a Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System module is available with the Advanced Trailering System. You can create and sync trailer profiles with the myChevrolet Mobile App.
  • Trailer Theft Alert, Electric Parking Brake hookup assist, and Brake Gain Memory on the integrated trailer brake controller are the additional available towing features.

Camera Technologies for the Silverado 3500 HD

The latest Chevy Silverado HD pickups are equipped with advanced camera technologies to assist you in towing with confidence. It offers 8 available cameras with which 15 unique views can be generated. The towing job becomes easier whether you are hitching, driving, or parking.

The available camera technologies for the Chevy Silverado HD are:

Four available hitch views 

  • Hitch View 
  • Surround View 
  • Rear Top-Down View 
  • Bed View

Six available driving views

  • Transparent Trailer View
  • Front Camera View 
  • Pic-In-Pic Side View 
  • Rear Camera Mirror 
  • Rear Trailer View
  • Inside Trailer View

Five available parking views

  • Rear Camera View 
  • Rear Side View/Rear Side View (Turn Signal Activated) 
  • Bowl View 
  • Front Side View 
  • Front Top-Down View
Explore More:
2023 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity
2022 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity

Conclusion on 2021 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity

We delved into the impressive towing capacity of the Chevy Silverado HD Pickup truck and found that it boasts a maximum rated towing capacity of 36,000 lbs. However, this impressive feat is only achievable with the Silverado 3500 HD when it is equipped with a Duramax 6.6L V8 Diesel engine and the max trailer tow package.

It’s important to note that the towing capacity includes the weight of the vehicle, cargo, and towing equipment. While the statistics we discussed above are for comparison purposes only, it’s essential to recognize that actual performance may vary depending on driving conditions, vehicle configuration, and customizations.

We highly recommend that Chevy Silverado HD customers carefully review the Owner’s Manual before using the vehicle for towing purposes. This will help ensure that you are safely and properly using the vehicle’s impressive capabilities.

Let’s conclude with some important towing tips.

  • Ensure Proper Weight Distribution: Make sure that the weight of your load is evenly distributed and within the towing capacity of your truck. Overloading your vehicle can cause damage to the transmission, brakes, and suspension.
  • Use Proper Equipment: Use the appropriate hitch, trailer ball, and safety chains to establish a secure connection between your truck and the trailer. Before towing, always check that all equipment is properly installed and functioning.
  • Check Trailer Brakes: If your trailer has electric brakes, ensure that they are working correctly before you hit the road.
  • Use Extended Side-View Mirrors: The Silverado 3500 HD is a large truck, so it’s crucial to use extended side-view mirrors to improve your visibility around the trailer.
  • Slow Down and Maintain Safe Speeds: Always drive at a safe and controlled speed while towing. Keep in mind that your vehicle’s handling and stopping distance will be different while towing, so give yourself extra time to react to traffic situations.
  • Be Aware of Height and Length Restrictions: Towing a trailer can make your vehicle taller and longer, so be aware of height and length restrictions on roads, bridges, and parking garages.
  • Maintain Your Vehicle: Regular maintenance of your Silverado 3500 HD will help ensure that it’s operating at peak performance, especially when towing heavy loads. Check brakes, tires, and fluids before each trip.
  • Plan Your Route: Plan your route in advance and be aware of potential hazards such as steep hills, winding roads, and narrow bridges. Avoid overloading your trailer, and do not exceed the maximum towing capacity of your Silverado 3500 HD.
+ posts

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.

Leave a Comment