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.
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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 TYPE | MAX. CONVENTIONAL TOWING | MAX. 5TH-WHEEL/GOOSENECK TOWING |
6.6L V8 Gas | 16,800 lbs | 16,800 lbs |
Duramax 6.6L V8 | 20,000 lbs | 36,000 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 (Regular Cab)
MODEL | ENGINE | WHEEL SIZE | GVWR | GCWR | CONVENTIONAL TOWING | GOOSENECK/5TH-WHEEL |
Long Bed 2WD SRW | 6.6L V8 Gas | 18”/20” | 10,750 lbs | 24,000 lbs | 14,500 lbs | 17,200 lbs |
Long Bed 4×4 SRW | 6.6L V8 Gas | 18”/20” | 11,100 lbs | 24,000 lbs | 14,500 lbs | 16,950 lbs |
Long Bed2WD DRW | 6.6L V8 Gas | 17” | 14,000 lbs | 24,000 lbs | 16,800 lbs | 16,800 lbs |
Long Bed 4×4 DRW | 6.6L V8 Gas | 17” | 14,000 lbs | 24,000 lbs | 16,800 lbs | 16,710 lbs |
Long Bed 2WD SRW | Duramax 6.6L V8 | 18”/20” | 11,500 lbs | 29,100 lbs | 14,500 lbs | 21,500 lbs |
Long Bed 4×4 SRW | Duramax 6.6L V8 | 18”/20” | 11,800 lbs | 29,100 lbs | 14,500 lbs | 21,500 lbs |
Long Bed2WD DRW | Duramax 6.6L V8 | 17” (5th-Wheel) | 14,000 lbs | 43,500 lbs | 20,000 lbs | 32,000 lbs |
Long Bed2WD DRW | Duramax 6.6L V8 | 17” (Gooseneck) | 14,000 lbs | 43,900 lbs | 20,000 lbs | 36,000 lbs |
Long Bed 4×4 DRW | Duramax 6.6L V8 | 17” | 14,000 lbs | 40,000 lbs | 20,000 lbs | 31,760 lbs |
2021 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity (Double Cab)
MODEL | ENGINE | WHEEL SIZE | GVWR | GCWR | CONVENTIONAL TOWING | GOOSENECK/5TH-WHEEL |
Long Bed 2WD SRW | 6.6L V8 Gas | 18”/20” | 11,100 lbs | 24,000 lbs | 14,500 lbs | 16,700 lbs |
Long Bed 4×4 SRW | 6.6L V8 Gas | 18”/20” | 11,400 lbs | 24,000 lbs | 14,500 lbs | 16,500 lbs |
Long Bed2WD DRW | 6.6L V8 Gas | 17” | 14,000 lbs | 24,000 lbs | 16,400 lbs | 16,400 lbs |
Long Bed 4×4 DRW | 6.6L V8 Gas | 17” | 14,000 lbs | 24,000 lbs | 16,390 lbs | 16,270 lbs |
Long Bed 2WD SRW | Duramax 6.6L V8 | 18”/20” | 11,850 lbs | 29,700 lbs | 14,500 lbs | 21,490 lbs |
Long Bed 4×4 SRW | Duramax 6.6L V8 | 18”/20” | 12,150 lbs | 29,700 lbs | 14,500 lbs | 21,210 lbs |
Long Bed2WD DRW | Duramax 6.6L V8 | 17” | 14,000 lbs | 40,000 lbs | 20,000 lbs | 31,500 lbs |
Long Bed 4×4 DRW | Duramax 6.6L V8 | 17” | 14,000 lbs | 40,000 lbs | 20,000 lbs | 31,340 lbs |
2021 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity (Crew Cab)
MODEL | ENGINE | WHEEL SIZE | GVWR | GCWR | CONVENTIONAL TOWING | GOOSENECK/5TH-WHEEL |
Standard Bed2WD SRW | 6.6L V8 Gas | 18”/20” | 11,000 lbs | 24,000 lbs | 14,500 lbs | 16,700 lbs |
Standard Bed4x4 SRW | 6.6L V8 Gas | 18”/20” | 11,350 lbs | 24,000 lbs | 14,500 lbs | 16,530 lbs |
Standard Bed High Country4x4 SRW | 6.6L V8 Gas | 20” | 11,350 lbs | 24,000 lbs | 14,500 lbs | 16,230 lbs |
Long Bed 2WD SRW | 6.6L V8 Gas | 18”/20” | 11,150 lbs | 24,000 lbs | 14,500 lbs | 16,700 lbs |
Long Bed4x4 SRW | 6.6L V8 Gas | 18”/20” | 11,500 lbs | 24,000 lbs | 14,500 lbs | 16,410 lbs |
Long BedHigh Country4x4 SRW | 6.6L V8 Gas | 20” | 11,500 lbs | 24,000 lbs | 14,500 lbs | 16,110 lbs |
Long Bed 2WD DRW | 6.6L V8 Gas | 17” | 14,000 lbs | 24,000 lbs | 16,300 lbs | 16,200 lbs |
Long Bed4x4 DRW | 6.6L V8 Gas | 17” | 14,000 lbs | 24,000 lbs | 16,240 lbs | 16,120 lbs |
Long BedHigh Country4x4 DRW | 6.6L V8 Gas | 17” | 14,000 lbs | 24,000 lbs | 16,020 lbs | 15,900 lbs |
Standard Bed2WD SRW | Duramax 6.6L V8 | 18”/20” | 11,750 lbs | 29,700 lbs | 20,000 lbs | 21,500 lbs |
Standard Bed4x4 SRW | Duramax 6.6L V8 | 18”/20” | 12,100 lbs | 29,700 lbs | 20,000 lbs | 21,300 lbs |
Standard Bed High Country4x4 SRW | Duramax 6.6L V8 | 20” | 12,100 lbs | 29,700 lbs | 20,000 lbs | 21,030 lbs |
Long Bed 2WD SRW | Duramax 6.6L V8 | 18”/20” | 11,900 lbs | 29,700 lbs | 20,000 lbs | 21,330 lbs |
Long Bed4x4 SRW | Duramax 6.6L V8 | 18”/20” | 12,250 lbs | 29,700 lbs | 20,000 lbs | 21,040 lbs |
Long BedHigh Country4x4 SRW | Duramax 6.6L V8 | 20” | 12,250 lbs | 29,700 lbs | 20,000 lbs | 20, 910 lbs |
Long Bed 2WD DRW | Duramax 6.6L V8 | 17” | 14,000 lbs | 40,000 lbs | 20,000 lbs | 31,400 lbs |
Long Bed4x4 DRW | Duramax 6.6L V8 | 17” | 14,000 lbs | 40,000 lbs | 20,000 lbs | 31,180 lbs |
Long BedHigh Country4x4 DRW | Duramax 6.6L V8 | 17” | 14,000 lbs | 40,000 lbs | 31,1000 lbs | 31,000 lbs |
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.
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.
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.