Chevy Silverado Towing Capacity

Chevy Silverado towing capacity has been defining the segment for as long as there have been tough jobs that need tackling. And by our count, that’s a long time. On this authoritative page, you’ll get all the specs about Chevy Silverado towing capacity, including Chevy Silverado 1500 models from the last five years. We’ll also include must-know terms and tips so that newcomers to the pickup truck lifestyle can up their tow game. Find your new Chevy Silverado 1500 for sale in our inventory and read below to see just how tough she really is.

Chevy Silverado Towing Capacity: Your Guide to a Safe Ride

In just a sec, we’ll get into all the good stuff, like what your 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 towing capacity is and how the previous years fall into play. But first, let’s take a look at the world of towing and hauling so you can hit the road and tow safely. Here are some key concepts and terms you’ll want to master before towing anything large or small:

• Safety First: Sure, your Chevy Silverado towing capacity might make you feel like a superhero, but you’re not invincible. Your Chevy pickup will perform much differently attached to a trailer, so make sure to allow for extra braking time, acceleration times, and turning radius.
• Left is Right & Right is Left: Some of the most common mistakes newcomers make involve reversing with a trailer. This might seem counterintuitive, but when you’re going backward, your trailer will steer in the opposite direction of your steering wheel. When you turn your wheel left, the trailer will point right. When you turn your vehicle to the right, your trailer will point left. So when launching that boat, dropping that car, or landing those horses, just remember this: Left is right, and right is left!
• Your Towing Speed Limit: While certain state laws are often vague on what is “reasonable and proper” concerning trailer speed limits, it’s always a good idea to adhere to 55 MPH unless a state posts a lower limit. A speed limit of 55 MPH is one that allows for plenty of reaction time and control. If you break down at 55 MPH with a trailer, you will coast to 0 MPH almost immediately. This dynamic changes considerably the faster you are moving.
• What does payload mean? Your payload capacity is the weight your vehicle can carry in it, e.g., a bed full of driveway pavers, friends, luggage, and drive-thru burgers with fries.
• What does GCWR mean? Your gross combined weight rating is the maximum weight limit of your loaded vehicle and loaded trailer combined. Never ever exceed this weight rating as vehicle damage and fatal injuries may occur.

For more safety information regarding your specific year and model, consult your owner’s manual and visit our Chevy truck towing capacity page for even more information. Now that you’ve gotten some of the basics down, let’s take a look at the specifics of your 2021 Chevy Silverado towing capacity.

Chevy Silverado Towing Capacity by Engine & Year

Let’s put some of your new vocabulary to work, shall we? Your GCWR for the 2021 model year is anywhere from 12,800 to a whopping 19,100 lbs depending on your equipment. Don’t worry, we’re going to cover equipment options, too. But right after the fun stuff.

1. The 2.7L Turbo: Delivers 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. Models with this engine will be able to tow up to 9300 lbs.
2. The 3.0L Duramax Diesel: Ups the capacity to 9,500 lbs with 260 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.
3. The 4.3L V6: Cranks out a best-in-class 285 hp with 305 lb-ft of torque. This engine will haul up to 7,900 lbs.
4. The 5.3L V8: It’s a beast. Your 5.3L Chevy Silverado towing capacity tops out at 11,500 lbs courtesy of 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque.
5. The 6.2L V8: Where craziness starts. Got anything in the shed that’s about 13,300 lbs? If you’re looking for some perspective, that’s about the weight of three other Chevy Silverado pickups. So if you want to buy one for yourself and three of your best friends, you can leave the dealership driving yours and deliver each one in turn — 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque are getting it done.

Curious about how the other late-model Chevy Silverado pickups compare? Let’s check them out:

• The 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 towing capacity ranges from 5,500 to 9,400 lbs.
• The 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 towing capacity also ranges from 5,500 to 9,400 lbs.
• The 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 towing capacity jumps up a little bit and ranges from 6,700 to 9,900 lbs.
• The 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 towing capacity comes in similar to the 2019 model with a rating from 6,600 to 9,800 lbs.

Chevy Silverado Towing Capacity, Upgrades & More

If you’re looking for ways to increase your Chevy Silverado towing capacity, Chevy has a few ways for you to do it. When you add in the Trailering Package, you’ll get a specialized 2″ receiver, factory harness, 4-7 pin connector, and an automatic locking rear differential. With the Max Trailering Package, you’ll get a heavy-duty suspension, shocks, steering, and more. Towing something wider than normal? We’ve got the extended Tow Mirror pack to help give you a clearer view of what’s behind you. Got more questions? Good! We’ve got some answers to our most common Chevy Silverado towing capacity questions below:

Can a Chevy Silverado 1500 pull a travel trailer?

You bet your national park pass it can! When properly equipped, a Chevy Silverado can pull up to 13,400 lbs.

Which Silverado 1500 has the most towing capacity?

If you go with a double cab 6.2L 4X4 with a standard box and the RST package, you’ll be king of the hill with 13,400 lbs of tow capacity.

How much weight can a 2021 Silverado 1500 tow?

Depending on your trim level, bed and cab length, and final drive configuration, your 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 can tow between 6,600 to 13,400 lbs.

Chevy Silverado Towing Capacity: Parting Words

Hopefully, the strength outlined on this page is a confidence booster for you. The Chevy Silverado has owned the worksite, campsite, and date night for generations. Now, it’s your turn. If you’d like to experience the power of a Chevy Silverado with even more savings than our current incentives, why not try a used Chevy Silverado for sale? All of them are inspected, serviced, and made ready for anything. So what did you have in mind?

^*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.