It’s not a question of what you can tow, but what you want to tow. Not every truck will give you the luxury of professional-grade performance at a consumer level. Manufacturers that produce pickup trucks will always have an entry-level model to cater to the truck drivers that don’t need a tremendous amount of performance. Not you though, you’re here because you’re looking for something that will likely outperform anything you’ve ever driven. Because of this, we introduce you to the 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500 and 3500, the Heavy Duty line of Silverado models that you’ll see abbreviated as “HD” here quite a bunch. Both of these trucks utilize the same two powertrains, but the towing performance goes from great to spectacular, and we can’t wait to tell you more about it, so let’s start talking about towing because I know you’re excited.
Unlimited Power
Okay, it’s not quite unlimited power, but you’ll have to excuse our exaggeration because it will certainly feel that way behind the wheel. The potential that the Silverado HD models have can only come from a truck with some serious power. Like I mentioned earlier, there are two powertrain configurations, and these are identical on both models in regards to size, horsepower, and torque. However, this isn’t quite an apples-to-apples comparison, and the difference that stepping up to the Silverado 3500 can have on your towing performance is something to consider.
The first of the two powertrains for the Silverado HD models is a 6.6L V8 that links with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Regardless of which HD model you purchase, this will create 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. With the 2500, your maximum towing capacity will cap out at 17,370 lbs with a gooseneck trailer. Conventional towing methods will lower this to 14,500 lbs, but it’s still exceptional. Already, we’re far beyond the capabilities of the Silverado 1500 with its maximum towing capacity of 13,300 lbs, and this can make all of the difference. 17,370 lbs for towing is more than enough to haul livestock, large campers, giant boats, and more. There’s room for growth, mind you, and you’ll see this with the next available engine.
Up next is a 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 that pairs with a rugged 10-speed automatic transmission. The upgraded transmission creates a nearly night and day difference between the 6-speed one that we spoke of earlier. Diesel engines, in general, are known to be far better performers in both torque output and towing capacity. Here, we see an improvement on all three categories with 445 hp, 910 lb-ft of torque, and 18,510 lbs of towing on the Silverado 2500. It’s worth mentioning there are several factors that cause variable towing ratings for this engine, including GVWR, bed, cab, and wheel size.
The Silverado 3500 shines the most here, with a maximum towing capacity of 36,000 lbs with the turbo-diesel V8 along with a gooseneck hitch. Conventional towing with this engine sees a maximum of 20,000 lbs, which is more than the 2500 with a fifth-wheel setup. The gasoline-powered 6.6L V8 then has a maximum towing capacity of 16,800 lbs when using conventional methods, and the gooseneck will increase this to 17,200 lbs. Compared to the base engine, the diesel V8 has a 96% increase in torque output, which helps to translate to a massive 107% increase in towing capacity. So, if you’re the handyman who needs the sort of power that can haul a fair-sized bulldozer, then this is for you.
Towing Tech
Towing may still be difficult, but it’s far easier than it ever has been before. Some of us may take it for granted, but it’s the manufacturers that invest heavily into tech that we see the most quality-of-life improvements from. Chevy is one such manufacturer, and the Silverado 2500 and 3500 are examples of this. How do the Silverado HD models handle towing tech? Instead of using just one camera like your average automobile has been using for over five years, you’ll be using eight, and these are situated throughout the truck’s exterior.
Through the use of tech, we’ve been seeing some revolutionary towing-related features. The eight cameras that we just mentioned are linked to the software built into the seven or eight-inch infotainment center that is situated right within your cabin. This will display the camera feeds, but it’s not as straightforward as that and is far more advanced beneath the surface. These eight cameras essentially have their viewpoints stitched together to create comprehensive camera angles in places where you don’t have a camera set up at all.
Up to fifteen camera angles are created by stitching together the feed from the eight cameras, and there are some we’d like to discuss that greatly enhance your productivity and driving skills at the same time. The first that we want to talk about is the Surround View, and to put this into perspective, think about a bird’s-eye view, but high enough to see the front, back, and sides of your vehicle at once. Another camera angle that we’d like to discuss is the Bed View, and as it sounds, this gives you a live camera feed of your truck’s bed, allowing you to keep a close eye on your cargo at all times.
When you’re attempting to align your truck to a trailer while reversing, it can be hard to gauge just how much further you need to back up to reach the trailer. With the Hitch View camera angle, you can watch the hitch in real-time, allowing that perfect alignment. One more camera angle that we found to be technologically stunning is the Transparent Trailer. By mounting an available camera on the back of your trailer, you will have access to a transparent view of what’s behind your trailer. This is done while also keeping an eye on the trailer itself. These camera angles and all of the others help to make the Silverado HD feel a generation ahead of the competition.
Power Meets Perfect
Any way you slice it, the Silverado HD is a phenomenal pickup truck and is easily worth your consideration. If you are the type of driver that believes the more you can tow, the better, then it’s unquestionably going to be the Silverado HD that is at the top of your list. Whether it’s the Silverado 2500 or the 3500, you’ll be quite pleased with the outcome, although we do encourage you to step up to the 3500 if you have the means to do so.
We feel that the Silverado 3500’s extra cost is well worth the doubling in towing capacity, and we feel that this is something that many drivers will agree with. For many drivers, trucks hold a special place in your heart and your garage, and if you’re one to keep a vehicle for as long as possible, you’ll want to buy the best of the best. Now that you know what kind of potential these trucks have for the towing enthusiasts out there, it’s about time to take them for a test drive and experience their power for yourself.
