The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado HD lineup delivers maximum towing and hauling capabilities designed for serious work and heavy-duty tasks. Whether you’re hauling construction equipment, towing a fifth-wheel trailer, or managing a commercial fleet, understanding the towing capacity differences between the 2500 HD and 3500 HD models helps you choose the right truck for your needs.

Both the Silverado 2500 HD and 3500 HD offer strong capabilities, but they’re engineered for different applications. The 2500 HD provides robust towing for most heavy-duty tasks, while the 3500 HD pushes the boundaries with class-leading maximum towing ratings. Configuration choices – including cab style, bed length, drivetrain, and rear wheel setup – directly impact what each truck can pull.

Engine Options and Towing Performance

The 2026 Silverado HD lineup offers two powertrain choices, each engineered for different towing demands.

The standard 6.6L V8 gasoline engine delivers 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides strong performance for everyday towing tasks and offers the flexibility of E85 FlexFuel capability. The gasoline engine pairs with a 3.73 rear axle ratio and features direct fuel injection for efficient power delivery.

The available 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine produces 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque. This high-torque diesel engine excels at heavy towing, particularly when moving maximum loads over long distances or through challenging terrain. The Duramax pairs with a 3.42 rear axle ratio and utilizes common-rail direct fuel injection for optimal efficiency.

Both engines connect to an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth power delivery and intelligent gear selection for towing applications. The transmission’s wide ratio spread helps maintain engine efficiency whether you’re accelerating from a stop with a heavy load or cruising at highway speeds.

2026 Silverado 2500 HD Towing Capacity

The Silverado 2500 HD offers versatile towing capabilities across its configuration range.

Conventional Towing:

• Regular Cab: Up to 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) with gas or diesel
• Double Cab (Long Bed): Up to 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) with diesel and NHT Package
• Crew Cab (Long Bed): Up to 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) with diesel and NHT Package

Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing:

• Regular Cab: Up to 10,205 kg (22,500 lbs) with diesel and NHT Package
• Double Cab (Long Bed): Up to 9,933 kg (21,900 lbs) with diesel and NHT Package
• Crew Cab (Long Bed): Up to 9,933 kg (21,900 lbs) with diesel and NHT Package

The 2500 HD’s towing capacity varies based on configuration. Regular Cab models offer the highest fifth-wheel ratings, while Crew Cab Long Bed configurations with the diesel engine and NHT Package deliver strong conventional and gooseneck towing for family-friendly setups.

2026 Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity

The Silverado 3500 HD is the pinnacle of Chevrolet’s heavy-duty towing capability.

Conventional Towing (Single Rear Wheel):

• Regular Cab: Up to 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) with diesel
• Double Cab: Up to 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) with diesel
• Crew Cab: Up to 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) with diesel

Conventional Towing (Dual Rear Wheel):

• All configurations: Up to 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) with diesel

Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing (Dual Rear Wheel):

• Regular Cab: Up to 16,329 kg (36,000 lbs) with diesel and NHT Package
• Double Cab: Up to 14,333 kg (31,600 lbs) with diesel
• Crew Cab: Up to 14,288 kg (31,500 lbs) with diesel

The 3500 HD’s Dual Rear Wheel configuration unlocks the lineup’s maximum towing potential. The Regular Cab DRW with diesel and NHT Package achieves an industry-leading 16,329 kg (36,000 lbs) fifth-wheel towing capacity – ideal for the heaviest commercial trailers and equipment hauling applications.

Key Configuration Factors

Several configuration choices directly impact your Silverado HD’s towing capacity.

Cab Style: Regular Cab models typically offer the highest towing ratings due to their lighter curb weight. Crew Cab configurations provide maximum passenger comfort and rear legroom while maintaining strong towing capabilities. Double Cab models split the difference, offering rear seating with slightly reduced legroom compared to Crew Cab.

Bed Length: Long bed configurations (2,496 mm) generally provide higher towing ratings than standard beds (2,089 mm), particularly for fifth-wheel and gooseneck applications. The longer wheelbase improves stability when towing heavy loads.

Drivetrain: 2WD models typically offer marginally higher towing capacities than 4WD equivalents due to reduced curb weight. However, 4WD provides essential traction for launching heavy loads on slippery surfaces or navigating challenging terrain.

Rear Wheel Configuration: The 3500 HD’s Dual Rear Wheel option dramatically increases towing capacity and payload compared to Single Rear Wheel models. DRW configurations provide enhanced stability and weight distribution for maximum fifth-wheel and gooseneck towing.

Payload Capacity Considerations

Towing capacity is only part of the capability equation – payload capacity matters equally when configuring your truck.

The 2500 HD offers base payload ranging from 1,533 kg (3,381 lbs) to 1,746 kg (3,850 lbs) depending on configuration. The 3500 HD Single Rear Wheel models provide payload from 1,887 kg (4,162 lbs) to 2,082 kg (4,590 lbs), while Dual Rear Wheel configurations deliver payload from 2,732 kg (6,023 lbs) to 3,475 kg (7,661 lbs).

Higher payload capacity proves essential when carrying heavy equipment in the bed while towing, or when fifth-wheel pin weight consumes significant payload. Always calculate your total vehicle weight – including passengers, cargo, fuel, and trailer tongue weight – to ensure you remain within your truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

NHT Package and Maximum Towing

The available NHT (Max Towing) Package increases towing capacity on diesel-equipped models.

This package includes upgraded suspension components, enhanced cooling systems, and optimized gearing to handle maximum loads. The NHT Package is required to achieve the highest towing ratings, particularly for fifth-wheel and gooseneck applications.

On the 2500 HD, the NHT Package enables 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) conventional towing and up to 10,205 kg (22,500 lbs) fifth-wheel towing with the diesel engine. The 3500 HD DRW with NHT Package achieves the lineup’s maximum 16,329 kg (36,000 lbs) fifth-wheel rating.

Choosing Between 2500 HD and 3500 HD

Your choice between the 2500 HD and 3500 HD depends on your specific towing and hauling requirements.

Choose the 2500 HD if:

• Your maximum towing needs remain under 10,205 kg (22,500 lbs)
• You prioritize a smoother ride for daily driving
• You don’t require Dual Rear Wheel configuration
• You value the additional trim options, including the off-road ZR2

Choose the 3500 HD if:

• You regularly tow above 10,205 kg (22,500 lbs)
• You need maximum payload capacity
• You require Dual Rear Wheel stability for heavy fifth-wheel trailers
• You prioritize absolute maximum capability

The 3500 HD’s higher GVWR ratings – up to 6,350 kg (14,000 lbs) for DRW models – provide additional margin for heavy loads and reduce the risk of exceeding weight limits during demanding work.

Towing Safety and Equipment

Proper equipment and towing practices ensure safe operation at maximum capacity.

The Silverado HD lineup includes available integrated trailer brake controllers, trailer sway control, and hill start assist. Available features include trailer side blind zone alert, which monitors extended trailer lengths, and HD Surround Vision for improved visibility when manoeuvring with trailers attached.

The available Bed View Camera and Multi-Flex Tailgate enhance convenience when coupling fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers. Digital Variable Steering Assist, standard on LTZ and High Country trims, provides confident handling with heavy loads attached.

Always consult your owner’s manual for specific towing guidelines, including proper weight distribution, trailer brake requirements, and recommended tire pressures for towing applications.

Your Heavy-Duty Towing Solution Awaits

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado HD lineup delivers maximum towing capabilities engineered for serious work. Understanding the capacity differences between the 2500 HD and 3500 HD, along with how configuration choices impact ratings, ensures you select the right truck for your towing demands. Contact our team to explore the Silverado HD lineup and find your ideal heavy-duty towing solution.