Koons Clarksville

Chevrolet Buick GMC

Jul 15, 2021

2021 Chevy Silverado Towing Capacity

Chevrolet’s 2021 Silverado comes with a significantly improved trailering capacity over the previous year’s models, combining the features of a dependable, versatile work truck with the sleek features of a comfortably designed cabin for your family. To make the towing experience more convenient and comfortable, the 2021 Chevy Silverado is available with numerous trailer-assisting technologies, including jackknife alert, a trailer-length indicator for changing lanes safely, and a camera viewer for the cargo bed for ease in hooking up to a fifth-wheel, or gooseneck, trailer.

So how much towing capacity does the 2021 Chevy Silverado have? There are numerous answers for that question, because the 2021 Chevy Silverado comes in multiple powertrain configurations, in various trim levels, giving customers options according to their trailering and personal needs.

2021 Chevy Silverado 1500

This is the lightest pickup model in the Chevy Silverado lineup, and as such, attracts those who are looking for a comfortable personal or family vehicle that can double as a work truck and manage moderate towing needs. Last year it ranked in the top ten for the Kelly Blue Book Best Resale Value Award. Its maximum towing capacity ranges from 7,400 to 13,300 pounds, varying based on the chosen drivetrain configuration and the options requested. Here are the various drivetrain options along with the option(s) that will give you the maximum towing capacity:

4.3L V6 With 6-Speed Automatic Transmission 

This drivetrain comes standard on the Chevy Silverado WT, Custom, and Custom Trail Boss. It has a towing capacity of 7,400 to 7,900 pounds. For the maximum trailering capacity possible with this drivetrain, opt for the 2WD Regular Cab and Long Cargo Bed configuration.

5.3L EcoTec V8 (L82) With 6-Speed Automatic Transmission

This drivetrain is an available option on the Chevy Silverado WT, Custom, and Custom Trail Boss. It has a towing capacity of 7,700 to 10,900 pounds. For the maximum trailering capacity possible with this drivetrain, opt for the 4WD Crew Cab and Short Cargo Bed configuration with the Max Trailering Package.

2.7L Turbo I4 With 8-Speed Automatic Transmission

This drivetrain is standard on the Chevy Silverado LT and RST, and is an available option on the WT, and Custom. It has a towing capacity of 9,000 to 9,300 pounds. For the maximum trailering capacity possible with this drivetrain, opt for the 2WD Crew Cab and Short Cargo Bed configuration, or the 2WD Double Cab and Standard Cargo Bed configuration.

5.3L V8 (L84) With 8-Speed Automatic Transmission

This drivetrain is either standard or available as an option for the Chevy Silverado LT, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, High Country, and RST, depending on the specs of the engine. It has a towing capacity of 9,100 to 11,500 pounds. For the maximum trailering capacity possible with this drivetrain, opt for the 2WD Crew Cab and Short Cargo Bed configuration with the Max Trailering Package, or the 2WD Double Cab and Standard Cargo Bed configuration with the Max Trailering Package.

6.2L V8 With 10-Speed Automatic Transmission

This drivetrain is an available option on the Chevy Silverado High Country, LTZ, LT Trail Boss, RST and Custom Trail Boss. It has a towing capacity of 9,100 to 13,300 pounds. For the maximum trailering capacity possible with this drivetrain, opt for the 4WD Double Cab and Standard Cargo Bed configuration with the Max Trailering Package.

Duramax® 3.0L Inline 6-Cylinder Turbo-Diesel With 10-Speed Allison Automatic Transmission

This powerful drivetrain is an available option on the Chevy Silverado LT, RST, LTZ, and High Country. It has a towing capacity of 9,000 to 9,500 pounds. For the maximum trailering capacity possible with this drivetrain, opt for the 2WD Crew Cab and Short Cargo Bed configuration, or the 2WD Double Cab and Standard Cargo Bed configuration.

2021 Chevy Silverado 2500 & 3500

Chevy normally groups these two series together as Heavy Duty (HD) models, and the drivetrain configurations are identical. The differences are seen mainly in the maximum towing capacity, although drivers of the 2500 may experience a softer, more comfortable riding experience, while the 3500 owner can choose a single-rear-wheel (SWR) or dual-rear-wheel (DWR) configuration. Here are the two available drivetrain options:

6.6L V8 With 6-Speed Automatic Transmission

This state-of-the-art V8 engine with 6-speed transmission offers a maximum towing capacity of 17,370 pounds for the 2500 series and 17,200 for the 3500 series. In order to get the maximum towing capacity with the Chevy Silverado 2500, choose the 2WD Regular Cab and Long Cargo Bed configuration with 17” wheels and a fifth-wheel gooseneck hitch package.

Duramax® 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 With 10-Speed Allison Automatic Transmission

This monstrously capable diesel engine with its 10-speed transmission offers a maximum towing capacity of 18,510 pounds for the 2500 series and 36,000 for the 3500 series. In order to get the maximum towing capacity with the Chevy Silverado 2500, choose the 2WD Regular Cab and Long Cargo Bed configuration with 17” wheels and a fifth-wheel gooseneck hitch package. In order to get the maximum towing capacity with the Chevy Silverado 3500, choose the 2WD (DWR) Regular Cab and Long Cargo Bed configuration with a fifth-wheel gooseneck hitch package.

Additional Considerations

The 2021 Chevy Silverado comes in eight trim levels; WT, Custom, LT, Custom Trail Boss, RST, LTZ, LT Trail Boss, High Country. Additional options are available in connection with the truck’s towing capabilities, enhancing the overall towing experience.

  • Trailering Tech. Technology such as Electric Parking Brake Hookup Assist, Trailer Sway Control, Hill Start Assist, Auto Grade Braking, Brake Gain Memory, and Trailer Theft Alert are available for the Chevy Silverado.
  • Advanced Trailering System. With up to 15 camera views, more than any competitor, the Advanced Trailering System helps coordinate smooth trailering from beginning to end.
  • Multi-Flex Tailgate. An industry-leading feature with six different functions that help to improve access to the cargo bed and facilitate loading and unloading.

With so many great choices available, we’re sure you can find the Chevy Silverado that’s perfect for you. For additional help, feel free to consult our professional sales team at Koons Clarksville Chevrolet Buick GMC.

Come to Koons Clarksville Chevrolet Buick GMC

At Koons Clarksville Chevrolet Buick GMC, our expert staff is prepared to do more than just help you choose the right Chevy Silverado for you. We have an extensive inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles, and our specials, incentives, and offers are second to none. Come in and make your next trade-in, purchase, or lease with us and become a part of the Koons Clarksville Chevrolet Buick GMC family.

Image via Flickr by truckhardware