Pulling Ahead: A Look at Chevy’s Innovative Towing Equipment

One of the most popular functions for pickup trucks is towing some pretty impressive loads. In fact, some drivers specifically look at a Chevy Silverado for sale based exclusively on the equipment offered for pulling. After all, if towing is something you’re going to do regularly, you want to be able to do it well.

As with all pickup trucks, the amount you can tow with your Chevy Silverado depends on the chosen model, trim, engine, and body configuration. However, you can be certain of your ability to tow your loads safely and easily when you select the Silverado, thanks to the impressive number of towing innovations available on this long-time favorite. Let’s take a look at the 2024 Silverado lineup to check out some of the ways Chevy has used technology, engineering, and innovation to help drivers tow bigger loads more places with less hassle.

Trailering in the Chevy Silverado 1500

The 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 has a maximum trailering capacity of 13,300 lbs. This is no small amount. Whether you’re looking for a way to pull the family camper, haul a livestock trailer, or deliver all the tools and supplies to the work site, you want to get your load to its destination as safely and simply as possible.

Many drivers feel that capability begins in the engine. Chevy agrees, and to this end, they have provided drivers with an available Duramax 3.0L turbodiesel engine. Providing 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, this engine is responsible for some of the highest towing capacity numbers on the Silverado 1500, regardless of configuration. Still, the available 420 hp 6.2L EcoTec V8 engine also offers plenty of juice. Those who choose the crew cab short or standard bed models with four-wheel drive have the ability to tow up to 13,000 lbs, which is almost as much as the diesel option.

That being said, the words “when properly equipped” exist in the small print for a reason. In order to pull this type of weight, the Silverado 1500 needs to be equipped with Chevy’s Trailering Package, which thoughtfully prepares drivers for various towing situations. This package offers all the basics, including a hitch, hitch platform, 2-inch receiver hitch, and four and seven-pin connectors for lights and brakes.

For those looking to max out their Silverado 1500’s performance, the Max Trailering Package has even more to offer. Drivers who select this package will unlock additional towing capabilities and modified rear axles and axle ratios to support heavier loads. This package includes an updated suspension, automatic locking rear differential, updated cooling radiator, and specialized heavy-duty rear springs to make the process possible. Engineering innovations have allowed Chevy to create one of the most capable pickup trucks on the road today, but technological innovations have made capability less cumbersome.

Cutting Edge Towing Technology

With bigger loads comes more responsibility. Larger, heavier trailers aren’t always simple to guide along city streets and highways. Thankfully, Chevy has developed a series of innovative tools that help drivers get where they’re going.

First and foremost are up to 14 different camera views that support trailering. Drivers can select up to eight cameras positioned in and around the truck and trailer to display on the center screen and help them safely maneuver. These include the famous Transparent Trailer view, allowing drivers to see “through” the trailer to its surroundings. Rear Side View provides drivers with a split-screen display of what’s going on along each side of the truck and trailer. It can also be blinker-activated to take the guesswork out of changing lanes and taking tight turns.

The Hitch View and Bed View are designed to help with traditional and gooseneck/fifth wheel trailers. Hitch View provides a clear view of a traditional ball hitch, while Bed View gives a glimpse into the cargo bed. With a direct line of sight, hitching up and unhitching no longer requires an entire crew to help guide you.

Chevy has also designed its driver assistance technology to accommodate trailering. Not only does the Silverado 1500 offer Blind Zone Alert, but Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert expands the detection zone to include the length of your trailer. Furthermore, Chevy’s Super Cruise with Trailering adjusts the hands-free Super Cruise platform to consider the size of your load when allowing for proper stopping distance. While the presence of a driver educated in trailering is still very much necessary, drivers have more information and assistance than ever before.

Performance-Based Trailering: Chevy Silverado HD

For years, the Silverado 2500 and 3500 HD have been known for their overall brawn and capability, not for their comfort and innovation. According to Scott Bell, vice president of Chevrolet, this has all changed. While introducing the 2024 Silverado HD lineup, he stated, “We’ve designed the Silverado HD to be our customers’ favored choice for true truck capability. The enhancements to the 2024 model build on its core strengths to provide an even stronger balance of the design, strength, and confidence that makes tackling the hard jobs, including trailering, easier and more convenient than ever.”

Much of the 3500HD’s 36,000-lb trailering maximum comes from its performance engineering, though dual rear wheels aren’t required to make magic happen. The 2500HD and 3500HD are available with a Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel V8 that has been tuned to provide 470 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an Allison ten-speed automatic transmission, which offers smaller “steps” between gears. This results in greater driver control and vehicle responsiveness. Whether accelerating quickly or braking hard, this combination offers a more precise trailering feel.

Chevy’s innovative trailering technology extends to the HD line. The Silverado 2500 and 3500 offer Transparent Trailer technology and Enhanced Transparent Trailer, which provides an expanded view for gooseneck and fifth wheel trailers. GCW Alert helps drivers know if they’ve exceeded their vehicle’s Gross Combined Weight Rating. While Super Cruise hasn’t extended to the Silverado HD models yet, Adaptive Cruise Control with Trailer is a brand-new addition that helps monitor drag and braking needs. HD drivers can also take advantage of the available suite of up to 14 camera views offered on the Silverado 1500, with each camera’s specs and positioning reflecting the larger Silverado 2500 and 3500 bodies. The Silverado HD lineup may still be brawny and capable, but they’re also more driver-friendly and safety-focused.

A New Frontier of Trailering

Modern technological advances have allowed us to increase the capabilities of our favorite pickup trucks. Chevy has taken full advantage of these feats of engineering, applying them wherever possible. From upgraded engines and transmissions to enhanced structural components, Chevy Silverado pickup trucks have power built in.

However, Chevy also recognizes the increased need for safety and caution. Trailering technology, including safety-focused camera views and accommodations for greater braking needs in standard driver assistance features, helps drivers maintain awareness of their surroundings, even with a massive trailer blocking the view. It stands to reason that trailering will become easier and easier as technology develops. For many drivers, this is a wonderful thing, at least until we figure out how to teleport 13,000 lbs of cargo from one place to another.

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