The 2020 Silverado 3500 Ramps Up Towing Prowess – Driving Notes

The 2020 Silverado 3500 was introduced during a year of fierce competition for the heavy-duty truck segment, and for the 2020-MY General Motors made big strides with the Silverado, which includes a big focus on towing and payload capabilities.

The Silverado 3500 HD is available in five trims: Work Truck, Custom, LT Chrome, LTZ, and High Country. 

Automotive Fleet recently had the opportunity to drive the Work Truck trim with two-wheel drive, which was powered by 6.6L Duramax turbo diesel engine mated to an Allison 10-speed transmission.

The Allison 10-speed is electronically controlled with overdrive for smooth-shifting performance and has an available tow/haul mode that reduces shift cycling for better control and improved cooling when towing or hauling heavy loads.

High-Grade Towing Capabilities

The 2020 Silverado HD features top-of-the-line towing capabilities.

Even the base Work Truck trim we tested can achieve capacities that meet demanding weight limits. The level of what can be met in terms of hauling needs depends on the application and if optional mechanisms are applied.

The 6.6L Duramax turbo diesel achieves 445 hp and 910 lb.-ft. of torque. Depending on the configuration the Silverado 3500 will be able to tow up to 35,500 pounds, when the gooseneck is included, and is also available as a 6.6L gasoline engine that will achieve 401 hp and 464 lb.-ft. of torque. 

Other towing capacities are 32,000, when with an added fifth-wheel, and 20,000, which is standard on the trim we tested.

Maximum payload for the Silverado 3500 we drove is 6,532 pounds with a maximum cargo volume of 83.5 cubic feet. It has a maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 14,000 pounds.

A Trailering Package is standard on the Work Truck Trim and includes a trailer hitch, a trailering hitch platform with a 2.5-inch receiver hitch and a seven-wire electrical harness and seven-pin sealed connector.

Standard Hitch Guidance technology uses the rear vision camera display to provide drives with a guideline to help align your vehicle with a trailer, and a camera view to check the trailer when driving.

Perks for Field Workers

The Silverado 3500 is attuned to other areas that are top of mind for drivers in the field, which includes a focus on ergonomics and other aspects that can improve productivity.

For the fleet manager mindful of ergonomics, surrounding the bed of the Silverado 3500 are side bed steps, which can accommodate two feet at a time, and cornerstep rear bumpers, both of which provide convenient access to cargo bed. It also includes 12 cargo ties downs, fixed, rated at 500 pounds per corner.

Additionally, the vinyl flooring on the Work Truck trim makes for easy interior clean up, particularly for field workers who are regularly tracking in dirt or mud from their daily tasks. 

Also standard are daytime running lamps and a 40/20/40 split-bench front seat that can accommodate seating up to three.

The Standard Chevrolet Infotainment System with color touchscreen features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability for easy connectivity between drivers and the truck. Standard safety features include the StabiliTrak stability control system with proactive roll avoidance and traction control.