Shopping for a new truck means understanding how much it can haul and tow. Whether you’re hauling gear for work, towing a trailer, or planning an RV adventure, Chevrolet offers a wide range of trucks to meet every trailering need. Our comprehensive 2025 Chevy truck towing guide covers the Silverado 1500, 2500 HD, 3500 HD, and Colorado to help you make the best decision based on towing capacity, cab configuration, and engine options.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Towing Capacity
The 2025 Silverado 1500 is a versatile full-size pickup truck with a wide variety of engine and configuration options to suit light- to mid-range trailering needs.
Max Conventional Towing Capacity (when properly equipped)
Regular Cab
– 5.3L V8: Up to 9,300 lbs
– 2.7L Turbo: Up to 9,500 lbs
Double Cab
– 5.3L V8: Up to 11,300 lbs
– 6.2L V8: Up to 13,300 lbs (w/ Max Trailering Package)
– Duramax 3.0L I-6: Up to 13,300 lbs
Crew Cab
– 2.7L Turbo: Up to 9,300 lbs
– 5.3L V8: Up to 11,300 lbs
– 6.2L V8 (ZR2): Up to 8,800 lbs
– Duramax 3.0L I-6: Up to 13,300 lbs
Top Performer: Crew Cab 6.2L V8 or Duramax 3.0L I-6 with Max Trailering — up to 13,300 lbs
Silverado 1500 Gooseneck Towing
The Silverado 1500 is not typically equipped or recommended for gooseneck or fifth-wheel trailering. For that, consider upgrading to the 2500 HD or 3500 HD.
Best Silverado 1500 Configuration for Towing
To get the most trailering power from your Silverado 1500:
– Choose the 6.2L V8 or 3.0L Duramax engine
– Select a Crew Cab or Double Cab with the Max Trailering Package
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Towing Capacity
The 2500 HD is designed for heavy-duty towing and is an excellent option for contractors, RVers, or anyone regularly hauling big loads.
Max Conventional Towing Capacity
– 6.6L Gas V8: Up to 16,000 lbs
– 6.6L Duramax Diesel V8: Up to 20,000 lbs (with Max Trailering Package)
Gooseneck / 5th-Wheel Trailering
– 6.6L Gas V8: Up to 18,700 lbs
– Duramax Diesel (w/ Max Trailering): Up to 22,430 lbs
Available Configurations
– Crew Cab, Double Cab, Regular Cab
– Standard or Long Bed
– 2WD or 4WD
Top Performer: Crew Cab with Duramax Diesel + Max Trailering — up to 22,430 lbs (Gooseneck)
Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Towing Capacity
The Silverado 3500 HD is Chevy’s most powerful truck when it comes to maximum towing. It is available in single-rear-wheel (SRW) and dual-rear-wheel (DRW) configurations.
Max Conventional Towing
– 6.6L Gas V8: Up to 18,700 lbs
– Duramax 6.6L Diesel V8 SRW: Up to 20,000 lbs
– Duramax 6.6L Diesel V8 DRW: Up to 20,000 lbs – Duramax + Max Trailering (DRW): Up to 20,000 lbs
Gooseneck / 5th-Wheel Trailering — Max Towing
– Duramax Diesel SRW: Up to 22,070 lbs
– Duramax Diesel DRW (w/ Max Trailering): Up to 36,000 lbs
Available Configurations
– Crew, Double, and Regular Cab
– Single Rear Wheel (SRW) or Dual Rear Wheel (DRW)
– 2WD and 4WD
Best-in-Class: Silverado 3500 HD DRW with Max Trailering — up to 36,000 lbs (Gooseneck)
Chevrolet Colorado Towing Capacity
The midsize Chevy Colorado is perfect for light towing and off-road adventures. For 2025, it’s available only in crew cab form.
Trailering Limits by Engine and Trim
– 2.7L Turbo (Base): 3,500 lbs
– 2.7L TurboMax™: Up to 7,700 lbs (requires Trailering Package & limited-slip differential) – ZR2 TurboMax™: Up to 6,000 lbs
Pro Tip: To unlock full trailering capacity, make sure your Colorado includes the available Trailering Package and a limited-slip differential.
What to Consider When Choosing a Chevy Truck for Towing?
– Engine Type: Diesel engines offer higher towing capacities and better long-haul performance.
– Cab Style: Crew cabs offer more passenger room; regular cabs are often better for work-focused towing.
– Trailering Type: Gooseneck/5th-wheel trailers require proper bed-mounted hitches and are best suited for 2500 HD and 3500 HD trucks.
– Payload & GCWR: Remember that the total weight of cargo, passengers, and trailer load impacts your truck’s towing capability.
FAQS
The Silverado 3500 HD DRW with the Duramax diesel and Max Trailering Package is the best option for towing large fifth-wheel trailers. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 36,000 lbs.
The Silverado 3500 HD DRW holds the title with a gooseneck capacity of up to 36,000 lbs and a conventional towing capacity of up to 20,000 lbs.
Yes. With the TurboMax engine and Trailering Package, the 2025 Colorado can tow up to 7,700 lbs — plenty for most small campers or pop-ups.
Conventional towing uses a hitch at the rear bumper. Gooseneck/5th-wheel towing involves a special hitch mounted in the truck bed. It allows for heavier loads, and better stability, and is ideal for RVs and heavy trailers.
Yes. The Max Trailering Package or Trailering Package is often required to reach maximum towing capabilities. This includes upgraded hardware, cooling systems, and hitching equipment.
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