This is a 52 percent increase on the HD model before it.
Chevrolet provided us with a preview of its new Silverado HD pickup trucks back in earlyDecember. We were certainly drawn to it, as did nearly everyone with eyes. Now the full reveal is here. It’s still fascinating,but it can tow 35,000. This is 400 pounds more than RAM’s huge HD pickup equipped with the powerful Cummins diesel. It’s also a 52 percent increase over the Silverado HD.
This astonishing figure is due to the fact that the new Silverado HD has a larger than the predecessor in every aspect. And we don’t just mean the ridiculous broiler-pan grille. Chevrolet claims it is longer, taller and wider than the previous Silverado HD, and has a 5.2 inch wheelbase for Crew Cab models. The Crew Cab with standard bed is almost a foot longer than its predecessor truck and nearly two inches higher.
However, you can’t increase towing capacity simply by building a larger truck. Chevrolet claims that “every component” of the transmission, from the transmission to wheels, has been upgraded with a new Allison 10-speed auto transmission. To handle this extra load, there are improvements to the ladder frame as well as the suspension. Rear axle upgrades include a 11.5-inch ring for 2500HD models, and a 12-inch for 3500HD diesel trucks. The cooling system has been upgraded to reduce heat and accommodate larger prop shafts.
To achieve the maximum towing rating, you need a very specific vehicle. This is a regular cab Silverado HD with two wheel drive and dual rear wheels. The required engine to accomplish this monumental task is the tried and true 6.6-liter Duramax Turbodiesel V8, which produces the same 445 horsepower (332 Kilowatts) as the previous models. It also produces the 910 pound-feet (1.234 Newton-meters), of torque. This is more power than the Ram but with a lot less twist. Ford is yet to release figures for the facelifted Super Duty.
Silverado HD buyers will not be towing small moons, so we expect the new Chevrolet 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine to be the biggest news. Direct injection is used to produce 401 horsepower (299 kW) and 464 lb/ft (629 Nm), of torque. This is a slight improvement over the 6.0-liter model.
The new Silverado HD also features a lot of tech, including 15 cameras that are part of the in-vehicle trucking system. There are many electronic trailering apps in development that can be very useful for those who tow large RV trailers. Auto park brake assist, trailer grade hold assistance, trailer sway controller, integrated trailer brake control and trailer brake control provide hands-on towing support. The interior space has been increased by three inches to give passengers a little more legroom.
Chevrolet has not yet announced pricing for the 2020 Silverado HD. However, dealers can expect to sell the pickup in the summer.