Are you planning to purchase a new Chevy Silverado to haul loads? If so, you'll need to know the vehicle’s different towing capacities. We researched this matter for your convenience, and here’s what we found.
Bear in mind that the towing capacity of Chevy Silverado pickup trucks depends on elements like their engines and trims. For instance, the 2013 Silverado base model has a maximum towing limit of 4,100 pounds. But the premium 2023 Silverado has a tow package of 13,300 pounds.
Keep reading as we talk about these tow capacities in greater detail. We’ll also tackle some guidelines to help you choose the right Silverado model to help fulfill your towing needs.
Chevy Silverado Max Tow Packages
The Chevy Silverado started with a 4,500-pound tow capacity for the base model of its first-generation release. Over the years, the maximum towing packages of each Silverado changed to help users haul different loads.
So here’s a list of the Chevy Silverado tow packages from 2013 to 2023 to help give you an idea of these changes (or lack thereof) throughout the truck’s different models:
- 2013: 4,100 to 10,700 pounds
- 2014: 5,800 to 12,000 pounds
- 2015: 5,500 to 12,000 pounds
- 2016: 5,500 to 12,000 pounds
- 2017: 5,500 to 12,500 pounds
- 2018: 5,200 to 12,500 pounds
- 2019: 6,700 to 12,200 pounds
- 2020: 6,600 to 13,400 pounds
- 2021: 7,200 to 9,700 pounds
- 2022: 8,900 to 13,300 pounds
- 2023: 8,900 to 13,300 pounds
Take note that the Chevy Silverado’s typical tow package often depends on different factors, such as the truck’s engine and configuration. You can ask the truck manufacturer or your vehicle dealer for information about the max tow package of your preferred Silverado model.
What Determines The Towing Capacity Of A Chevy Silverado?
The factors that affect the maximum towing capacity are generally similar across all vehicles, including the different Chevy Silverado trucks. Some of these elements are:
Engine
The engine’s job is to convert gasoline to make the truck move. A series of intricate engine functions can help a Chevy Silverado haul different loads. But different engines have varying power capacities. Exceeding those limits by hauling larger loads than recommended may put unwanted strain on the engine.
Transmission
A vehicle’s transmission system is typically responsible for transferring the power generated from the engine to the wheels. For towing, automatic transmission Silverado trucks may be more efficient and powerful than their manual counterparts. It’s because manual vehicles are often at risk of transmission problems because of the frequent gear shifts.
Tire Size
Chevy Silverado pickup trucks with smaller tires than other models often have better control and traction than large tire variants. With reasonably small tires, these vehicles can take advantage of increased torque to pull heavy loads.
Is A Silverado 1500 Good For Towing?
It depends on the load you’re going to haul. Aside from identifying a Chevy Silverado’s towing capacity, you should also verify the gross trailer weight (GTW) of the load you’re going to pull with the truck.
For example, most, if not all, Chevy Silverados should be able to tow canoe or kayak trailers, especially if these loads don’t exceed 800 pounds. On the other hand, only some Silverado models, like the premium 2023 model, can tow large travel trailers without encountering significant issues.
How To Increase Towing Capacity Of Chevy Silverado?
Increasing the towing capacity of a Chevy Silverado doesn’t usually require you to buy another vehicle. You may modify your Silverado truck to help increase its max tow package. One way to achieve that objective is to install an aftermarket power programmer for your truck.
Here are the general steps for that procedure to give you an idea of how to complete it:
What You’ll Need
- Laptop computer
- Power programmer
Step-By-Step Guide
- Connect the programmer to your laptop computer and update the device according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- After the update completes, plug in the programmer to your Silverado’s OBD port.
- Turn on the power programmer if it’s not on yet.
- Read and accept the warning message that pops up on the handheld device’s screen.
- Find and select the “Tune the Vehicle” option on the programmer.
- Insert your Chevy Silverado’s keys into the ignition slot but don’t turn on the engine.
- Press “Continue,” and wait for the programmer to finish backing up the existing files on your truck’s computer.
- Select the “Easy Tune” option to let the programmer modify your truck’s software settings for you.
- If you have the confidence to fine-tune your Silverado's settings, select the "Advance Tune" instead of the "Easy Tune.
- In the “Advance Tune” menu, select the options to modify your vehicle.
- Apply the modified settings to the truck and wait for the device to finish those customizations.
- Once finished, remove the power programmer from the OBD slot.
- Turn on your Chevy Silverado’s engine and take it for a test drive.
A power programmer often helps improve a vehicle’s speed, power, and fuel economy. Make sure that the power-programming module you’re about to install in your Chevy Silverado is compatible with your truck’s model. That way, you can avoid potential issues from the aftermarket installation.
Check out this performance tuner and programmer for Chevy Silverado on Amazon.
You can also watch the video below to see a visual guide to the steps mentioned above:
Other options exist if you're not looking into installing an aftermarket power programmer to your Chevy Silverado, but be aware that some customizations done to the Chevy Silverado may void the truck’s warranty. Consult with the truck’s manufacturer or your car dealer before attempting to modify the vehicle.
What Are The Rules You Should Remember When Towing With A Chevy Silverado?
Apart from understanding your Chevy Silverado's max tow package, paying attention to certain guidelines can help make your towing experience safe. Some of the towing rules to remember are:
Practice
Beginner Chevy Silverado owners, especially those who are new to towing, may encounter a different experience driving their trucks while hauling heavy loads. So don’t underestimate the increased challenge in towing with your Silverado.
If you can, practice towing with your Silverado for short distances. Drive the pickup truck around the neighborhood to get a feel of towing. Extend the distance of your towing practice sessions as your towing skills progress.
Secure The Attachments
On-road accidents can happen when a hauled load disconnects from the towing vehicle suddenly. So make sure that all the connections are secure before heading off with your Silverado and the load it’s pulling.
Don’t Tailgate
Tailgating is dangerous no matter what vehicle you’re using. Ensure that you have enough distance between the other vehicles on the road. Sticking significantly close to another car may result in accidents and injuries.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the towing capacity of the Chevy Silverado for hauling can help prevent problems which would otherwise surface from improper load-pulling scenarios. Understanding the different factors affecting the truck’s tow package can also help choose the right Silverado for you. Let this post be your guide in helping you choose the appropriate Chevy Silverado model for your towing needs.
If you want to know the answers to other Chevy Silverado concerns, check out these other great reads:
Chevy Silverado 4-Wheel Drive Won't Engage—Why And What To Do?
