Does your business require a lot of work on the road? Perhaps your staff consists of a dozen service technicians who need reliable trucks to transport themselves and their tools from one job site to another. Or perhaps you run a truck service and need a fleet of dump trucks to haul everything from dirt to debris. Whatever the case, it’s time to take a closer look at Chevrolet’s lineup of commercial vehicles, where you’ll find the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Chassis Cab that can be customized to meet all your business needs.
Chassis Cab vs Truck
You might be wondering, “Why do I need a chassis cab instead of a regular pickup truck?” While you can easily buy a Silverado 3500 HD, the chassis cab gives you even more options for customization. For example, the 3500 HD Chassis Cab is sold as an incomplete vehicle designed to be customized for the buyer’s needs, whether that means outfitting it as a service and utility vehicle, a flatbed hauler, or a dump truck.
Another key difference between a chassis cab and a standard truck is that the chassis cab is designed purely for function. While the Silverado 3500 HD offers a variety of comfort and convenience features across its many trim options, the 3500 HD Chassis Cab is designed with work in mind. Consumers who purchase a chassis cab aren’t looking for all the bells and whistles of a standard truck and are more concerned with performance, customization, and the cab’s ability to effectively meet their business needs. That could mean the truck is for hauling an electrician’s tools, transporting dirt for a landscaping company, or hauling heavy equipment to a construction site.
Because of its design and intent for use, the chassis cab also has a higher gross vehicle weight rating, which means it can haul more than a standard truck. This mirrors the chassis cab’s higher gross axle weight rating, which means these trucks can carry heavier loads like that of a dump truck. Additionally, chassis cabs usually come with larger fuel tanks, which means fewer stops at the gas station and more time to focus on the job at hand.
Top Features on the 2021 Silverado 3500 HD Chassis Cab
One of the biggest selling points of the 3500 HD Chassis Cab is that it can be configured to meet a variety of needs. This configuration begins with choosing between the two-door regular cab or the four-door crew cab. The regular cab layout is ideal for businesses that focus on hauling equipment rather than passengers, with its two-seat layout and long rear body measuring between 60 to 84.5 inches depending on the upfit. This option also delivers a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 lbs as well as a maximum payload between 6,221 and 7,571 lbs.
The crew cab offers seating for four, but this comes at the cost of a longer rear frame, limiting the length to 60 inches. Despite this limitation, the crew cab is still more than capable and offers the same gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 lbs as well as a maximum payload ranging between 5,751 and 7,040 lbs, which is slightly less than the regular cab. On both configurations, the maximum gross combination weight rating ranges between 24,000 and 40,000 lbs depending on the powertrain.
Did Someone Say Powertrain?
The 3500 HD Chassis Cab offers plenty of power with two powertrain options. Drivers who prefer gasoline-powered engines can opt for the 6.6-liter V8 direct-injection engine with variable valve timing. The V8 is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission that offers both Powertrain and Cruise Grade Braking. Together, the engine and transmission deliver 401 horsepower and the best-in-class standard torque rating of 464 lb-ft. In addition to this power, drivers also benefit from Hill Start Assist, Tow/Haul Mode, and Trailer Sway Control, as well as a heavy-duty locking rear differential, antilock disc brakes with Duralife brake rotors, and a high-capacity air cleaner.
For drivers who prefer diesel, Chevrolet offers the Duramax 6.6-liter Turbo-Diesel V8 that includes an exclusive air-induction system and a turbocharger. When paired with the 10-speed Allison automatic transmission, the diesel exudes power by delivering 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. This exceptional power is matched with the Duramax’s durability that makes it a top choice for drivers looking for a long-lasting and capable engine.
No Shortage of Safety
Aside from its impressive performance and capability, the 3500 HD Chassis Cab also offers plenty of safety features to give business owners enhanced peace of mind once their drivers get behind the wheel. The commercial truck comes standard with the StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System. From there, owners have a variety of upgrade options depending on trim level, usage needs, and equipment packages.
Many opt to add a backup alarm to the truck, which emits a 97-decibel alarm to alert others that the truck is backing up. This is especially useful when the truck is outfitted as a dump truck or a hauler loaded with equipment. Fog lamps, perimeter lighting, and puddle lamps can also be added to enhance visibility, as well as heated and adjustable trailering mirrors with memory, power-fold, and integrated turn signals. Some business owners opt to add OnStar, which includes three-month trials of the Fleet Remote Access Plan and Fleet Safety & Security Plan, both of which are excellent tools in emergency situations.
Let’s Talk Tech
Although the features on a chassis cab are usually more basic than traditional trucks, this isn’t the case with the 3500 HD Chassis Cab. Why? Because Chevrolet knows that these commercial trucks not only carry equipment and tools, but they also serve as mobile offices as drivers move from one job site to another.
Technology on the chassis cab begins with the 7-in color touchscreen that can be upgraded to an 8-in display. The display is home to the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system that gives drivers access to apps, navigation, music, and more. The truck also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, which makes it easy for drivers to effortlessly sync their smartphones with the truck. This, the Driver Information Center, and the truck’s Bluetooth capability ensure that drivers keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel while making phone calls, following navigation directions, and more.
While these tech features are certainly impressive, Chevrolet gives drivers a suite of available upgrades to take this technology even further. Drivers can add a 120-volt power outlet to the truck, which ensures a reliable power source is readily available wherever the truck goes. Other upgrades include adding a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and Sirius XM radio with a three-month trial subscription. Convenience features like a 10-way power driver seat, heated front seats, remote entry and remote start, and dual-zone climate control are additions that take the 3500 HD Chassis Cab to the next level.
It’s Time to Buy
Are you looking for reliable transportation to take your business to the next level? Whether you’re a contractor, electrician, construction worker, landscaper, or another professional, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Chassis Cab is an outstanding option for your business needs. From its powertrain and cab options to its safety and tech features, the chassis cab is a blank slate begging to be customized to meet the needs of your business. Add in the many incentives that come from purchasing a commercial vehicle, and it’s easy to see why so many business owners turn to Chevrolet for their commercial vehicle needs!
