Trucks come in many different styles and sizes, but the most common size is the half-ton truck. Since you typed “used Chevy Silverado 1500 dealer” into the search engine, we know you’re on the hunt for the right half-ton truck. The Chevy Silverado 1500 has been around since 1999, replacing Chevy’s classic C/K line. Between the C/K’s long-term run and the Silverado’s extensive history, Chevy has put plenty of time and experience into these trucks. This is evident in the Silverado’s recent history, which we’re excited to tell you all about.
The 2012 Chevy Silverado 1500
Let’s start out by looking at the 2012 Chevy Silverado 1500. While it’s an older trim, it’s still just as capable as newer models. For example, you can tow up to 10,700 pounds with a 2012 Silverado 1500 truck when you include proper towing equipment and the 6.2-liter V8 engine. In addition to power, this model also comes with several tech features, including turn-by-turn navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and even built-in Wi-Fi. Speaking of navigation, the Silverado even offers a Navtraffic feature, which routes you based on traffic information and gives you access to current traffic information.
In addition to these handy tech features, you can even subscribe to OnStar to gain access to OnStar’s directions, connections, and even its Remotelink feature, which allows you to control your car from afar. Again, despite its age, the 2012 Silverado 1500 even includes USB audio connection for music streaming.
There are also 2012 Chevy Silverado 1500 models that come with additional package-only features. Some 2012 Chevy Silverado 1500 models include the Custom Sport Truck package, which really enhances your ride. This package includes heated powered seats, a heavy-duty trailering package, steering wheel controls, fog lamps, and chrome vehicle accents and wheels. You also have plenty of available trim options on the 2012 model, including the Work Truck trim and the Xtra Fuel Economy trim, to name a few.
Since you’re likely using this model for towing, you can take comfort in its Trailer Sway Control capability. This technology essentially helps prevent you from fishtailing your trailer. Additionally, this model comes with Hill Start Assist, which helps prevent rollback on hills, and Tow/Haul Mode, which adjusts your shifting so that your transmission doesn’t pull too hard. When you’re on a budget, but you need power, the 2012 Silverado 1500 is a great option.
The 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500
It’s time to ramp up the towing capacity. The 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500 can tow all the way up to 12,000 pounds, which is 1,300 pounds more capable than the 2012 model. This is possible only with the 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine. However, other configurations allow for high towing capacities as well. For example, the 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine can still tow up to 11,200 pounds, while the V6 variant will tow up to 7,600 pounds. If you’re more concerned with fuel economy than towing, the V6 is a good deal. Otherwise, it’s best to stick with the V8 engine options.
The higher you go in trims, the fancier the interior gets. This is obvious, but more specifically, you can go from vinyl seating to cloth seating all the way up to leather seating with higher models. The High Country package is now available as well, which not only includes a leather interior, but it offers wood trim as well. While most drivers want the Silverado for work and the GMC Sierra for luxury, the 2015 Silverado High Country model offers a nice combination of both power and luxury for Chevy drivers.
In addition to aesthetic options, the 2015 Silverado is safer than previous models. It comes with Hill Start Assist again, and it even includes a Forward Collision Alert system which notifies you of potential front-end fender-benders. Lane Departure Warning is also available, making it easier to stay awake and alert while driving. Simply put, this feature notifies you when you’re drifting out of the lanes, and it does so via either a chime or a vibrating seat. Overall, the 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500 offers the perfect balance of power and tech for a more affordable price than its later used models.
The 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500
Each model year we go over here offers an increase in towing capacity. In this case, the 2017 Silverado 1500 can tow up to 12,500 pounds, producing up to 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Out of all the other half-ton 2017 models, the Silverado 1500 has the best towing capacity of all. The tech benefits of a new Chevy truck are available on this model, along with its best-in-class towing capacity. When you’re avoiding that brand-new price tag but you want the benefits of a newer model, the 2017 Silverado 1500 is your perfect find.
For example, this model comes with several trailering tech features. You’ll get Tow/Haul Mode like always, which is important for reducing wear and tear on the transmission. Further, the 2017 model’s Trailer Brake Controller gives you direct access to your trailer brakes, separating them from your vehicle’s regular braking system. When you need to solely use your trailer brakes without braking your Silverado, you’re covered. Finally, the 2017 Silverado 1500’s rear vision camera includes trailering lines to help you line up your hitch and efficiently back up your trailer.
We also want to mention your payload options here. Alongside towing, this model also offers a max payload of 2,250 pounds. This means that you can haul up to 2,250 pounds worth of stuff in your truck bed. Even better, many of these models offer drop-in bed liners or spray-in liners for added protection, and you can even get a retractable tonneau cover for your bed.
The corner step rear bumper allows you to easily get in and out of the truck bed. Plus, if you get an LT trim or higher, you’ll gain access to the EZ Lift & Lower tailgate, which takes the heavyweight from your tailgate, making it easier to load and unload cargo. In summary, the 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 is the best used Silverado option if you’re looking for modern features for a lower price.
How Do I Pick the Best Silverado 1500 for Me?
Let’s just be real here. If you’re focused solely on towing capacity and getting a good deal, the 2012 Chevy Silverado 1500 is a great option. Even if you come across a 2013 model, you’ll still be saving tons of money while obtaining the power you need. That 10,700-pound towing capacity is more than enough for any half-ton truck driver. However, if the technical aspects mean more to you, going with the 2015 or 2017 models isn’t a bad idea. The best option for easy and accessible trailering is obviously the 2017 model, thanks to its trailering technologies and its impressive payload features.
Overall, it just depends on what you’re using your Silverado 1500 for, how many miles you’re okay with, and what tech features you need. That said, even the 2012 Silverado 1500 includes helpful tech such as turn-by-turn navigation and Wi-Fi connection. So, it’s not like you’re buying a 2003 model half-ton truck with no auxiliary input and an AM/FM-only radio. No matter what model year you need, you can rely on the Silverado’s ability to tow your fishing boats and haul your trailers with ease.
