You can find off-roading trails in nearly every state across our nation, as well as off-roading clubs and events for enthusiasts and a wide variety of off-roading vehicles like the 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD.
Chevy has developed several off-roading options over the past few years, and they continue to deliver vehicles that give you everything you need to tackle terrain while still offering all the convenience of a heavy-duty pickup—and the best of these is Chevy’s latest addition to the 2500 HD, the ZR2 trim. But where does this passion for tackling tough terrains come from? And what does it take to earn a spot in the off-road vehicle contender’s list?
A Brief Off-Roading History
The first off-road vehicle was part tank—with its conveyor belt rubber track—and part snowmobile in its styling. It was designed in the early 1900s in Russia to handle terrains like dirt, grass, snow, and eventually sand when a fleet of these vehicles crossed the Sahara Desert in the 1920s.
When World War II started, several countries—including the United States—realized they could capitalize on the vehicle’s all-terrain prowess to move soldiers and supplies through narrow and treacherous paths. US manufacturers added suspension lifts to their creation, eliminating the track, giving it wheels, and calling it the Willys MA, which soon became the Willys MB.
After the war, many soldiers returned to their homes wanting to keep driving these vehicles as a way to blow off steam and have fun with friends and family, which led to manufacturers developing the Willys MB into what is now known as the commercial Jeep.
Soon after, the first off-roading groups and events formed, and the world of civilian off-roading was born. Since then, the off-road community has grown with the creation of different off-road cars and the rise of aftermarket modifications. In the 1980s and 1990s, SUVs became popular because they were more comfy and family-friendly for going off-road.
Off-roading has changed a lot in the 21st century because of how technology has changed. Modern traction control systems, electronic stability programs, and off-road driving modes have made driving easier and safer for drivers on rough ground. Also, the rise of social media has made it easier for people to talk about their off-roading adventures and commune online about their shared interest.
Off-roading has grown into a fun and exciting hobby that people all over the world enjoy, allowing drivers to choose from a wide range of adventures, such as rock crawling, mudding, overlanding, and desert racing, depending on their tastes and skill levels.
A Closer Look at the 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD ZR2
Chevy’s Silverado series is one of the toughest lines of trucks in the industry, with phenomenal towing capabilities, high-performing engines, and innovative interiors that turn work trucks into everyday trucks. However, Chevy’s newest offering in the lineup is designed specifically for the muck and mud of off-roading fun. One look at the ZR2 trim and it’s hard to ignore the impressive presence.
The 2024 Silverado 2500 HD ZR2 is the latest off-road beast created by Chevy, with both the Colorado and Silverado 1500 having previously offered their own versions of the ZR2 trim. Still, according to early predictions, the 2500 HD ZR2 will quite possibly be the most powerful and comfortable off-roading truck on the market—and its ability off the pavement is a thing of beauty in its own right.
The ZR2 trim—offered in the Crew Cab configuration only—sports a lifted suspension with multimatic spool-valve dampers; these are a type of high-performance shock absorber often used in the automotive and motorsport industries, created to help vehicles perform and handle better, especially in difficult situations, such as while off-roading.
These dampers use a spool-valve design instead of the stock valving systems that are usually used; this spool design makes it easier to control the flow of hydraulic fluid through the damper, making it more uniform and easy to tune, which results in better performance and consistency. It also provides better adjustability to fine-tune the suspension for different conditions and driving styles. Multimatic spool-valve dampers are known for being strong and reliable, which makes them good for demanding situations.
Additionally, the ZR2 has a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 35-inch Mud Terrain tires, durable skid plates (including a front aluminum skid plate), a rear e-locker, and more. When looking for an off-road vehicle that can comfortably carry your passengers or haul your ATVs with ease, the ZR2 is a great option.
The Silverado 2500 HD’s Off-Road Package
Chevy also provides a compelling off-road package that’s available on the Custom, WT, LT, LTZ, and High Country trim levels. This Z71 Off-Road package includes an off-road suspension with twin-tube Rancho shocks, Hill Descent Control, skid plates, and more. This package pairs nicely with the standard 6.6L V8 engine and the ten-speed Allison automatic transmission.
Also, since the ZR2 only comes in the Crew Cab configuration, you get more customizability in choosing the Z71 package. For even more perks, you can choose the Z71 Off-Road and Protection Package, which includes everything listed above as well as All-Weather floor liners and a Chevytec spray-on bedliner. This package is only available for the LT and LTZ trim levels.
Towing With the 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD
If you choose to haul something with your Silverado 2500 HD—whether bringing ATVs for off-roading or planning to camp under the stars—you’ll be happy to know that the truck offers you more than enough towing capability. For instance, a Crew Cab with a standard-length bed has a max trailering weight of up to 16,000 lbs when opting for the standard 6.6L V8 engine. When choosing the 6.6L V8 Turbo-Diesel, that number increases to 18,500 lbs.
All Silverado 2500 HD trim levels include a Trailering Package, which has a trailer hitch, trailering hitch platform, and hitch guidance. You can also choose the available Max Trailering Package to gain full access to trailering capabilities; this package is available for all trims and includes a 3500 HD frame, the 3500 HD’s leaf springs, a twelve-inch rear axle, the 3500 HD Shock Package, and more.
The 2024 Silverado 2500 HD also provides up to 14 camera views that help you navigate the road, haul your camper, and confidently get where you’re going. There’s also a new Transparent Trailer View and Adaptive Cruise Control to aid you in trailering on the highway.
Hitting the Trails With the 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD
Whether you choose the off-road-focused ZR2 or one of the other fully capable 2500 HDs for off-roading fun, you’ll enjoy the adventure with peace of mind thanks to Chevy’s long history of durability. We can’t forget to mention the comfort and convenience the Silverado 2500 HD offers with an available 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen that gives you access to everything you need at your fingertips, Google built-in connectivity, expansive legroom and headroom, and premium seating.
Off-roading is more fun with the 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD, especially when you enhance your truck’s trailering capabilities. You can easily enjoy a weekend in the wilderness with your family and friends and leave the world behind. Check out the new 2500 HD ZR2 trim today to put more “life” into your work-life balance.
