Finding the perfect Chevy dealer is about more than getting a good deal; it’s about visiting a dealership that understands your towing and hauling needs. Chevy has been producing tow-capable trucks and SUVs for decades now, but there are several different options on the table here, and you need a dealership that knows which models fit your individual needs. However, we can get you started with some towing figures for the current Chevy lineup.
For moderate towing and hauling expeditions, you can choose from the Chevy Tahoe and Chevy Suburban SUVs or the Chevy Colorado truck. When you’re interested in more laborious chores, check out the Chevy Silverado and Silverado HD models. We’re excited to give you an overview of each new tow-friendly Chevy model below.
Moderate Towing Capacities
The 2021 Chevy Tahoe
For a family-friendly adventure you’ll never forget, we recommend the 2021 Chevy Tahoe. This SUV can tow up to 8,400 pounds when you pick the right engine and add on Chevy’s Max Trailering Package. This model is great for families due to its large cargo capacity and third-row seating. When the seats are down, drivers can get up to 122.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Plus, this model comes with 40% more rear leg space than any Tahoe model before it. If you have kids and like to take the boat out to the lake on the weekends, the 2021 Chevy Tahoe is calling your name.
There are three different available engines, though, which can make this confusing. Just remember that for the max towing capacity, pair the 5.3-liter V8 engine in rear-wheel drive with the Max Trailering Package to reach that max of 8,400 pounds. You’ll also gain access to the available Advanced Trailering System on any Tahoe model. This allows you to create departure checklists and customize profiles for each trailer you haul. Just remember that even the lowest tow capacity falls at 7,600 pounds, so no matter what 2021 Tahoe combination you choose, you’ll be plenty tow-capable.
The 2021 Chevy Suburban
This model offers almost identical towing capacities to the Tahoe, but its interior space is much larger. This is the tow-friendly family SUV you need if you have multiple kids or grandchildren. Just like the 2021 Tahoe, the Suburban has a minimum tow capacity of 7,600 pounds. However, it can tow up to 8,300 pounds, only 100 less than the Tahoe can. This is possible when you pair the 5.3-liter V8 engine with the Max Trailering Package on a rear-wheel drive model.
The Suburban offers 144.7 cubic feet of cargo space and seating for up to nine passengers with the optional front-row bench seat. It includes several of the same features as the Tahoe, including the Advanced Trailering System and third-row seating. When you need the most possible passenger and cargo space, the 2021 Chevy Suburban is the model for you.
The 2021 Chevy Colorado
Chevy’s small truck towing option is one you won’t want to miss out on. With a max tow capacity of 7,700 pounds and a payload of 1,550 pounds, the 2021 Chevy Colorado is a great option for more casual truck drivers. Overall, the Colorado’s light body helps increase its fuel economy. It comes with extended cab and crew cab options, so it is still a family-compatible model. You’ll get up to 49.9 cubic feet of cargo space in the Colorado’s bed, and the EZ Lift & Lower tailgate makes it easier to utilize that bed space.
The best part about this model is that it’s tow-capable and off-road capable when properly equipped. Minor off-roaders will benefit most from the ZR1 model. However, if you want to drop a bit more money for some serious off-roading, choose from either the 2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2 or ZR2 Bison models. You’ll get skid plates, rock sliders, and a 2-inch factory lift kit with these trims. For casual labor, stick with the LT and WT trims.
Hardcore Towing Capacities
The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500
Now we’re getting into the heavier labor options. When you need a great half-ton truck, look no further than the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500. This model can tow up to 13,300 pounds, making it the best option for light-duty towing jobs. It offers up to 89.1 cubic feet of cargo space, and above all else, it can even get up to 33 miles per gallon on the highway when you choose the diesel engine option. This is best-in-class fuel efficiency, so don’t expect any other half-ton fuel-powered truck to deliver this well.
One full tank can last the Silverado 1500 up to 726 miles, and its multiple engine options allow you to customize what’s most important to you. If you need the highest towing capacity, stick with the 6.2-liter V8 engine. But if 9,500 pounds is plenty enough for you, and fuel economy is a concern, choose the 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine.
Towing capacity isn’t the only appealing feature that the Silverado 1500 offers. You’ll also get up to 15 different camera views to help with trailering. It also comes with the same Advanced Trailering System that comes with the Tahoe and the Suburban, plus trailering technologies such as Trailer Sway Control and even Trailer Theft Alert, to name just a few. Most people do not need much more than the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 can offer.
The 2022 Chevy Silverado HD
Finally, for those folks who fall into the heavy-duty towing category, Chevy offers the Silverado 2500 and 3500 options. These trucks provide incredible towing capacity and can handle even commercial-grade jobs. For example, you can tow up to 36,000 pounds with the Silverado 3500 model when you mix the 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 engine with Chevy’s Max Trailering Package and a gooseneck hitch. In addition to this, the Silverado HD can haul up to 7,442 pounds in its bed.
The Silverado 2500 falls in between the 1500 and 3500 models, landing at a max towing capacity of 18,510 pounds and a max payload capacity of 3,979 pounds. No matter which model you choose, you’ll also gain access to multiple cab and bed length options, plenty of headroom and legroom, and much more. Thanks to the variety of different trim levels and packages to choose from, you can buy a Silverado for an affordable price or go all out and take advantage of the latest tech and luxury features. No matter what way you spin it, you’ll still get more power than you could ever imagine.
How Much Tow Capacity Do I Need?
Now that you know more details about each tow-capable Chevy model, the main question to consider is how much tow capacity do you need? There’s no sense in purchasing a Silverado HD model if you’re hauling a pontoon boat back and forth from the lake a few times a year. That type of job can be handled by a more affordable vehicle. The same goes for average-sized items such as fishing boats, small trailers loaded with mowers, ATVs, and the likes.
However, if you’re a farmer hauling large pieces of equipment, livestock, hay loads, corn, and other similar items, you’ll definitely need an HD truck. For everyone in between, we recommend the most common choice, which is the Silverado 1500. This is a great truck for camper hauling, for example.
Visit your local Chevy dealer today to learn more about each of these models. While we’ve listed the most important information here, the dealership experts at your local dealership can answer any specific questions you may have. Ready to start towing? Go test drive one of these models today!
