How much can a 2016 Duramax 3500 tow?
A 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD with the Duramax diesel can tow up to roughly 23,000 pounds with a conventional bumper hitch, and as much as about 34,000 pounds with a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch, depending on the truck’s exact configuration. The precise rating varies by cab/bed setup, whether the truck is SRW or DRW, axle ratio, drivetrain, and the hitch used.
In this article, we break down the official towing limits for the 2016 Duramax-equipped 3500HD, explain how those numbers change with different configurations, and highlight the practical considerations drivers should keep in mind when planning heavy towing. We also outline how to verify the rating for your specific truck and trailer to ensure safe and compliant operation.
Official towing capacities by configuration
The following figures reflect common published maximums for the 2016 Silverado 3500HD with the Duramax LML. Exact numbers depend on cab/bed configuration, drivetrain, and hitch type.
Conventional towing
- Conventional towing (bumper hitch) maximum is in the vicinity of 23,000 pounds for most dual-rear-wheel (DRW) configurations; the figure can vary with cab/box and axle ratio.
Conventional towing is limited by the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and the payload capacity your specific truck configuration allows. Always verify your exact numbers in the owner's manual or on the door sticker for your build.
Gooseneck and fifth-wheel towing
- Gooseneck and fifth-wheel towing can reach up to about 34,000 pounds on many DRW models when equipped with the appropriate hitch and trailer, with the exact rating depending on configuration and hardware.
Gooseneck/fifth-wheel ratings are higher because the hitch is anchored differently and distributes weight more efficiently. As with conventional towing, the actual limit depends on your truck’s specific setup, including GCWR and payload constraints.
Key factors that affect towing capacity
Several variables determine the practical towing limit of a 2016 Duramax 3500HD beyond the base maximums listed above.
- Drivetrain configuration: DRW (dual rear wheels) versus SRW (single rear wheel) affects stability, payload, and maximum trailer weight.
- Hitch type and trailer connection: bumper/hitch receivers versus dedicated gooseneck or fifth-wheel pins influence the rated capacity.
- Axle ratio and gearing: Different gears can change the usable towing range and throttle response under load.
- Body and cab setup: Crew Cab vs Regular/Double Cab, and bed length, impact payload capacity and bumper clearance.
- Trailer characteristics: Trailer GVWR, braking system, weight distribution, and whether trailer brakes are properly set up.
Understanding these factors helps ensure you tow within the published ratings and maintain safe handling and braking performance.
How to verify your truck’s exact rating
To know your specific towing limits for any given trailer, check these sources.
- Door jamb sticker: Look for GCWR (gross combined weight rating), GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), and axle ratings that apply to your exact build.
- Owner’s manual: Refer to the towing section for recommended limits and hitch requirements tailored to your configuration.
- GM’s published specs for your cab/bed/drivetrain combination: Use the official documentation or GM’s online spec sheets to confirm the precise numbers for your truck.
Always compare the trailer’s gross weight to the GCWR and ensure both the vehicle and trailer are within their respective ratings. Using a properly rated weight distribution hitch and ensuring trailer brakes and wiring are up to spec is essential for safety.
Summary
In short, the 2016 Duramax-equipped Silverado 3500HD can tow around 23,000 pounds conventionally and up to roughly 34,000 pounds with a gooseneck or fifth-wheel setup, depending on the exact configuration. The actual limit is shaped by DRW vs SRW, cab/bed choice, axle ratio, hitch type, and trailer characteristics. Always verify the precise ratings for your truck and trailer in the official manuals and on the door sticker, and tow within those limits with appropriate braking, hitching, and safety equipment.
What year should I have my Chevy Silverado 3500 to avoid?
The 2012 Silverado 3500HD stands out as the worst model year according to CarComplaints.com, with numerous issues reported by owners. A major concern is the dashboard cracking, even in low-mileage vehicles. Some owners experienced this problem with as little as 26,000 miles on the odometer.
How much can a 6.6 Duramax 3500 pull?
36,000 pounds
The Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8
This is the engine that allows the maximum Chevy 3500 towing capacity of up to 36,000 pounds. This incredible number is typically achieved with a dual-rear-wheel setup, which gives the truck added stability, and a 5th-wheel or gooseneck hitch.
How much can a GMC 3500HD Duramax tow?
The maximum towing capacity of the 2025 GMC Sierra 3500 HD is 36,000 lbs. This can be achieved by choosing the Duramax® Turbo-Diesel engine with a regular cab, gooseneck hitch, rear-wheel drive, and dual rear wheels. A fifth-wheel hitch will reduce the towing capacity to 32,000 lbs.
What is the towing capacity of the 2016 Chevy 3500HD Duramax?
Silverado 3500HD: Maximum Towing Domination
20,000 lbs conventional with the 6.6L Duramax Diesel engine. 36,000 lbs fifth wheel with the right configuration that includes the 6.6L Duramax Diesel engine, dual rear wheels, and a gooseneck or fifth wheel hitch.
