How much can a 2024 Chevy Silverado 3500 pull?
With a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch, the 2024 Silverado 3500HD can tow up to about 36,000 pounds. For conventional towing, capacity depends on configuration and engine, typically around 20,000 pounds for single-rear-wheel models and up to about 34,000 pounds for dual-rear-wheel variants. Actual performance varies with options, drivetrain, and hitch setup.
What affects the Silverado 3500’s towing ability
The towing capability of the 2024 Silverado 3500HD is determined by a combination of powertrain, chassis, and hitch type. The following factors most strongly influence how much the truck can pull in real-world use:
- Engine choice: a gasoline 6.6L V8 versus the 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V8 deliver different torque curves and peak ratings, which affect tow performance.
- Drivetrain configuration: single rear wheel (SRW) versus dual rear wheel (DRW) layouts impact payload and towing limits.
- Hitch type and trailer connection: conventional hitches limit maximum trailer weight differently than gooseneck or fifth-wheel setups.
- Transmission and gearing: a heavy-duty 10-speed automatic (Allison) and final-drive ratios influence towing stability and capability.
- Vehicle options and towing packages: factory options such as integrated trailer brake controller, trailer sway control, and towing-specific software can shift usable capacity.
- Vehicle weight and gross combined weight rating (GCWR): the truck’s own weight plus trailer weight cannot exceed the GCWR specified for the build.
These factors interact, so the official rating you see on the window sticker or owner’s manual reflects your exact configuration. Always verify the rating for your specific truck and trailer combination.
Official towing ratings by configuration
To help readers understand typical figures, here are common maximums you might see on 2024 Silverado 3500HD builds. Note that these are upper limits and can vary by market, cab/bed configuration, drivetrain, and equipment.
Conventional towing (hitch) ratings
Before listing the conventional-tow limits, consider that these numbers assume a standard hitch setup and the appropriate equipment is installed. The following figures represent typical upper bounds for common configurations:
- Single rear wheel (SRW) with standard engine: up to about 20,000 pounds conventional towing.
- Dual rear wheel (DRW) with diesel engine: up to about 34,000 pounds conventional towing.
These conventional-towing ratings illustrate how much the truck can pull with a standard hitch configuration under ideal conditions. Always cross-check the exact rating for your build on the window sticker.
Gooseneck and fifth-wheel towing
For gooseneck and fifth-wheel trailers, the Silverado 3500HD reaches its higher-end capability when properly equipped and using the correct hitch system. The maximum towing figure in this category is typically:
- Gooseneck or fifth-wheel towing: up to about 36,000 pounds, given the right combination of Duramax diesel powertrain, DRW configuration, and hitch equipment.
Most drivers will encounter gooseneck/fifth-wheel ratings far higher than conventional towing, but these numbers assume top-tier configurations and adherence to weight distribution and hitch guidelines.
What to check for your exact setup
Because the 2024 Silverado 3500HD is offered with multiple powertrains and configurations, you should verify several specifics before trusting the maximum figure for a given trailer:
- Engine and transmission pairing (gas vs diesel, 10-speed auto).
- Single or dual rear wheels (SRW vs DRW).
- Bed/cab configuration and GVWR rating on the build.
- Hitch type (gooseneck, fifth-wheel, or conventional ball hitch) and rated trailer connection.
- Included trailer equipment (brake controller, sway control, towing tech).
Understanding these items will help you translate published numbers into real-world performance for your specific Silverado 3500HD configuration.
Practical considerations for would-be tow drivers
Beyond the published ratings, the actual towing experience depends on payload, tongue weight, and road conditions. Heavy loads demand careful weight distribution, proper hitching, and ongoing maintenance. If you regularly tow at the upper end of the rating, consider professional setup verification and periodic checks of wheels, brakes, suspension, and tires to ensure safe operation.
Summary
For the 2024 Chevy Silverado 3500HD, the upper limit with a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch is about 36,000 pounds. Conventional towing varies by configuration: roughly 20,000 pounds for SRW and up to about 34,000 pounds for DRW models. Always confirm the exact ratings for your specific build and trailer combination, and follow manufacturer guidelines for safe towing.
