How much can a 2500HD 6.6 Duramax tow?
The 2500HD 6.6 Duramax diesel engine is a powerful workhorse that can tow impressive amounts of weight. According to the manufacturer, the maximum towing capacity for a 2500HD 6.6 Duramax is 23,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Towing Capacity of the 2500HD 6.6 Duramax
The 2500HD 6.6 Duramax is a heavy-duty pickup truck engine offered by Chevrolet and GMC. It is known for its exceptional towing and hauling capabilities, making it a popular choice for those who need to pull large trailers, campers, or heavy equipment.
- The maximum towing capacity for a 2500HD 6.6 Duramax is 23,500 pounds.
- This towing capacity is achieved when the truck is properly equipped with the right towing package, which includes features like a heavy-duty hitch, transmission cooler, and upgraded suspension.
- The 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine produces 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power to haul heavy loads.
It's important to note that the actual towing capacity may vary depending on the specific configuration of the vehicle, including factors like the cab style, bed length, and optional equipment. Owners should always refer to the manufacturer's recommendations and their vehicle's information placard for the most accurate towing capacity.
Factors Affecting Towing Capacity
Several factors can influence the towing capacity of a 2500HD 6.6 Duramax, including:
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This is the maximum weight the vehicle can safely carry, including the truck, passengers, cargo, and the trailer.
- Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR): This is the maximum weight the vehicle and trailer can safely carry combined.
- Trailer weight: The weight of the trailer itself, as well as the cargo it carries, will impact the towing capacity.
- Driving conditions: Factors like terrain, weather, and traffic can affect the vehicle's ability to tow heavy loads safely.
It's crucial for 2500HD 6.6 Duramax owners to understand these factors and stay within the recommended towing limits to ensure safe and legal operation of their vehicle.
How big of a fifth-wheel can a 2500HD pull?
The 5th wheel towing capacity for a Chevy 2500HD varies by model year and engine, but typically ranges from 18,500 to over 22,000 pounds. For example, a 2025 model with the 6.6L gas V8 engine has a maximum capacity of about 18,700 lbs, while the 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V8 can reach up to 22,430 lbs. It's crucial to check the specific vehicle's owner's manual for exact towing limits due to differences in configuration, trim, and options.
This video explains the difference in fifth wheel towing capacity between the 2500 and 3500 models: 59sJB ReviewsYouTube · Apr 21, 2024
- 6.6L Gas V8: Around 18,700 lbs (e.g., 2025 model)
- 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8: Around 22,430 lbs (e.g., 2025 model)
- Older models: Capacities can vary. For instance, a 2022 gas model had a gooseneck capacity of 16,620 lbs, and a 2023 model had a capacity of 18,510 lbs.
Factors that affect towing capacity
- Engine: The Duramax diesel engine significantly increases towing capacity over the gas engine.
- Cab and bed configuration: The type of cab (e.g., crew, double) and bed length will impact the specific limits.
- Trim and options: Added options and the specific trim level can also change the final towing capacity.
- Onboard cargo: The amount of weight inside the truck (passengers, cargo) reduces the amount of weight that can be towed.
This video explains how the 2500HD's payload capacity is affected by the trailer weight: 58sJB ReviewsYouTube · Mar 25, 2025
Important considerations
- Always check the vehicle's owner's manual for the most accurate towing capacity for your specific truck.
- Be aware of the difference between conventional towing and 5th wheel/gooseneck towing capacities.
- The maximum towing capacity is a manufacturer's rating and does not account for all factors, so it's important to stay below the limit and drive safely.
How much can a 2500 HD 6.6 Duramax tow?
The towing capacity for a Chevy 2500 with a 6.6L Duramax engine varies by model year, but recent models can tow up to 20,000 lbs conventionally and 22,430–22,500 lbs with a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch. The highest capacity, up to 22,500 lbs, is found in the 2024 model with a fifth-wheel setup, while the 2025 model can tow up to 22,430 lbs with a fifth-wheel hitch.
This video compares the towing performance of a Chevy 2500 Duramax with a fifth-wheel hitch: 1mGetty's GarageYouTube · Apr 11, 2024
2025 Model Year
- Conventional towing: 20,000 lbs
- Fifth-wheel/gooseneck towing: 22,430 lbs
2024 Model Year
- Conventional towing: 20,000 lbs
- Fifth-wheel/gooseneck towing: 22,500 lbs
2023 Model Year
- Conventional towing: 18,510 lbs
- Fifth-wheel/gooseneck towing: 18,510 lbs
2022 Model Year
- Conventional towing: 18,500 lbs
- Fifth-wheel/gooseneck towing: 18,510 lbs
2020 Model Year
- Conventional towing: 18,500 lbs
- Fifth-wheel/gooseneck towing: 18,510 lbs
What is the 80% towing rule?
Many RVers are strict followers of the 80% or 80/20 rule of towing, and it's a great rule to live by if you want to ensure you don't overload your tow vehicle. The 80% towing rule is less of a “rule” and more of an idea: don't pull a trailer with a GVWR that is more than 80% of your vehicle's maximum towing capacity.
How much weight can Duramax 6.6 L Turbo Diesel pull?
The available 6.6-liter Duramax turbo diesel V-8 provides you with a maximum conventional towing capacity of 20,000 pounds1 and a maximum gooseneck towing capacity of 36,000 pounds,1 the highest of the GMC Sierra towing capacity range.
