How much can a Chevy Express 3500 tow?

The Express 3500 can tow up to roughly 9,600 pounds when it’s properly equipped, though most configurations fall below that and typically tow between 7,000 and 9,000 pounds depending on the engine and options.

The exact towing number for a given van depends on several factors, including the engine choice, axle ratio, transmission, brakes, and whether a towing package or trailer brakes are installed. For the most accurate rating, consult the door jamb sticker and the vehicle’s owner’s manual for your particular build.

What affects towing capacity

Towing capacity is not a single fixed value. It reflects the van’s ability to pull a trailer under certain conditions, and the rating can change with different configurations and equipment. The following factors most influence the number you’ll see on the label:

Gasoline engine options and their impact

Chevrolet offered several gasoline engines in the Express 3500 over the years. Generally, more displacement and higher torque translate to higher towing potential when paired with the right transmission and gearing.

• 6.0L V8 gasoline: typically the strongest option for towing; with the towing package, it commonly reaches up to about 9,600 pounds.


• 5.3L V8 gasoline: another common choice that supports substantial towing capability, often in the upper range of 7,000–9,000 pounds depending on equipment.


• 4.8L V8 gasoline: a smaller V8 that generally provides about 7,000–8,000 pounds with proper brakes and hitch.


• 4.3L V6 gasoline: the least torque-heavy option among typical engines, with towing potential around 6,000–7,500 pounds depending on setup.

Note: These figures assume a factory towing package, trailer brakes on the trailer, and the correct hitch class. Real-world towing will vary based on configuration and trailer characteristics.

Other factors and considerations

Beyond engine choice, several additional elements influence how much the Express 3500 can pull safely. Understanding these helps you plan loads and avoid overloading the van.

1. Vehicle weight and payload capacity (GVWR vs. curb weight)


2. Rear axle ratio and transmission gearing


3. Availability of a factory towing package and trailer brake controller


4. Presence of proper hitch, hitch class, and wiring

In practice, the combination of these factors will determine the usable towing capacity. Always verify your particular build’s rating on the label inside the driver’s door and in the owner’s manual before attaching trailers.

How to verify the towing rating for your van

To confirm the exact towing capacity for your specific Express 3500, follow these steps using official documentation and your vehicle’s identifiers.

1. Check the doorjamb sticker on the driver's side for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the maximum tow rating.


2. Refer to the owner’s manual or the GM “towing guide” for your model year to match the axle ratio and drivetrain to the correct towing figure.


3. If you’re unsure about your build, contact a GM dealer with your VIN to pull the exact specs from GM’s database.


4. Ensure your trailer and hitch setup meet the necessary requirements (trailers with brakes, correct hitch class, safety chains, and lighting).

For a practical takeaway, treat the 9,600-pound figure as the ceiling for the strongest, properly equipped gasoline configuration, while recognizing that many everyday setups will tow less. Always base towing plans on your van’s official rating for safety and compliance.

Summary

The Chevy Express 3500’s towing potential varies by year, engine, and equipment. In current or recent configurations, a well-equipped 6.0L V8 gasoline model can approach roughly 9,600 pounds of towing capacity, with other engine options offering lower ratings. The exact value for your van depends on engine choice, axle ratio, transmission, and whether a towing package and trailer brakes are installed. To ensure accuracy, check the door sticker, consult the owner’s manual, and verify via the VIN with a dealer when planning a tow.

What van has 10000 lb towing capacity?

The Chevy Express 3500 Cargo Van and the GMC Savana 3500 are full-size vans that can have a towing capacity of up to 10,000 lbs when equipped with the optional V8 engine. Other full-size vans, such as the older Ford E-Series, are also capable of this level of towing, though their newer configurations may have different capacities.
 
Vans with a 10,000 lb towing capacity 

• Chevrolet Express 3500: Can tow up to 10,000 lbs with the 6.6L V8 engine. 
• GMC Savana 3500: Can tow up to 10,000 lbs. 
• Ford E-Series: Some models, particularly the E-350, are rated for 10,000 lbs towing capacity. 

Important considerations

• Engine: The towing capacity is dependent on the specific engine. For instance, a Chevy Express with a turbo-diesel engine has a lower towing capacity. 
• Drivetrain and configuration: The drivetrain (e.g., rear-wheel drive) and the specific configuration (e.g., cargo vs. passenger) of the van will impact its towing capabilities. 
• Payload: While towing capacity is a major factor, consider the van's payload capacity as well, which is the maximum weight it can carry inside. 

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 can a Chevy Express 3500 pull?

10,000 lbs.
The all-new 6.6L V8 engine is a beast with 401 horsepower, 464 lb. -ft. of torque, and it can tow a large work trailer with a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 lbs. in both the 2021 Chevrolet Express 2500 and the 2021 Chevy Express 3500 for sale.

How much can a Chevy 3500 pull?

The Chevy 3500's towing capacity varies significantly based on configuration, with a maximum of 36,000 pounds for a properly equipped dual rear wheel (DRW) model and a maximum of around 20,000 pounds for conventional towing. Single rear wheel (SRW) models have a lower capacity, while DRW models offer higher payload and towing numbers, particularly when using a 5th-wheel or gooseneck hitch. 
Maximum capacities

• Maximum 5th-wheel/gooseneck towing: Up to 36,000 lbs (with a DRW and the Max Trailering Package) 
• Maximum conventional towing: Up to 20,000 lbs (with a DRW) 

This video explains how to hitch a gooseneck trailer to a Chevy Silverado 3500: 54sJB ReviewsYouTube · Sep 6, 2019
Factors influencing towing capacity

• Rear wheels: Dual rear wheel (DRW) models have significantly higher towing and payload capacities than single rear wheel (SRW) models due to increased traction and a higher gross vehicle weight rating. 
• Engine: The 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel engine provides the highest towing numbers, while the 6.6L V8 gas engine still offers substantial towing capacity. 
• Hitch type: 5th-wheel and gooseneck hitches allow for the highest towing capacities compared to conventional hitches. 
• Configuration: Body style (regular, double, or crew cab) and specific packages, like the Max Trailering Package, can adjust the final towing maximum. 

This video shows the difference in towing capacity between a Chevy 2500 and 3500: 59sJB ReviewsYouTube · Mar 25, 2025