How much can a express 3500 Duramax tow?

The Express 3500 van equipped with a Duramax diesel typically tows about 9,000–12,000 pounds, depending on year, wheelbase, and factory equipment. The exact rating is listed on the vehicle’s door jamb sticker and in the owner's manual.

To understand the figure in context, this article explains the main factors that influence towing capacity, includes typical range expectations for common configurations, and shows how to verify the precise rating for your specific van.

Understanding the capacity range

Towing capacity for the Express 3500 Duramax varies by year, trim, wheelbase, and whether the van has a factory tow package. The ranges below reflect common setups seen in practice across recent model years.

Note: These are general ranges for Duramax-powered Express 3500 vans and can shift with changes in GVWR, axle ratios, and optional equipment. Always confirm with official documentation for your exact vehicle.

• Factory tow package with appropriate gearing and equipment: roughly 10,000–12,000 pounds.


• Standard Duramax configuration without heavy-duty towing options: about 9,000–10,500 pounds.


• Higher-GVWR or dual rear-wheel configurations (where available): up to around 12,000 pounds.

These figures illustrate typical values; for planning purposes, verify the exact GCWR and tow rating on your van’s specification label and in the owner’s manual.

What affects the towing capacity

Several factors determine the maximum trailer weight a given Express 3500 can safely pull. Beyond the engine, these considerations shape the official rating.

• GVWR and GCWR limits: The combined weight of the van and trailer must stay within these ratings.


• Tow package availability: Factory-installed hitches, wiring, and sometimes a trailer brake controller influence the usable tow rating.


• Trailer braking and hitch class: Proper braking on the trailer and the correct hitch class can enable higher ratings and safer stops.



• Payload versus tow load: The van’s payload capacity reduces the weight available for the trailer; plan with both in mind.

When planning a tow, always stay within the published maximums and account for payload, trailer weight, and long-term reliability.

How to verify the exact rating for your van

To ensure you use the correct figure for planning, confirm the official numbers for your specific year, wheelbase, and trim.

• Check the door jamb sticker for GCWR and the exact maximum tow rating for your configuration.


• Consult the owner’s manual for towing guidance, recommended hitch classes, and braking requirements.


• Review GM’s official spec sheets or your dealer’s build sheet to confirm optional towing equipment.


• If in doubt, contact a Chevrolet/GMC dealer or service center to verify the precise rating for your vehicle.

Summary

In general, a Duramax-powered Express 3500 can tow between about 9,000 and 12,000 pounds, with the exact number dependent on year, wheelbase, and factory equipment. Always rely on the model-year specification and your vehicle’s door-stamp data to determine the safe maximum trailer weight before towing.

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. 

Can a Chevy Express tow 10,000 lbs?

Towing Capacity
One advantage to choosing a 2022 Chevy Express Van is its ability to tow trailers. For example, the Express Cargo with a V6 engine can tow up to 7,400 pounds. If you choose the optional V8 engine, you can tow up to 10,000 pounds, while the turbo-diesel will allow your Express Cargo to tow 7,000 pounds.

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 a 3500 Duramax diesel pull?

The towing capacity for a 3500 Duramax depends on the specific configuration, but with the right setup, it can reach up to 36,000 pounds (gooseneck/fifth-wheel). Other configurations have lower capacities, such as up to 20,000 pounds conventional towing or 21,900 pounds with a single rear-wheel (SRW) model for a gooseneck hitch. The highest capacity requires the dual-rear-wheel (DRW) option, the Duramax engine, and the Max Trailering Package.
 
Towing capacity by configuration

• Maximum towing (36,000 pounds): Achieved with a dual-rear-wheel (DRW), Regular Cab, gooseneck hitch, and the Max Trailering Package.
• Conventional towing: Can reach up to 20,000 pounds with a DRW configuration.
• Gooseneck/fifth-wheel towing:
  • Dual-rear-wheel (DRW): Up to 31,580 to 36,000 pounds, depending on the cab style and if the Max Trailering Package is included.
  • Single-rear-wheel (SRW): Up to 21,900 to 22,430 pounds, depending on the cab style. 

Factors influencing towing capacity

• Dual-rear-wheel (DRW) vs. Single-rear-wheel (SRW): The DRW setup significantly increases towing capacity. 
• Cab style: Regular, Double, and Crew Cab configurations have different towing limits. 
• Drivetrain: Two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) options also affect capacity. 
• Towing package: The Max Trailering Package is required to achieve the highest 36,000-pound rating. 

Important to remember

• Always consult your owner's manual and the specific doorframe sticker on your truck for the exact towing capacity of your vehicle.
• The numbers above are for properly equipped models and may vary.