How much does a Chevy 5500 weigh?
A Chevy 5500 typically weighs about 9,500–12,000 pounds in curb weight, with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of up to about 19,500 pounds. Exact numbers depend on the cab configuration, drivetrain, and body or attachments chosen for the truck.
What the numbers mean
Understanding truck weights requires distinguishing between curb weight, GVWR, and payload. Curb weight is the vehicle’s own mass with a full tank of fuel but no passengers or cargo. GVWR is the maximum safe weight the vehicle can carry, including people, cargo, fuel, and any installed options. Payload is simply GVWR minus curb weight and represents how much cargo and passengers the truck can legally haul.
Typical weights by configuration
The following ranges reflect common Silverado 5500HD configurations. Actual figures can vary with engine choice, cab type, bed length, and whether the truck is SRW (single rear wheel) or DRW (dual rear wheel).
- SRW Regular Cab / Crew Cab, 2WD: curb weight roughly 9,600–10,400 lb (4,360–4,720 kg); GVWR commonly up to 19,500 lb (8,865 kg).
- SRW Crew Cab, 4x4: curb weight roughly 10,600–11,500 lb (4,810–5,210 kg); GVWR up to 19,500 lb (8,865 kg).
- DRW Crew Cab, 2WD or 4x4: curb weight roughly 11,000–12,000 lb (4,990–5,443 kg); GVWR up to 19,500 lb (8,865 kg).
- Cab/Chassis variants (with various bodies): curb weight typically in the 10,500–12,500 lb range, with GVWR around 19,500 lb.
Weight varies with the body and equipment installed. Heavy-duty features, larger cabs, or additional wheels add mass, which reduces payload capacity even if GVWR stays at or near the same ceiling.
Payload and GVWR: how they relate
Payload—the maximum load you can carry—equals GVWR minus curb weight. For a 5500HD with a curb weight near 10,000 lb and a GVWR of 19,500 lb, the payload would be about 9,500 lb. If the curb weight creeps toward 12,000 lb, payload drops to about 7,500 lb. This relationship helps businesses plan hauling, towing, and material transport within safe limits.
How to find the exact weight for your truck
To know your specific Chevy 5500’s weight, use these steps. Check the door jamb certification label on the driver’s side for the GVWR and axle weights. Review the original window sticker or spec sheet from the dealer for curb weight estimates. If you need precise figures, have the vehicle weighed on a certified scale (truck scales are common at commercial facilities or grain terminals) with and without payload to determine actual load capacity.
When weight matters most
Weight figures matter for planning payload, compliance with highway and bridge limits, and ensuring safe operation of towing or heavy-duty equipment. Fleet managers and owners often track curb weight and payload to optimize fuel economy, safety, and performance.
Summary
The Chevy 5500 sits in the medium-duty class with a typical curb weight roughly between 9,500 and 12,000 pounds and a GVWR up to about 19,500 pounds. Exact numbers depend on configuration, including cab style, drivetrain, and any installed bodies or equipment. For precise figures, consult the vehicle’s label, original documentation, or a certified scale weighing the unit with and without payload.
Bottom line
For budgeting and planning purposes, expect a Chevy 5500’s weight to fall within the ranges outlined above, with payload typically in the 7,500–9,500 pound neighborhood for many common configurations. Always verify the specific vehicle’s weights to ensure compliance and safe operation for your applications.
