How much does a Chevy 6500 weight?
A Chevy 6500 (the Kodiak/TopKick C6500 class-7 medium-duty truck) typically weighs about 12,000–16,000 pounds when empty, with a gross vehicle weight rating around 26,000 pounds. Exact figures depend on wheel configuration, cab choice, and the body installed.
What follows is a closer look at how those numbers are determined, what factors influence weight, and how to verify the precise figures for a specific truck.
Understanding what the 6500 refers to
The nickname “6500” is associated with GM’s medium-duty Kodiak/TopKick lineup, particularly the C6500 chassis. These trucks sit in the Class 7 range in terms of payload and GVWR. Production for this specific family ended in the late 2000s in the U.S., and weights can vary by configuration, body type (box, dump, bucket, etc.), engine, and wheel setup.
Weight ranges by configuration
Below are typical approximate curb weights for common configurations. These figures are intended as guidance and can vary with options, axles, and aftermarket equipment.
- SRW (single rear wheel) curb weight: roughly 11,000–14,000 pounds
- DRW (dual rear wheel) curb weight: roughly 13,000–16,000 pounds
- GVWR: commonly around 26,000 pounds (some variants may differ slightly by year or spec)
Because the exact weight depends on cab type, engine choice, and body style, always check the door jamb sticker or the build sheet for the precise curb weight and GVWR of a given truck.
How weight affects payload and performance
Payload capacity is the portion of the GVWR that can be used for cargo and passengers. It is calculated as GVWR minus curb weight, so heavier curb weights reduce the available payload even if the GVWR stays the same.
- Example: GVWR 26,000 lb minus curb weight 13,000 lb yields a payload of about 13,000 lb.
- Example: GVWR 26,000 lb minus curb weight 16,000 lb yields a payload of about 10,000 lb.
In practice, payload can also be affected by fuel level, added equipment, and aftermarket ballast. Always verify the exact numbers for your specific configuration when planning hauling or towing tasks.
Verifying the exact weight for a specific truck
To determine the precise curb weight and GVWR for a given Chevy 6500, use official sources tied to the vehicle. This ensures accuracy for ownership, insurance, or commercial use.
- Door jamb weight sticker or GVWR/GAWR labeling on the vehicle
- VIN-based build sheet or GM service portal data
- Owner’s manual or dealer documentation for spec sheets
If buying used, request a recent weight certification or a VIN-decoded build sheet to confirm the exact numbers for that unit.
Summary
In brief, the Chevy 6500 is a medium-duty truck with a typical curb weight in the low to mid-teens of thousands of pounds and a GVWR around 26,000 pounds. Exact figures vary by configuration—especially wheel setup (SRW vs DRW), cab, and the installed body. Always verify the door sticker or build sheet for the precise curb weight and GVWR to accurately estimate payload and plan any hauling or towing tasks.
How much does a 1997 Chevy c6500 weight?
Weight: 13,420lb.
What is the GVWR of a Chevy 6500HD?
22,900 pounds
See what you need to know about the Chevy Silverado 6500 towing capacity and other Chevy Silverado 6500 specs: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of up to 22,900 pounds. Maximum Chevy Silverado 6500 towing capacity of over 23,000 pounds. Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) max of 30,000 pounds.
How much does a Chevy 6500 weigh?
Depending on the cab, upfit, and configuration, the 2024 Silverado 6500 HD's wheelbase measures anywhere from 165 to 243 inches and has a gross vehicle weight rating between 21,000 and 23,500 pounds.
Do you need a CDL for a Chevy 6500?
No, you do not need a CDL for a Chevy 6500 if its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is below 26,001 pounds, which is a common configuration for the Silverado 6500 HD. However, a CDL is required if the vehicle's GVWR is 26,001 pounds or more, or if the combined weight of the truck and towed trailer exceeds 26,001 pounds and the trailer weighs over 10,000 pounds.
When a CDL is NOT required
- Standard Chevy 6500 HD: The standard Silverado 6500 HD often has a GVWR between 21,500 and 23,500 pounds, making it a non-CDL vehicle for single-unit operation.
- Towing below 10,000 pounds: If the truck's GVWR is below 26,001 pounds, you can tow a trailer weighing 10,000 pounds or less without a CDL.
When a CDL IS required
- Vehicle with GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more: Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more requires a CDL. This is applicable if the truck is a heavier configuration.
- Towing a trailer over 10,000 pounds: If you are towing a trailer with a GVWR of over 10,000 pounds, a CDL is required if the combined GVWR of the truck and trailer is 26,001 pounds or more.
- Commercial use: If you are using the vehicle for commercial purposes (to make money), you may need a CDL even if the weights are below the 26,001-pound threshold, depending on your state's laws.
