How much weight can a Chevy 5500 tow?
A Chevy 5500 can typically tow about 14,000 to 26,000 pounds, depending on configuration and equipment.
Understanding the Chevy 5500’s towing capacity
The Chevy 5500 is a medium‑duty truck designed for work fleets and heavy hauling. Unlike lighter pickups, its towing capability depends on several factors beyond the engine, including the drivetrain (single vs. dual rear wheels), cab and bed configuration, transmission, axle ratios, and whether the vehicle is equipped with a factory towing package and a compatible hitch.
Key factors that affect towing
These variables determine the exact tow rating for a given 5500:
- Engine choice: gasoline (commonly a 6.0L V8) versus diesel (commonly a 6.6L Duramax); diesels typically tow more.
- Wheel arrangement: single rear wheel (SRW) versus dual rear wheels (DRW); DRW configurations can enable higher towing or better stability with heavy trailers.
- Towing package and hitch rating: factory tow packages, weight distribution hitches, and trailer brakes influence safe towing limits.
- Trailers with brakes and weight distribution: trailers with braking systems and properly distributed tongue weight affect controllability and safety.
Because the 5500 line covers multiple cab/box and chassis configurations, the precise value must be taken from the vehicle’s spec sheet, door sticker, or VIN-based build data for the exact truck in question.
Typical towing ranges by powertrain
Before looking up a specific truck, it’s helpful to understand the ballpark figures commonly cited for the 5500 in typical configurations:
- Gasoline engine (6.0L V8) with standard setup: about 14,000 to 18,000 pounds
- Diesel engine (6.6L Duramax) with appropriate equipment: about 20,000 to 26,000 pounds
Note that these ranges describe common factory configurations and can vary based on the exact cab/box/chassis, axle ratio, and whether the truck uses single or dual rear wheels. Always verify the exact rating for the specific vehicle you own or plan to buy.
How to determine your vehicle’s exact towing capacity
To know the precise tow limit for your Chevy 5500, follow these steps:
- Check the door jamb placard for GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating), GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating), and GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating). The placard may also list the maximum trailer weight.
- Consult the owner’s manual or the vehicle’s build sheet (VIN-based) to confirm the official towing specification for your exact configuration.
- Consider the hitch rating and any weight-distribution system or trailer brakes; the hitch must be rated at or above the intended tow weight.
- Account for trailer weight, cargo, and the weight on the hitch (tongue weight). Do not exceed combined weight ratings; plan for safety margins.
- When in doubt, contact a Chevrolet dealer or fleet specialist with the VIN for the definitive rating.
Bottom line: the exact towing capacity depends on your truck’s specific equipment and setup, so verify with official documentation before towing.
Summary
In practical terms, a Chevy 5500’s towing capacity typically falls in the 14,000–18,000 pound range for gas-powered configurations and roughly 20,000–26,000 pounds for diesel-powered ones, with DRW variants and towing packages offering the higher end of that spectrum. Because every 5500 can be configured differently, always check the vehicle’s GCWR/GVWR, hitch rating, and official spec sheet for your exact truck. Planning should include safe margins and proper trailer braking to ensure controlled, reliable towing.
