How much weight can you put in a Chevy 3500 dually?
The payload you can carry in a Chevy 3500 dually varies by configuration, but most dual-rear-wheel Silverado 3500HDs offer roughly 4,000 to 7,000 pounds of payload—check the door jamb placard for the exact rating on your truck.
Understanding payload on the Silverado 3500HD DRW
Payload is the maximum weight you can place in the vehicle (cargo plus passengers) without exceeding the truck’s gross vehicle weight rating. For the Silverado 3500HD with dual rear wheels, the precise payload depends on factors like cab style, bed length, drivetrain, and optional equipment. It is distinct from towing capacity, which describes how heavy a trailer you can pull. Always verify the exact figures for your specific truck year and configuration.
Key factors that determine payload include the vehicle’s GVWR, curb weight, and the weights of installed options. The more equipment or heavier options your truck has, the higher the curb weight and the lower the payload capacity will be, all else equal. Passenger weight and any add-ons such as snow plows or auxiliary equipment also reduce payload available for cargo.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): The maximum allowable total weight of the vehicle, including passengers, cargo, and the vehicle itself.
- Curb weight: The weight of the vehicle without passengers or cargo, but with standard fluids and options installed.
- Cab/bed configuration and drivetrain: Different trims and cab styles can shift curb weight and GVWR, affecting payload.
- Installed options and accessories: Heavy equipment like plows, tool boxes, or aftermarket gear adds weight and reduces payload.
In practice, these factors combine to produce a payload range that can vary by several hundred to a couple thousand pounds from one build to another. Always use the exact spec for your truck when planning heavy loads.
How to determine your truck’s exact payload
To determine your Silverado 3500HD’s precise payload, follow these steps. This ensures you stay within safe limits for both cargo and hitching configurations.
- Locate the GVWR on the driver’s door placard. This is the maximum allowable weight for the vehicle, including passengers and cargo.
- Find the curb weight from the manufacturer’s specification sheet or a reputable weigh station. This is the weight of the truck with standard equipment and fluids, but no payload.
- Subtract the curb weight from the GVWR. The result is the payload capacity for that exact configuration.
- Account for the weight of passengers you regularly carry. Subtract their combined weight from the payload, if applicable.
- Consider any added aftermarket equipment or heavy options that increase curb weight. Adjust the payload accordingly.
- For towing, also review the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) from the spec sheet. This indicates the maximum combined weight of the vehicle and a trailer, which is separate from payload.
Following these steps will yield your truck’s usable payload for cargo and passengers. If you frequently carry heavy loads or tow, consider using a scale (e.g., at a truck stop) to verify real-world weight.
Typical payload ranges by configuration
While exact numbers vary by model year, engine choice, and options, these ranges provide a baseline for common Silverado 3500HD DRW configurations. For precise figures, consult your vehicle’s door sticker and the manufacturer’s data for your year and trim.
- Crew Cab with standard bed, DRW, gasoline engine: roughly 4,000–5,500 pounds of payload.
- Crew Cab with standard bed, DRW, Duramax diesel: roughly 4,000–6,000 pounds of payload.
- Double Cab/Heavy-duty long-bed variations with DRW: roughly 4,000–6,500 pounds of payload.
- Higher GVWR setups with additional options: payload can approach 7,000 pounds in some configurations.
These figures illustrate the general envelope for payload on the Chevy 3500 dually. Because payload is highly configuration-dependent, always verify the exact rating for your specific truck and account for any heavy equipment or passenger weight you routinely carry.
Important notes on towing and weight management
Payload is separate from towing capacity. When you tow, you must also respect the GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating), which caps the total weight of the vehicle and its trailer. The hitch weight (tongue weight) should generally be kept within the range recommended by GM for your setup, typically a portion of the trailer’s gross weight. If you regularly pull heavy trailers or use distinctive hitching systems (such as gooseneck or 5th-wheel), review the owner’s manual and the placard for precise limits, and consider a professional weigh-in to ensure safe operation.
Summary
The Chevy Silverado 3500HD dually offers a substantial payload, typically in the 4,000 to 7,000-pound range, but the exact figure depends on cab/bed configuration, drivetrain, and optional equipment. To carry weight safely, identify your truck’s GVWR on the door placard, determine curb weight, and subtract to obtain the real payload. Always verify with the vehicle’s specific spec for your build, and keep GCWR and hitch limitations in mind when towing.
How much weight can a Chevy 3500 dually carry in the bed?
A Chevy 3500 dually can carry approximately 7,442 pounds, but the exact payload capacity varies by model, drivetrain, and other configurations. This figure represents the total weight the truck can handle in its bed and cabin, so you must subtract the weight of passengers, fuel, and the truck's own curb weight from the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) to determine the actual carrying capacity. It is always best to check the specific vehicle's Trailering Information Label for its exact limits.
Payload capacity factors
- Model and configuration: Payload capacity is not a single number; it depends on the specific truck. For example, a 2WD LT DRW model has a higher payload than a 4WD Diesel model.
- Drivetrain: A 2WD (two-wheel drive) model generally has a higher payload capacity than a 4WD (four-wheel drive) model.
- Engine: The engine type can also affect payload. For instance, diesel engines can sometimes reduce the payload capacity compared to a gasoline engine.
- Trailering Information Label: The most accurate information for your specific truck is listed on the Trailering Information Label, which can be found on the vehicle itself. This label provides unique metrics, including max payload.
Important considerations
- Payload vs. GVWR: Payload capacity is what you can load into the truck, but it must not exceed the truck's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
- Calculate your own load: To find out how much you can carry, subtract the weight of the truck (including its own fluids and equipment) and the weight of any passengers from the GVWR.
- Staying under the limit: It is crucial to stay under the payload limit to avoid overloading and damaging the vehicle. You can get your loaded truck weighed at a public scale to confirm.
How much weight can you put in the back of a Chevy 3500?
The bed weight capacity, or payload capacity, of a Chevy 3500 varies by model year, configuration, and engine, but it can be as high as 7,442 pounds for recent models like the 2023 and 2024 Silverado 3500HD. Some configurations have lower capacities, such as a 2025 model with a max payload of around 4,300–4,700 pounds depending on the cab and drivetrain.
Factors that determine payload capacity
- Model Year: Payload capacity has changed across model years.
- Configuration: The cab size (regular, double, or crew cab), bed length (long or standard), and drivetrain (2WD or 4WD) all affect the rating.
- Drivetrain: Whether the truck has single-rear-wheel (SRW) or dual-rear-wheel (DRW) drive can make a significant difference, with DRW models often having a higher maximum payload.
- Engine: Different engine options, especially the available turbocharged diesel V8, impact the truck's overall hauling capability.
Examples of payload capacities
- 2023 Silverado 3500HD: Maximum payload capacity of 7,442 pounds.
- 2025 Silverado 3500HD: Maximum payload rating around 7,290 pounds for a 2WD Regular Cab, Long Bed DRW configuration with a gasoline engine.
- 2025 Silverado 3500HD: Some configurations have a maximum payload of approximately 4,300–4,700 pounds, depending on the cab and drivetrain.
- 2017 Silverado 3500HD: Payload capacity of up to 4,415 pounds.
What is the cargo capacity of the Silverado 3500?
Maximum Towing and Hauling
With best-in-class towing capacity up to 36,000 pounds and maximum payload of 7,442 pounds, the Silverado 3500 HD handles the heaviest loads with confidence. The legendary Allison 10-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth power delivery in any situation.
How much weight can a 3500 dually haul?
The Ram 3500 dually towing capacity is the same as its two-rear-tires version at 36,610 pounds when properly equipped.
