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What are the specs of a Chevy 5500?

The Chevy 5500 was GM’s mid-range medium-duty truck used for vocational applications in the Silverado/Kodiak/TopKick lineage. New models are no longer produced, and exact specifications vary by year, cab configuration, and body. This article outlines typical ranges and how configuration affects them.

Core specs (typical ranges)

Below is a concise overview of common specifications seen on Chevy 5500 models across generations. Exact figures depend on year, body style, and axle setup.

Engine options: Typically offered with a gasoline V8 engine (commonly a 6.0L V8) and, in some years, a diesel option. The exact displacement and output varied by model year and supplier.

Transmission: Usually an Allison automatic transmission (5- or 6-speed family such as the Allison 1000/2000), with variations by year and engine choice.

Drivetrain: Available in 2WD or 4x4 configurations to suit different vocational applications.

GVWR: Generally in the Class 6 range, roughly 19,500 to 26,000 pounds, with some dual-rear-wheel (DRW) configurations pushing toward the higher end in certain setups.

Cab and body options: Regular Cab and Crew Cab configurations were offered, with a range of bed lengths and vocational bodies (dump, stake, wrecker, etc.).

Payload and towing: Payloads and towing capacities vary widely by configuration, but typical payloads are in the several thousand-pound range and towing capacities can approach 20,000 to 30,000 pounds with appropriate equipment and axles.

Because the 5500 spanned multiple generations with different engines, axles, and bodies, the numbers above reflect general ranges rather than a single fixed specification. Always check the exact brochure or VIN-specific data for a given vehicle.

Current status and alternatives

As of 2024, GM discontinued the Silverado Medium Duty lineup (including the 4500/5500/6500). New sales of the 5500 are not available, and buyers looking for similar capability should consider the heavy-duty Silverado 2500/3500 or explore used medium-duty units from prior model years, as well as comparable offerings from competing manufacturers.

Summary

The Chevrolet 5500 was a versatile medium-duty truck used in a variety of vocational applications. Its exact specifications depended on year, cab configuration, and body type, with common themes including gasoline and diesel engine options, Allison automatic transmissions, 2WD/4x4 drivetrains, and a GVWR around 19,500–26,000 pounds. The model line has been retired by GM, so current new-production specs are not available; potential buyers should refer to historical brochures or use of the model as a reference when evaluating used vehicles or alternative current GM offerings.

How much horsepower does a Chevy 5500 have?

A Chevy 5500HD has two engine options: a 401 hp 6.6L V8 gas engine and a 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 that offers either 350 hp or a more powerful 470 hp version. The diesel engine is available in two torque outputs depending on the configuration, with the 700-750 lb-ft torque versions being more common, and the 470 hp version producing 975 lb-ft of torque.

This video provides a detailed review of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 5500HD, highlighting its engine options and performance: 53sPierre YoussefYouTube · Jan 5, 2024
Engine options

6.6L V8 Gas: 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque.
6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8:
- Standard: 350 horsepower and 700-750 pound-feet of torque.
- Available (with PTO): 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque.

How much can a Chevy 5500 tow?

A Chevy 5500 can tow a maximum of 19,500 pounds for conventional towing and up to 35,500 pounds for gooseneck/fifth-wheel setups. The exact capacity depends on the specific configuration, including the GVWR, and other options. The Silverado 5500 HD chassis cab version can have a max towing capacity of up to 43,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Conventional and gooseneck towing

Conventional towing: Up to 19,500 pounds.
Gooseneck/fifth-wheel towing: Up to 35,500 pounds.

Chassis cab configurations

Chassis cab: Up to 43,000 pounds, depending on the specific setup and how it's equipped.

Factors that influence towing capacity

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWRcap G cap V cap W cap R𝐺𝑉𝑊𝑅): This is a key factor, and the maximum towing capacity is calculated based on it. A lighter GVWR means more towing capacity, while a heavier one means less.
Configuration: Different chassis, cab style, and other options will affect the final towing number.
Engine: The 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 is the primary engine for these heavy-duty trucks and provides the power needed for heavy loads.

Important consideration

Check your specific truck's rating: Since the capacity varies, always check the specific ratings for the 5500 you are using to ensure it is capable of handling the load safely.

What is the difference between a Chevy 5500 and 6500?

The main differences between the Chevy 5500HD and 6500HD are their weight ratings and capability, with the 6500HD offering a higher Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for heavier-duty applications, greater conventional towing capacity, and a higher maximum payload. The 6500HD is generally the choice for the most demanding jobs, while the 5500HD provides a balance of power and payload for a wide range of commercial uses.

This video compares the Chevy Silverado 5500 HD and 6500 HD: 1mThe Commercial Truck GuyYouTube · Jul 23, 2019

Feature	Chevy 5500HD	Chevy 6500HD
GVWR	Up to 19,500 lbs	Up to 22,900 lbs (or 23,500 lbs for 2025 models)
Maximum Conventional Towing	Up to 19,500 lbs	Up to 30,000 lbs
Maximum Payload	Up to 10,000 lbs	Up to 16,000 lbs (for 4500HD) (or 15,940 lbs for 6500HD)
Chassis Cab Configuration	Available in 2WD and 4WD with Regular and Crew Cab options	Available in 4WD only with a Crew Cab option
Wheelbase	Available from 141 to 241 inches	Available from 171 to 241 inches

Best for: Heavy-duty tasks that require high payload capacity, such as work trucks with upfits.
Key features: A good balance of power and payload capability for many commercial uses.
Chassis options: Offers more flexibility with 2WD and 4WD options.

Chevy 6500HD

Best for: The most demanding towing and hauling jobs.
Key features: A higher weight rating and superior towing capacity.
Chassis options: Limited to 4WD and Crew Cab configurations.

How much weight can a 5500 truck pull?

A towing capacity of 5500 refers to the Ram 5500 chassis cab, which has a maximum towing capacity of up to 35,150 pounds when properly equipped. The Chevy Silverado 5500 offers a max conventional towing capacity of up to 19,500 pounds. The exact towing capacity depends on the specific model, configuration, and available equipment.

Ram 5500

Maximum towing capacity: Up to 35,150 pounds with the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine.
Maximum payload capacity: Up to 12,550 pounds with the 6.4L HEMI V8 engine.
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): 43,000 lbs.

Chevy Silverado 5500

Maximum conventional towing capacity: Up to 19,500 pounds.
Maximum gooseneck/fifth-wheel towing capacity: Up to 35,500 pounds.
Maximum towing capacity (chassis cab): Up to 43,000 pounds.
Maximum payload capacity: Up to 11,300 pounds.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.