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What is the ground clearance of the Trail Boss?

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trail Boss typically sits around 9.9 inches (about 25 cm) of ground clearance, though the exact figure can vary slightly with year, tire size, and load. This level is designed to balance off-road capability with everyday usability.

Understanding the Trail Boss

The Trail Boss is a off-road-oriented trim level of Chevrolet’s Silverado 1500 pickup. It features a raised suspension, off-road tires, and other hardware optimized for rougher terrain while keeping payload and towing utility intact. Ground clearance is a key part of its capability, affecting approach and departure angles as well as protection for underbody components.

Official figures and practical reality

Chevrolet’s current specifications for the Silverado 1500 Trail Boss list a ground clearance near 9.9 inches. In practice, drivers often see a range of about 9.8 to 10.0 inches depending on the exact configuration, wheel/tire choice, and how the vehicle is loaded or driven.

Yearly and configuration differences

Ground clearance can shift slightly across model years and with different wheel and tire packages. The Trail Boss’ off-road setup—such as tire size and suspension tuning—plays a leading role in the final height from ground to undercarriage.

Factors that influence the measured ground clearance include:

Tire size and type (33-inch off-road tires vs. smaller all-terrain tires)

Suspension setup and ride height adjustments from the Z71/off-road package

Vehicle load, payload, and towing weight, which can compress suspension slightly

Wheel offset and fender clearance, which interact with tire size to affect total height

Model year and regional specifications, which may differ slightly by market

In practice, expect the Trail Boss to offer roughly 9.8–10.0 inches of ground clearance, with small variations based on the factors listed above.

Bottom line

For most drivers, the Trail Boss delivers about 9.9 inches of ground clearance as a baseline, making it capable of light to moderate off-road use while preserving daily drivability. If you’re planning steep off-road trails or heavy loads, consider how tire choice and payload will affect the actual clearance you’ll experience.

Summary

The Trail Boss’ ground clearance centers around 9.9 inches, but real-world height can vary slightly with year, tires, suspension, and load. For precise figures on a specific vehicle, consult the exact model year’s Chevrolet specifications or check the build sheet for your trim and tire combination.

What Silverado 1500 to stay away from?

You should avoid the Chevy Silverado 1500 model years 2014–2016, 2019–2021, and 2007–2011 due to common issues like transmission problems, engine issues, and electrical faults. Specifically, the 2014 model is widely cited as having frequent and expensive problems with the new 8-speed transmission and air conditioning.

This video discusses several Chevy Silverado model years to avoid: 59sCar ExpertlyYouTube · Jun 4, 2025
Model years to avoid

2007–2011: These early GMT900 models are known for Active Fuel Management (AFM) system issues, leading to oil consumption, lifter noise, and potentially costly engine repairs.
2014: This model year is frequently cited as one of the worst due to high numbers of recalls and complaints. Problems include faulty airbags, a problematic 8-speed transmission, and A/C system failures.
2015–2016: These years had numerous recalls and were associated with transmission and suspension problems. The 2016 model also had a high number of complaints related to braking, especially in wet conditions.
2017: A significant number of complaints, particularly from Consumer Reports, point to severe transmission issues, such as rough shifting and jerking.
2019–2021: These early T1XX models experienced recalls and widespread complaints related to engine bearing issues and the Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) system.

How much ground clearance does a Chevy Trail Boss have?

As the name implies, the 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss is equally comfortable on and off the pavement. Chevy has provided this truck with the goods to handle plenty of difficult terrain, starting with a Z71 suspension with a factory lift that increases ground clearance from just over 8 inches to 11.1 inches.

What is the holy grail of Duramax?

So far, this line has gone through seven main generations. Among these is the LBZ, which GM offered between 2006 and 2007. Ask around, and many Chevy and GM fans will agree that this is the Holy Grail of all Duramax engines, and rightfully so.

What is the difference between a Z71 and a Trail Boss?

The main differences are that the Trail Boss is a more rugged, work-oriented off-road truck, while the Z71 is a more luxurious and feature-rich trim with a more premium look. The Trail Boss has a 2-inch suspension lift, a wider track, and more off-road-focused features like black plastic cladding and black tow hooks. The Z71 has a more refined exterior with painted trim, standard LED lighting, and fog lights, a wider array of interior comforts like available heated and ventilated seats, and a more premium feel.
This video explains the differences between the Trail Boss and Z71 trims: 1mChevy DudeYouTube · Mar 1, 2023
Trail Boss

Off-road focused: Features a 2-inch suspension lift and a wider track, making it more capable for serious off-roading.
Work-oriented styling: Has a more rugged exterior with matte black plastic, black tow hooks, and standard halogen headlights.
Interior: Features a more basic interior with standard climate control, though newer models can be optioned with nicer seats and features.
Ground clearance: Offers higher ground clearance due to its factory lift.

Z71

Luxury and features: Has a more premium and comfortable interior with features like available heated/ventilated seats, leather options, and a larger infotainment screen.
Refined styling: Features a more premium look with painted body-color trim, a gloss black grille, and standard LED headlights and fog lights.
Off-road capability: Still has off-road capabilities and a tuned suspension, but it is not as high or wide as the Trail Boss.
Amenities: Comes standard with more amenities, such as LED lighting, fog lights, and options like adaptive cruise control.

This video compares the Trail Boss and Z71 trims side-by-side: 45sTestDrivenTVYouTube · Feb 20, 2023

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.