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What is the payload capacity of the Silverado 3500 SRW?

The payload capacity of the Silverado 3500 SRW varies by configuration, but in general it sits in the roughly 4,000 to 7,000-pound range depending on cab, bed, and GVWR. For a given truck, payload is calculated as GVWR minus curb weight.

What influences payload capacity

Several factors determine exactly how much payload a Silverado 3500 SRW can carry. The most influential are the factory GVWR rating for the chosen configuration, the truck’s curb weight, and any added equipment that increases weight. Below are the main variables at play.

Configuration and body style: Regular Cab, Double Cab, or Crew Cab; long bed or standard bed affect curb weight and GVWR.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): The maximum safe combined weight of vehicle, passengers, cargo, and fuel. Different trims and options push GVWR higher or lower.

Drivetrain and options: 4x4 vs 4x2, diesel vs gas engines, and heavy equipment packages can alter curb weight and GVWR.

Added equipment and aftermarket gear: Bins, toolboxes, lifting equipment, and accessories add weight and reduce payload.

Occupants and cargo: The weight of people and gear you carry reduces the remaining payload.

Understanding these factors helps explain why a Silverado 3500 SRW’s payload can swing across a wide range. The vehicle’s door placard shows the GVWR, while the curb weight is measured on the vehicle or can be obtained from the manufacturer’s spec sheets. Subtracting curb weight from GVWR yields the payload capacity for that exact configuration.

How to calculate your exact payload

To determine the precise payload for your Silverado 3500 SRW, follow these steps:

Locate the GVWR on the driver-side door placard or the owner’s manual for your exact configuration.

Determine the curb weight of your truck with all standard equipment and no payload or passengers. This can be found on the vehicle’s spec sheet or weighed at a scale.

Subtract the curb weight from the GVWR. The result is the maximum payload in pounds for that configuration.

Account for occupants and cargo you actually plan to carry to avoid exceeding the stated payload.

In practice, many Silverado 3500 SRWs sit in a broad range, with higher payloads for configurations chosen with a higher GVWR and lighter curb weights, and lower payloads when heavy options are added.

Notes by model year and trim

Payload specifications can shift slightly from year to year as Chevrolet adjusts GVWR ratings, available engines, and equipment packages. If you’re shopping or choosing between trims, consult the official Chevrolet spec sheets for the exact payload for your intended build.

Summary

Payload capacity for the Silverado 3500 SRW is not a single fixed figure; it depends on the vehicle’s configuration, including cab/bed layout and GVWR. Real-world figures typically span roughly 4,000 to 7,000 pounds. To know your exact payload, check the door sticker for GVWR and the curb weight, then subtract to find the usable payload. Always plan for actual load including occupants and gear to stay within the vehicle’s limits.

How much weight can you put in the bed of a Chevy 3500?

A Chevy 3500 can hold a maximum payload of about 7,442 pounds, though this varies significantly depending on the specific configuration, such as the cab, bed length, and whether it's a single or dual-rear-wheel (DRW) model. For example, the 2024 Silverado 3500HD with a regular cab, long bed, and dual-rear-wheel axle can carry up to 7,290 pounds, while a single-rear-wheel (SRW) model with the same cab and bed is rated for much less.
Payload capacity by configuration

Regular Cab Long Bed DRW (Dual Rear Wheel): Up to 7,290 - 7,442 pounds
Regular Cab Long Bed SRW (Single Rear Wheel): Up to 4,583 - 4,590 pounds
2025 Silverado 3500HD (Max): Up to 7,237 pounds
2024 Silverado 3500HD (Max): Up to 7,442 pounds

Important considerations

Always check the specific vehicle's rating: The maximum payload is a guideline; your specific truck's rating is listed on the sticker inside the driver's doorjamb.
Payload includes passengers: The total weight in the truck, including the driver and passengers, must be less than the payload capacity.
Payload is not the same as towing: Payload is the weight you carry in the truck's bed and cab, while towing capacity is the weight you can pull behind the truck.

What is the payload capacity of the 2025 Chevy 3500 single wheel?

7,442 pounds
Max Payload

Specification	Details
Available Engine	6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel – 470 hp, 975 lb-ft torque
Transmission	Allison 10-Speed Automatic
Maximum Towing	36,000 pounds (diesel, dually configuration)
Maximum Payload	7,442 pounds

What is the payload of a Chevy 3500HD SRW?

The payload capacity for a Chevy 3500 SRW varies by configuration, but the maximum available payload can be as high as 7,442 pounds for some models, while other configurations may have a max payload around 3,700 to 4,500 pounds. For example, a 2025 4WD Crew Cab Long Bed SRW model has a max payload of 4,472 pounds, and a Regular Cab Long Bed SRW with the gas engine has a 4,583-pound payload.
You can watch this video to see a real-world example of a Chevy Silverado 3500 SRW's payload capacity: 59sTruck KingYouTube · Jan 22, 2024
Payload capacity by configuration

Configuration	2025 Model Payload (lbs)
Regular Cab Long Bed SRW (2WD)	4,583 (Gas V8)
Regular Cab Long Bed SRW (4WD)	4,590 (Gas V8)
Double Cab Long Bed SRW (2WD)	4,464
Double Cab Long Bed SRW (4WD)	4,456
Crew Cab Standard Bed SRW (2WD)	4,332
Crew Cab Standard Bed SRW (4WD)	4,361
Crew Cab Long Bed SRW (2WD)	4,429
Crew Cab Long Bed SRW (4WD)	4,472

Engine: The turbo-diesel engine is typically paired with higher payloads and towing capacities compared to the gas engine.
Drivetrain: 4WD configurations often have slightly lower payload capacities than their 2WD counterparts due to the added weight of the 4WD components.
Cab and bed size: Crew cabs and long beds are heavier, reducing the available payload compared to a regular cab and standard bed configuration.
Specific packages: Options like the High Country trim or snow plow prep packages can affect the payload capacity.

What is the payload difference between a Chevy 2500 and 3500?

The Chevy 3500 has a significantly higher maximum payload capacity than the 2500, with the 3500's payload reaching up to 7,442 pounds for single rear wheel (SRW) models, while the 2500's maximum is approximately 4,039 pounds. The 3500's higher capacity is due to its more robust frame, heavier-duty suspension components like additional leaf springs, and beefier rear axle.

Feature	2500 HD	3500 HD
Maximum Payload Capacity	Up to ~4,039 pounds	Up to 7,442 pounds (SRW)
Suspension	Five-leaf spring pack	Five-leaf pack plus two additional helper springs
Rear Axle	6,600 lbs Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)	7,250 lbs GAWR
Overall Purpose	Designed for heavy-duty hauling, providing a good balance of capability and a smoother ride for everyday use	Engineered for the most demanding tasks, with a focus on maximum load-bearing capacity and stability

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.