What is the towing capacity of a 2016 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD?

The 2016 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD’s towing capacity varies by engine, drivetrain, cab/bed configuration, and hitch type. In general, the diesel Duramax-equipped models tow significantly more than the gasoline version — with conventional towing around the low-to-mid 20,000 pounds for diesel and roughly 13,000–14,000 pounds for the gas model. Gooseneck or fifth-wheel setups push those numbers higher, but exact figures depend on the build.

Below is a closer look at typical figures for common configurations and the factors that influence them. While these numbers reflect factory ratings, always check the specific window sticker for your exact truck and consult the owner's manual for safe towing practices.

Engine options and typical towing figures

Engine choice is the primary driver of towing capacity on the 2016 Silverado 3500HD. The following ranges illustrate conventional towing for common builds, noting that actual numbers depend on cab/bed, axle ratio, and whether a standard bumper hitch or heavy-duty hitch package is installed.

• Gasoline 6.0L V8: Conventional towing up to about 13,000–14,000 pounds in typical configurations.


• Diesel Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel: Conventional towing up to about 23,000 pounds in common DRW (dual rear wheel) setups; with appropriate hitching and equipment, gooseneck/fifth-wheel configurations can reach roughly 30,000 pounds, depending on the exact build.

These figures represent conventional towing ratings. The presence of four-wheel drive, different axle ratios, and the cab/bed combination can shift the exact number by a noticeable margin.

How ratings are determined

Towing ratings are calculated from a combination of engine torque, transmission capability, axle ratios, braking, suspension, and overall vehicle weight limits (GVWR and GCWR). The Silverado 3500HD’s most capable output typically comes from the Duramax diesel paired with the heavy-duty towing package, but the precise limit for any given vehicle will depend on how it’s equipped and whether it’s configured for gooseneck or fifth-wheel towing.

Hitch configurations and real-world limits

Beyond the engine, the type of trailer hitch and trailer configuration significantly affect the official towing capacity. The following outlines common scenarios for the 2016 model year.

• Conventional bumper-pull towing: Gas models generally top out around 13,000–14,000 pounds, while Duramax diesel models often reach about 23,000 pounds, depending on other specs.


• Gooseneck and fifth-wheel towing: For diesel-equipped 3500HD trucks, ratings commonly approach around 30,000 pounds, with exact numbers varying by axle/wheel configuration and hitch setup. Gas models are much more limited in these configurations.

Always verify the exact rating for your truck via the window sticker and owner’s manual. Real-world factors such as trailer weight distribution, braking requirements, and road conditions can also influence safe towing limits.

Important safety and rating considerations

When planning to tow, consider the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), tongue weight, payload, and braking capacity. Exceeding these limits can impair control, braking performance, and overall safety. If you’re matching a trailer to the Silverado 3500HD, use a weight-distributing hitch if recommended by GM and ensure your trailer is properly wired and braked for safe operation.

Summary

For the 2016 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD, towing capacity is highly configuration-dependent. Diesel-powered models with the Duramax 6.6L offer the highest conventional tow numbers, around 23,000 pounds, and can approach about 30,000 pounds with gooseneck or fifth-wheel setups. Gas models with the 6.0L V8 top out roughly in the 13,000–14,000-pound range for conventional towing. Exact ratings vary by cab/bed, axle ratio, 4x2 vs 4x4, and hitch type, so consult the manufacturer’s window sticker and manual for the precise figure on a specific truck.

In short, if you’re evaluating a 2016 Silverado 3500 HD for towing, prioritize the diesel Duramax configuration for heavier loads and always verify the exact rating for your build before pulling.

What is the towing capacity of the 2016 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD?

The 2016 Chevy 3500 towing capacity varies significantly by configuration, but with the available 6.6L Duramax turbodiesel engine, maximum conventional towing is up to 20,000 pounds, and the maximum fifth-wheel or gooseneck towing capacity is 23,200 pounds. The 6.0L gasoline engine has a lower maximum conventional towing capacity of up to 14,600 pounds.
 
6.6L Duramax Turbodiesel Engine 

• Maximum conventional towing: Up to 20,000 lbs
• Maximum fifth-wheel/gooseneck towing: Up to 23,200 lbs 

6.0L Gasoline Engine 

• Maximum conventional towing: Up to 14,600 lbs
• Note: The gasoline engine's towing capacity is lower, but still significant. 

Important Considerations

• Engine and configuration: The specific towing capacity depends on the engine (gasoline or diesel), cab style, drivetrain (2WD or 4WD), and axle ratio. 
• Other factors: Always check the specific truck's owner's manual for its exact towing capacity, as it can be affected by factors like payload and other optional equipment. 

What is the towing capacity of the 2016 Duramax?

The 2016 Duramax towing capacity varies by model: the 2016 Colorado and Canyon models with the 2.8L four-cylinder Duramax have a maximum capacity of 7,700 pounds, while the Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD with the 6.6L V8 Duramax can tow up to 18,000 to 20,000 pounds, depending on configuration. The specific capacity depends on the truck's model, cab configuration, drivetrain (2WD or 4WD), and factory-installed trailering options. 
Midsize trucks

• 2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax: 7,700 pounds (2WD)
• 2016 GMC Canyon Duramax: 7,700 pounds (crew cab) 

Heavy-duty trucks

• 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Duramax: Up to 18,000 pounds (when properly equipped) 
• 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Duramax: Up to 20,000 pounds with a conventional hitch and 22,500 pounds with a gooseneck/fifth-wheel hitch (when equipped with the Max Trailering Package) 

What year should I have my Chevy Silverado 3500 to avoid?

The 2012 Silverado 3500HD stands out as the worst model year according to CarComplaints.com, with numerous issues reported by owners. A major concern is the dashboard cracking, even in low-mileage vehicles. Some owners experienced this problem with as little as 26,000 miles on the odometer.

How much can a 6.6 Duramax 3500 pull?

36,000 pounds
The Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8
This is the engine that allows the maximum Chevy 3500 towing capacity of up to 36,000 pounds. This incredible number is typically achieved with a dual-rear-wheel setup, which gives the truck added stability, and a 5th-wheel or gooseneck hitch.