What is the towing capacity of the 2018 Chevy 3500HD?
Answer: The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD’s towing capacity varies by engine and configuration, with up to about 23,100 pounds of conventional towing when equipped with the Duramax diesel and up to roughly 14,500 pounds with the gas engine. When paired with a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch, the diesel option can reach as high as about 34,000 pounds. Exact figures depend on cab/bed configuration, axle ratio, transmission, and drivetrain, so always confirm the window sticker for your specific build.
Context: The 2018 Silverado 3500HD is Chevrolet’s heavy-duty pickup designed for maximum towing and payload. Because there are multiple cab and bed configurations, as well as two engines and several drivetrain options, the precise towing rating changes from one truck to another. This article breaks down the typical maximums and the factors that influence them.
Overview of towing capacity by engine
The following figures reflect conventional towing and, for the diesel, gooseneck/fifth-wheel capabilities when the truck is properly configured. They can vary by axle ratio, cab/bed choice, and other options.
- Duramax 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel: Conventional towing up to 23,100 pounds; gooseneck/fifth-wheel towing up to about 34,000 pounds with the appropriate hitch and setup.
- Gasoline 6.0L V8: Conventional towing up to roughly 14,500 pounds; gooseneck/fifth-wheel capacity is typically not emphasized in the same way as the diesel and depends on exact configuration and hitching.
In short, the diesel-equipped 2018 Silverado 3500HD offers the highest towing capability, especially when using a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch. The gasoline version provides substantial capability as well, but not at the same maximums as the diesel option.
What configuration matters for towing ratings
Several factors determine the exact towing number for any given 3500HD, including how the truck is equipped. Understanding these factors helps explain why two trucks that look similar can have different towing limits.
- Engine choice: Diesel vs. gasoline is the biggest determinant of conventional and heavy-haul capacity.
- Axle ratio: Higher numerical gear ratios (e.g., 4.10) typically improve towing performance but can affect payload and fuel economy.
- Cab and bed configuration: Crew Cab vs. Regular Cab and short vs. long bed can change curb weight and available payload, influencing total towing capacity.
- Drivetrain: Two-wheel drive vs. four-wheel drive can alter the effective towing rating due to drivetrain weight and traction considerations.
- Hitch type: Conventional towing vs. gooseneck/fifth-wheel requires different hitching equipment and ratings, with gooseneck/fifth-wheel delivering substantially higher capacity for the diesel.
Note: Always refer to the specific vehicle’s window sticker or the GM Owner’s Manual for exact figures tied to your build. Workshop technicians and dealers can verify the correct towing rating based on your truck’s VIN and installed options.
Summary
The 2018 Chevy Silverado 3500HD offers strong towing performance that scales with configuration. The Duramax diesel provides the highest capability, with conventional towing up to about 23,100 pounds and gooseneck/fifth-wheel towing up to roughly 34,000 pounds. The gasoline 6.0L engine tops out around 14,500 pounds for conventional towing. Because numbers depend on cab/bed configuration, axle ratio, transmission, and hitch setup, always check the exact rating on the window sticker and consult a Chevrolet dealer for configuration-specific guidance.
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.
How much weight can a 2018 Chevy 3500 tow?
The truck can haul up to 7,153 pounds of payload, and when properly equipped, the 2018 Silverado 3500HD can tow up to 23,300 pounds.
What is the towing capacity of the 2018 6.6 Duramax?
The available 6.6-liter Duramax turbo diesel V-8 provides you with a maximum conventional towing capacity of 20,000 pounds1 and a maximum gooseneck towing capacity of 36,000 pounds,1 the highest of the GMC Sierra towing capacity range.
Is the 2018 Chevy 3500 6.0 reliable?
Reliability. The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 6 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5, ranks it #16 out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks.
