What is the towing capacity of the 2024 Chevy 2500 6.6 diesel?
The 2024 Silverado 2500HD equipped with the 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel can tow up to 18,510 pounds under conventional towing conditions, with gooseneck/fifth-wheel capability reaching roughly 34,000 pounds depending on configuration. Actual towing capacity varies based on options, payload, and hitch setup.
To understand what this means, it’s important to look at the different ways GM defines towing limits, and how the truck’s equipment, drivetrain, and trailer type influence the rating. The figures below reflect the highest available ratings when the vehicle is properly equipped with the appropriate packages and configurations.
Official towing capacities at a glance
Before listing the numbers, note that these are the top-line figures published by GM for the 2024 Silverado 2500HD with the 6.6L Duramax diesel. Real-world towing depends on the exact build and options.
- Conventional towing: Up to 18,510 pounds (with the proper Max Trailering Package and configuration).
- Gooseneck/fifth-wheel towing: Up to about 34,000 pounds, depending on the specific configuration and equipment.
These numbers represent the upper end of the spectrum. The actual rating for any given truck will be affected by payload, hitch type, axle ratio, drivetrain (2WD vs. 4WD), and selected options. Always verify the exact rating on the window sticker and in the owner’s manual for your exact build.
What influences the numbers
The towing capacity is not a single fixed value; it’s a function of multiple equipment and configuration choices. The most influential factors include:
Key factors that affect towing ratings
- Engine and transmission pairing: The 6.6L Duramax diesel paired with the appropriate transmission and cooling packages is designed for higher towing loads than the gasoline option.
- Drivetrain and axle ratio: 2WD vs. 4WD and the rear axle ratio (for example, 3.73 vs. 4.10) can shift the available towing capacity.
- Max Trailering Package: This option adds features such as enhanced cooling, upgraded hitch components, trailer brake controller integration, and other systems that enable higher towing ratings.
- Trailer type and hitch configuration: Conventional towing uses a ball hitch, while gooseneck/fifth-wheel towing uses different couplings and loads, which substantially changes the rating.
- Payload vs. tongue weight: The vehicle’s payload capacity affects how much weight can be safely placed on the hitch, influencing the overall trailer-towing capability.
In practice, buyers should view the published maximums as a ceiling. Real-world towing should consider payload, fuel, wind, road grade, and trailer efficiency, and always follow GM’s guidance for safe operation.
Practical implications for buyers
For shoppers and users, the takeaway is to plan around the top-end figures only if your configuration aligns with the Max Trailering Package and the necessary drivetrain/hitch components. If your trailer setup is more modest, your actual towing capability will align with the conventional or gooseneck ratings appropriate to your build. Always consult the exact specifications for your truck’s VIN and verify with GM’s official documentation or a dealer.
Summary
The 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500HD with the 6.6L Duramax diesel is rated for up to 18,510 pounds of conventional towing and about 34,000 pounds for gooseneck/fifth-wheel setups, with actual figures depending on equipment and configuration. Understanding the Max Trailering Package, axle ratio, drivetrain, and hitch type is essential for accurate, safe planning of heavy towing tasks. Always refer to the factory specs for your exact vehicle and trailer combination.
How many miles per gallon does a Chevy Silverado 2500 6.6 diesel get?
A Chevy Silverado 2500 with the 6.6L diesel engine typically gets 17-23 MPG, with real-world highway mileage often ranging from 18-21 MPG and combined city/highway driving around 15-18 MPG. Factors like towing, driving conditions, and trim level significantly impact the exact mileage.
Factors that affect MPG
- Driving conditions:
- Highway: You can expect higher MPG, often in the 18-21 MPG range, especially with a steady speed. Some tests have shown results as high as 23 MPG.
- City/Combined: City driving and stop-and-go traffic will lower the average, with some users reporting around 15 MPG.
- Towing and hauling:
- Towing heavy loads will decrease fuel economy significantly.
- The diesel engine's better efficiency shines when hauling or towing compared to the gasoline engine, leading to lower fuel costs over time for heavy-duty work.
- Trim level: Different trims can have varying aerodynamics and weights, which affect fuel economy.
- Truck's computer vs. real-world: The truck's built-in computer can sometimes overestimate the MPG, and a manual calculation at the pump may yield a slightly lower, more accurate number.
What is the towing capacity of the Chevy 2500 HD 6.6 gas engine?
The towing capacity for a Chevy 2500 HD with the 6.6L gas engine varies depending on the configuration, but can reach up to 18,700 pounds with a gooseneck/fifth-wheel hitch or 16,000 pounds with a conventional hitch. The exact capacity depends on factors like cab style (regular, double, or crew), bed length (standard or long), and drive type (2WD or 4WD).
Conventional towing
- Maximum: Up to 16,000 pounds
- Configuration: Crew cab, standard or long bed, 2WD or 4WD
Gooseneck/fifth-wheel towing
- Maximum: Up to 18,700 pounds
- Configuration: Regular cab, long bed, 2WD, 18- to 22-inch wheels
Important factors
- Configuration matters: The specific cab, bed, and drivetrain will determine the exact towing capacity for your truck.
- Check the sticker: Always refer to the sticker on the driver's side door jamb for the specific towing and payload ratings for your exact vehicle, as these are based on SAE J2807 standards.
What is the towing capacity of the 2024 Chevy 2500 6.6 Duramax?
22,500 pounds
The Chevy Silverado 2500 towing capacity, a maximum of 22,500 pounds for 2024,1 is well-suited to just about any job.
What is the 80% towing rule?
Many RVers are strict followers of the 80% or 80/20 rule of towing, and it's a great rule to live by if you want to ensure you don't overload your tow vehicle. The 80% towing rule is less of a “rule” and more of an idea: don't pull a trailer with a GVWR that is more than 80% of your vehicle's maximum towing capacity.
