What is the towing capacity of the 2024 Chevy 2500 gas engine?
The maximum towing capacity for the 2024 Silverado 2500HD with the 6.6-liter gasoline V8 is about 18,500 pounds when properly equipped; actual capacity varies by configuration and options.
Overview: the gas-engine towing figure
The 6.6L V8 gasoline engine in the Silverado 2500HD delivers 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. With the available Max Trailering Package, GM publishes a top towing figure of roughly 18,500 pounds. The exact rating depends on drivetrain (2WD vs. 4WD), rear-axle ratio, cab/bed configuration, and whether the Max Trailering Package and other tow-focused equipment are installed.
Before diving into specifics, note that towing numbers are published for defined configurations. Your truck’s actual towing capability will vary based on how it’s equipped and how you match it to a trailer’s weight and brakes.
With that in mind, the following sections break down the factors that influence the rating and the configurations commonly associated with the higher end of the gas-engine towing figure.
Below is a detailed look at the elements that determine the gas-engine towing capacity and how buyers can interpret the numbers.
Key factors that influence the gas-engine towing rating
The official towing number is not a single static figure; it reflects a combination of powertrain, gearing, and tow-specific equipment. The following factors commonly shape the maximum rating for the 2024 Silverado 2500HD with the gas engine.
- Engine and powertrain: 6.6L V8 gasoline engine provides the core pulling power (401 hp, 464 lb-ft).
- Drivetrain: 2WD or 4WD configuration can affect the published rating; specific numbers are published for each setup.
- Rear axle ratio: A higher numerical ratio (such as 4.10:1) typically supports higher tow capacity.
- Towing package: The Max Trailering Package or equivalent tow-oriented options are often required to reach the top rating.
- Cab/bed configuration: Different body setups (crew cab, extended cab, short/long bed) influence vehicle weight and suspension tuning, impacting the tow rating.
- Trailer equipment: Proper trailer brakes, hitch, and weight-distribution hardware are treated as part of the overall tow system in the rating.
Conclusion: The official maximum (around 18,500 pounds) is achievable only when the truck is built and configured to GM’s high-tow specification. Always check the exact figure on your vehicle’s build sheet and in the owner's manual.
Configurations commonly associated with the maximum rating
The following configurations are typically cited by GM as enabling the higher end of the gas-engine towing capability. Each element matters when interpreting the rating for a specific pickup.
- 6.6L V8 gasoline engine (the gas option in the Silverado 2500HD)
- Max Trailering Package (towing-focused enhancements)
- Rear axle ratio 4.10:1 (where available)
- Two-wheel drive (2WD) configuration in the appropriate cab/bed setup
- Appropriately matched trailer equipment, including trailer brakes and a weight-distribution hitch
In practice, verify the exact rating for your particular build and follow GM’s towing guidelines to ensure safe operation.
Practical guidance for planning to tow with the gas engine
When planning a tow with the 2024 Silverado 2500HD’s gas engine, consider how weight, configuration, and equipment interact to determine safe, legal towing capabilities. Use the following guidelines to plan responsibly.
- Check the official tow rating for your exact build from the window sticker or build sheet.
- Install and use the appropriate towing package and hitch rated for your trailer’s weight.
- Factor in payload and passenger cargo; payload reduces how much trailer you can tow safely.
- Utilize trailer brakes and a weight-distribution hitch for heavier loads to improve control and stopping power.
Bottom line: The gas-engine option can approach around 18,500 pounds of towing capacity in the right configuration, but always rely on the vehicle’s official specification for safe towing.
Summary
The 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500HD with the 6.6-liter gas V8 can tow up to about 18,500 pounds when properly equipped. Real-world towing depends on the exact configuration, including axle ratio, drivetrain, and optional towing packages, so always confirm your truck’s specific rating and follow GM’s guidelines for safe towing.
What is the gas mileage on a Chevy 2500 6.6 gas engine?
A Chevy 2500 with the 6.6L gas engine gets approximately 13 to 16 mpg in mixed driving, but this can vary significantly based on driving conditions and the specific trim level. Some users report lower mileage, especially with heavier loads or after the engine is broken in, while others see slightly better results, especially on the highway.
Factors influencing MPG
- Driving conditions: City versus highway driving, speed, and "start and stop" use all affect mileage.
- Vehicle load: Towing or carrying heavy loads will significantly decrease fuel efficiency.
- Trim level: Certain trims may have slightly different EPA estimates, though real-world mileage varies.
- Engine break-in: Early mileage may be lower until the engine is fully broken in.
Average expected mileage
- Mixed driving: Around 13 to 16 mpg.
- Highway driving: Closer to 16 to 21 mpg for some trims, but often lower due to the truck's size and weight.
- Towing: Lower, often in the single digits, depending on the trailer weight and conditions.
How much can a 2024 Chevy 2500 6.6 gas tow?
Chevy Silverado 2500 Engines
With a conventional hitch, the 6.6L V8 Gas Engine can handle up to 14,500 pounds. Switch to Gooseneck towing, and you'll be able to manage up to 17,370 pounds.
What is the towing capacity of the 6.2 L 8 cylinder gas engine?
The towing capacity for a 6.2L V8 engine is up to 13,400 pounds in some recent configurations, but this maximum is highly dependent on the specific truck model and how it is equipped. For example, a 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 with this engine can tow up to 13,400 pounds when properly configured with the RST trim, while other models or configurations may have a lower maximum capacity, such as the GMC Sierra 1500 which can tow up to 13,000 pounds in some configurations.
You can watch this video to learn about the towing capacity of a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 with a 6.2L V8 engine: 1mGrizzly Bear AirYouTube · May 29, 2022
Key factors affecting towing capacity
- Vehicle model and year: Different models and even different model years of the same vehicle will have different capacities.
- Specific trim and configuration: The final towing capacity is often determined by the vehicle's trim level, drivetrain (2WD vs. 4WD), cab and bed size, and optional packages like a trailering or towing package.
- Engine and transmission: The 6.2L V8 engine produces 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, but the final capacity is linked to the overall vehicle package.
- Specific examples:
- 2020 Silverado 1500: 13,400 pounds (with RST trim)
- 2025 GMC Sierra 1500: 13,200 pounds (4WD, Crew Cab, Standard Bed with Max Trailering Package)
- 2022 GMC Sierra 1500: 13,000 pounds (with Max Trailering Package)
What is the towing capacity of a 6.6 V8 gas engine?
The towing capacity for a 6.6L V8 gas engine varies by vehicle configuration, with conventional towing capacities ranging from 14,500 to 16,000 pounds and gooseneck/fifth-wheel capacities reaching up to 18,700 pounds. For the highest possible capacity, models with the double cab and long bed configuration can reach 16,000 pounds with a conventional hitch.
You can watch this video to learn about the towing performance of a Chevy Silverado 2500 with a 6.6L gas engine: 1mGetty's GarageYouTube · Sep 24, 2023
Conventional towing capacity
- Up to 16,000 pounds: With a double cab, standard bed, or a crew cab, standard bed configuration.
- Up to 14,500 pounds: With a regular cab long bed or a double cab long bed configuration.
Gooseneck/fifth-wheel towing capacity
- Up to 18,700 pounds: On certain configurations like the regular cab long bed with an available fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch.
Important considerations
- The maximum towing capacity is dependent on the specific truck configuration, including cab style, bed length, and drivetrain (2WD/4WD).
- Always check the specific vehicle's doorjamb sticker for the exact towing and payload ratings for that individual truck, which are based on SAE J2807 testing standards.
- The 6.6L gas V8 engine produces 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque.
