How Much Can A Used Chevy Silverado Tow?

Here at McCluskey Chevy, we specialize in big, powerful pickup trucks. If you are looking for used cars in Louisville or the surrounding area, our dealership is the place to go. Our favorite Chevy truck will always be the Chevy Silverado; since its creation, it has provided drivers with the perfect blend of function, utility, and performance. Of the Chevy Silverado’s you can find used, our current favorite generation is the third generation. Built between 2014 and 2019, the third generation Silverado has something for everyone with plenty of modern convenience features.

When it comes to the Chevy Silverado, one of the first questions our customers ask us is, “how much can a used Chevy Silverado tow?” The max towing capacity for a 2014 Chevy Silverado is 12,000 pounds when the truck is equipped with a max trailering package and a 6.2L V8 engine. If you opt for the 2019 model, the max towing capacity is 9,900 pounds when the Silverado is equipped with a 5.3L V8 engine. Upgrading to the largest engine, the 6.2L V8 with the max trailering package boosts the maximum towing capacity to 12,200 pounds.

The Third Generation Towing Capacity

Produced from 2014 until 2019, the third-generation of Chevy Silverado trucks is quite an impressive lineup. This generation also serves as a reminder that buying a used vehicle doesn’t always mean that it’s an old model. These newer used trucks come with a lot of advanced technology that we have grown accustomed to in today’s world. After all, not many people want to buy a vehicle without Bluetooth!

Now, let’s get down to brass tacks. If you’re reading this, you probably want a few questions answered about what’s under the hood of the third-generation Silverado. The answer varies depending on the production year and the trim level, but we are going to cover each engine option for you to comb over before you make your final decision about which one to purchase.

First up on our list is the fuel-efficient 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V6 engine that generates 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. Mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission, it has a fuel economy of up to 24 MPG on the highway. It also boasts a maximum towing capacity of 7,900 pounds. You can find this powertrain under the hood of models from 2014 to 2018.

Next is a 5.3-L EcoTec3 V8 engine that produces 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. This engine can get around 20 MPG but that will depend on the year, and it can be paired with a 6-speed, 8-speed, or 10-speed automatic transmission. What is even more impressive is that it can haul up to 12,100 pounds. With numbers like that, this beast is perfect for ranchers and construction teams. You can pull a trailer loaded with horses or cattle, and you can pull other heavy construction equipment to the desired job site with no problem. This monster won’t even break a sweat! You can find this powertrain on Silverado 1500 trucks from 2014 to 2019.

Then, we have the same 5.3-L V8 engine with eAssist. The performance specs remain the same at 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. The thing to note about this powertrain is that eAssist makes the truck a partial hybrid. A small lithium-ion battery pack is connected to the engine. This works with an Active Fuel Management system to enable the truck to run of 4-cylinders for longer periods of time. In other words, it helps you save money on gas. Overall, eAssist adds an average of 2 MPG to the estimated fuel economy. The towing capacity remains the same, and you can only find this mild hybrid system on models from 2016 to 2018.

Finally, the last engine option for the third-generation of Chevy Silverado 1500 models is a 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 motor. This beast of a motor can get up to 420 hp and a staggering 460 lb-ft of torque. Even though it has the lowest fuel economy of around 17 MPG, it makes up for this in towing capacity. Able to pull up to 11,600 pounds, you can do almost anything with this engine under the hood.

Engine Size Matters

Now that we’ve covered the sheer strength and power of the used Chevy Silverado 1500 trucks let’s take a look at this vehicle’s overall size. Offered in three body styles, you can choose between regular, double, or crew cab. No matter what cab style or bed length you choose, the height (73.5-inches) and width (80-inches) will both remain the same.

The regular cab can be fitted with either the 6.6-foot bed or the 8-foot bed. Its overall length with the standard bed is measured at 205-inches, and the wheelbase is 119-inches. The longer bed makes the length 224.4-inches and the wheelbase 133-inches.

Next is the double cab. This cab style is only available with the standard 6.6-foot bed. It has an overall length measured at 230-inches and a wheelbase of 143.5-inches.

Finally, the crew cab is available with a short 5.5-inch bed along with the standard and long bed lengths. The short bed model is measured at 230-inches with a wheelbase of 143.4-inches. The standard bed configuration is 239.6-inches in length, with a wheelbase measured at 153-inches. Lastly, the long 8-foot bed configuration is about 258.3-inches in length, with a wheelbase of 167-inches.

Used Chevy Truck Features

In 2015, Chevrolet decided to raise the bar on standard features by a 4G LTE Wifi hotspot to the Silverado trucks. This enables you to stay connected everywhere you go. An extra USB port for charging your mobile device was also added to the glovebox.

By the time 2016 rolled around, advanced entertainment features like compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became optional. This feature allows you to sync your smartphone with the truck seamlessly. You can make or receive phone calls, send text messages, listen to your personalized playlist, and even navigate through your favorite apps. If you thought buying a used vehicle was going to leave you still wanting cool tech features, think again!

No other significant changes were made to the interior features of the third-generation of Silverado 1500 trucks. Only a few minor exterior style refreshes were done to the hood and air intake vents. Other than that, the generation remained virtually the same throughout its five-year production span.

What Is the Payload Capacity for a Third-Generation Chevy Silverado?

Payload capacity for these trucks ranges from 2,088 pounds for 2014 models and up to 2,250 pounds for the 2019 models.

The Chevy Silverado 1500 has always been highly customizable, and the third generation is certainly no exception. Within the third generation, there are various Silverado 1500 configurations to choose from, each with their own unique specs. Here are some additional details from each of the six years of the third generation Silverado.

2014 Chevy Silverado

Opting for a 2014 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab instead of a Regular Cab takes the towing capacity down to 5,800 pounds and the max payload to 1,947 pounds. Max towing capacity on the Double Cab 1500 from 2014 is slightly higher at 6,000 pounds, and the payload is 2,015 pounds.

There’s a lot to love about the 2014 Silverado. As the first year of the third generation, it provides more fuel-efficient engine options, a quieter ride, and a more refined interior. The Silverado sticks with its traditional exterior look, which remains a favorite among pickup fans. Its standard 4.3-liter V6 engine puts out 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque; though, two other engines are available for this model year. With the 4.3L engine under the hood, drivers can expect to get roughly 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway, not bad for a large truck.

The suspension was revised for this new generation, creating a smoother and more pleasant driving experience. New safety features became available as well, such as lane departure warning, trailer sway control, and a forward collision alert system. Multiple configurations were developed in both two and four-wheel drive, including a regular cab, crew cab, or a double cab with either short or long beds.

2015 Chevy Silverado

Regular cabs from 2015 have a max towing capacity of 9,000 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 1,950 pounds. For those who needed more towing power, an upgrade to the available 6.2-liter V8 engine will get the job done and bring the towing capacity to 12,000 pounds. The max towing capacity for the 2015 Silverado with a crew cab is 9,400 pounds, and the payload capacity is 1,800 pounds. For the double cab, the towing capacity is 9,500 pounds, and the payload capacity is 1,870 pounds.

Chevy engineers placed greater emphasis on sound isolation for 2015, making this model quieter than others prior. The MyLink Infotainment System was also upgraded with Siri Eyes-Free iPhone Integration and text messaging alerts. Also newly available was the 4G LTE connectivity with in-car WiFi.

2016 Chevy Silverado

The Chevy Silverado with a regular cab in 2016 had a maximum towing capacity of 9,800 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,950 pounds. Crew cabs offer a maximum towing capacity of 9,400 pounds, as do double cabs. The payload capacity for the crew cab is 1,840 pounds, and the double cab is slightly higher with a 1,860 pound max payload.

Silverados received a new look with an updated grille, headlights, taillights, and a revised hood with LED accent lighting. Apple CarPlay integration became possible in 2016 models, making the perfect complement to its refined interior design. Comfortable front seats make long drives a breeze in the 2016 Silverado, and the 7-inch touchscreen is a nice feature that’s optional on the Work Truck and made standard on the LS trim. Higher trims are boosted to an 8-inch touchscreen, helping Chevy compete with an ever-expanding market of high-tech trucks.

2017 Chevy Silverado

Regular cabs have a towing capacity of 9,800 pounds and a max payload capacity of 1,980 pounds. Crew cabs in 2017 offered a segment-leading 12,500 pound trailer rating. In 2017, Chevy’s Teen Driver Program became a standard feature in the Silverado, and low-speed autonomous braking was added to the Enhanced Driver Alert Package. Additional standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, and OnStar (on all models above the Work Truck).

Crash tests earned the Silverado a 5-star rating, making it a popular choice for drivers of any budget. Those opting for the high-end High Country can enjoy the 2017 Silverado’s 20-inch chrome wheels and side-step rails, front and rear parking sensors, ventilated buckets seats, wireless phone charging, navigation, a seven-speaking Bose audio system, and more.

2018 Chevy Silverado

The max towing capacity for 2018 regular cabs is 9,800 pounds, and max payload is 1,980 pounds, the same as in 2017. Three engine options continued to be available. Some new changes for 2018 include a mild hybrid e-Assist package that became available for LTZ and LT models. Rearview cameras were added as a standard feature, and a fill alert on the tire pressure monitoring system helps drivers know when they’ve reached the proper levels.

2019 Chevy Silverado

A new platform was designed for the 2019 Silverado that’s both lighter and larger than previous models. The max towing capacity for the regular cab is 7,900 pounds, while the payload capacity is up to 2,250 pounds. Opting for the larger 6.2-liter V8 engine with the MaxTrailering Package allows you to tow 12,200 pounds. This powerful engine provides 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, making it a tempting option for any truck-lover. It’s paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission for a smooth ride from 0 to 60.

There’s a reason that the Chevy Silverado has had such great popularity over the years. Its understated design, increasingly appealing technology features, and powerful engines make it an easy sell for anyone looking to buy a quality pickup. There are so many ways to customize a Silverado, and used models can be found in a variety of different configurations with ideal specs to meet your needs. When it comes to superior towing and payload ratings, you can’t go wrong with a strong and dependable, third-generation Chevy Silverado.

Find the Perfect Used Chevy Truck

Are you considering purchasing a pre-owned Chevy Silverado? We’ve got a vast selection of these pickups here at McCluskey Chevy. Located in Cincinnati, OH, our dealership is the best place to visit for all things Chevrolet. If you have narrowed down your search to the trim and engine you want, we can help you find the Silverado that fits your requirements. If you are still unsure about which third-generation model will best suit your needs, you can stop by for a test drive.

Our sales associates will go over all of the key features included in the models you are interested in. They will also guide you through the specs to ensure that you are getting a pickup truck that will meet your driving needs with no problem. Our goal is to keep you happy. We even have an on-site finance team that can help you secure the most competitive loan options for a payment that fits into your monthly budget. Give us a call or visit our dealership to take a used Chevy Silverado 1500 out for a spin today!