Silverado 3500 HD capabilities

[rmk700]

The specs say for a 2015 Chevy Silverado 3500HD, Double cab, long box, 6.0 vortec, 4X4.

GVWR is 11,000 lbs. + Max Conventional Trailering, 4.10 Rear Axle 13,000 lbs. = GCWR 24,000 lbs.
GVWR is 11,000 lbs. + Max 5th Wheel Trailering, 4.10 Rear Axle is 13,900 lbs. = GCWR 24,900 lbs.

This tells me that GCWR (gross combination weight rate) should be max 24,000 lbs. & 24,900 lbs.

Why does Chevy say GCWR max 20,500 lbs? What am I missing?

2015 Silverado 3500HD Trims: Extended & Crew Cab WT & LT | Chevrolet

 

[tcartwri]

The gas motor simply does not have the performance for that kind of weight.

 

[Diamondpilot]

They rate to the weakest link. Just because the axle is rated for a certain weight does not mean the chassis, suspension, transmission,tires, engine, or other components are.

Chris

 

[Flying MXZ]

And I don't think you can put 11,000# on the truck axles (~4000# in the bed) AND tow 13,000#. Towing 13,000# requires no extra load in the truck.

 

[rmk700]

You get a nice truck 7'000 lbs. and a nice gooseneck flat bed 6'000 lbs. and can only legally haul a tiny 3.75 ton. ?????

Just for the record, I got the truck just don't have a gooseneck trailer yet.

 

[RollingsFarms]

Is this in the work truck package? I wasn't aware you could get the gas engine in anything in the 3500 until I saw a dually with it awhile back.

 

[tcartwri]

You get a nice truck 7'000 lbs. and a nice gooseneck flat bed 6'000 lbs. and can only legally haul a tiny 3.75 ton. ?????

Just for the record, I got the truck just don't have a gooseneck trailer yet.

You will never be checked to see if you are over your 'suggested' manufacturers GCWR. You will however be scaled for individual axle over loads and truck and trailer GVWR's. You will also be checked for an adequate RGW on your trucks registration. That's what happens in the real world.

There are people who will claim you can be sued for exceeding the 'suggested' GCWR in the event of an accident. I have yet to see any of those people provide a case reference for such a thing.

Prepare for the experts counter point....

 

[94BULLITT]

The specs say for a 2015 Chevy Silverado 3500HD, Double cab, long box, 6.0 vortec, 4X4.

GVWR is 11,000 lbs. + Max Conventional Trailering, 4.10 Rear Axle 13,000 lbs. = GCWR 24,000 lbs.
GVWR is 11,000 lbs. + Max 5th Wheel Trailering, 4.10 Rear Axle is 13,900 lbs. = GCWR 24,900 lbs.

This tells me that GCWR (gross combination weight rate) should be max 24,000 lbs. & 24,900 lbs.

Why does Chevy say GCWR max 20,500 lbs? What am I missing?

2015 Silverado 3500HD Trims: Extended & Crew Cab WT & LT | Chevrolet

They want you to buy a diesel.

 

[blacktruck]

Hmm, a subject that I can comment on. I'll try to further muddy the waters here if possible.

The GVW is the maximum weight of the truck and load. That is weighed as a stand alone vehicle with load.

The chart tells you the maximum weight of the trailers are 13K (bumper pull) and 13.9K (gooseneck).

You are adding the maximum trailer weight to the gross weight of the truck (two separate vehicles) and coming up with the 24K & 24.9K. That is not the correct way to do that.
The GCWR is the calculated maximum weight of the combined truck and trailer with load included.
The GCWR is the maximum combined weight that can be safely carried/pulled by this vehicle. That would not be the maximum weight of both separate vehicles combined. You have to factor a safety margin in. Also I've owned a number of the 6.0 engines and the 6.6 DMax also. The 6.0 is a great engine but is not quite enough to pull that kind of weight efficiently or economically.

 

[buickanddeere]

For that kind of money and hauling . Why not consider a real truck instead of a pickup?