2020 Chevy Silverado HD 2500: How Much More Will It Haul and Tow? (Spied)

Jan 31, 2024

How much more will the 2020 Chevy Silverado HD haul and tow over the current generation? As far as heavy duty trucks are concerned, there is really no limit to how much weight one needs or wants to move. More is always better. Here we see the latest Silverado HD prototype truck with a trailer in public. This one also appears to be a luxurious High Country model, judging by the LED headlights.

While the next generation of GM's heavy duty trucks increases in size with a longer wheelbase and cab, we expect the new truck to have a slightly lighter curb weight due to a selected use of aluminum. We do not know this for sure, but the new 2019 Silverado 1500 trucks use aluminum doors, hood, and tailgate. The 2020 HD truck does not share those body components with the half-ton truck, but the strategy may remain the same. Save some weight by using high strength steels and aluminum components, and use the weight savings in order to increase the payload, towing, and efficiency.

How much weight can the 2020 Chevy HD save over the outgoing truck? We will have to wait and get the real numbers from GM. I am guessing the truck could be about 200-300 lbs lighter for base model (not fully optioned).

The most light weight truck currently weighs in at 6,671 lbs for 2019.

My guess: if the new 2020 truck is about 200 lbs lighter, then the two-door cab truck could weigh about 6,500 lbs. Next, if the GVWR rating is pushed to the 3/4-ton truck class limit of 10,000 lbs – it means approximately 3,500 lbs of maximum payload for a 2500-series truck. This should be a competitive number for 2020 and beyond.

Current maximum towing for a 2019 Silverado HD is listed at 18,100 lbs with a 5th wheel trailer, and 14,500 lbs with a conventional trailer (see the table below).

My guess: for the new 2020 HD trucks, the max towing numbers need to increase a bit in order to remain competitive for 2020 and beyond. It may require up to 20,000 lbs with a 5th wheel and 17,000 lbs conventional. This will require not just chassis, brakes, and suspension updates, but also making sure the hitch(es) can handle the extra weight.

Let us know what you think in the comments below. What payload and towing numbers would you like to see from a 2020 Chevy Silverado HD 2500?

Here is a close look at the official images of the 2020 Chevy Silverado HD High Country.