The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD increases towing capability across the lineup compared to 2019. Max towing capability increases 52 percent to an available 35,500 lbs. This greater capability is driven by chassis and suspension enhancements and new propulsion combinations. An enhanced version of the Silverado HD’s ladder-frame design, with boxed rails that improve strength and contribute to a smooth ride, is the foundation for the new truck. It’s a heavier-duty frame compared to the current model, designed to handle the truck’s higher loads, including a higher gross combined vehicle weight rating (GCWR) of up to 43,500 lbs. on properly equipped trucks.
To handle the increased towing capability, the upgraded driveline includes larger front and rear axles, a standard 11.5-in. ring gear on 2500HD models, and a 12-in. ring gear on 3500HD diesel models. Also, 30-percent larger-diameter prop shafts provide greater strength with the high torque output of the new 6.6L gas engine and the Duramax Turbo-Diesel. Helping cool the Duramax engine is a massive 28-in. diameter fan with variable fan speed – 2.5-in. larger than the current fan.
The 2020 Silverado HD is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor with a wheelbase that’s been stretched 5.2 in. on Crew Cab models and is scaled for HD customers. The Silverado HD will be available in five distinct trim levels — Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ and High Country — available across 22 cab, bed, chassis and driveline configurations.
New powertrain choices
Customers can choose between two new powertrains. The standard engine is a 6.6L V-8 gas with direct injection making 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. That’s an 11 percent increase in horsepower and a 22 percent increase in peak torque, respectively, resulting in 18 percent more towing capability. The engine features direct injection for more precise fuel control that enables a higher compression ratio of 10.8:1. It also features a forged steel crankshaft, forged powder-metal connecting rods and additional high-strength components
The 6.6L gas engine will be offered with dual alternators to support the electrical needs for trailering, snowplowing and other jobs. The 6.6L gas is paired with the 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission, which features the Tow/Haul mode.
Then there’s the Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V-8 engine making 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque coupled with a-new Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. In addition, every component between the transmission and the wheels has been upgraded to enable an available 52-percent increase in max towing capability — now up to 35,500 lbs. on Regular Cab, two-wheel drive, DRW, diesel models.
Technology instills confidence
Greater towing capability is matched with Chevrolet’s new suite of customer-focused trailering technologies, including a new transparent trailer feature, designed to help improve the experience with visibility, easier hitching and more driving confidence when towing a trailer.
The 2020 Silverado HD offers up to 15 unique camera views, including HD Surround Vision, Bed View, an industry-first transparent trailer view, and an accessory camera. The transparent trailer view helps with visibility through the trailer as if the trailer was not there providing added confidence when towing. The transparent trailer helps with navigating parking lots, merging into traffic or when making tight turns. It uses two cameras — one tailgate-mounted camera and an available accessory camera (installation required) mounted on the rear of the trailer — to provide a wide display that helps the driver to virtually see through and alongside the trailer.
Other towing technologies include an in-vehicle Trailering App complete with trailer light test, trailer electrical diagnostics, trailer tire pressure and temperature monitoring, maintenance reminders and pre-departure checklist. Many of the in-vehicle Trailering App’s functions, including trailer profile creation and trailer light test, are also available with the myChevrolet mobile app, a feature that offers convenience when the owner is outside of the truck or trailer.
