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Chevrolet Silverado HD Bests the Competition with 21,700 Pound Towing and 6,635 Pound Payload Ratings


2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD (select to view enlarged photo)
2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD

SEE ALSO: Chevrolet Buyers Guide

DETROIT, May 18, 2010 -- Through ongoing development and testing, the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD capability ratings have been increased to 21,700 pounds of towing, and 6,635 pounds of payload. Based on these ratings, the Silverado HD will offer heavy-duty truck buyers the most power and most capability available in the segment.

According to Rick Spina, GM Full-size Truck global vehicle line executive, the increased ratings are a result of exceeding the original performance targets for the Silverado HD:

"Our focus has consistently been on delivering customers the most capable heavy-duty trucks in the market. The first set of capability tests confirmed that the team had exceeded the payload and towing targets by a significant margin. Ongoing testing demonstrated a clear opportunity to increase the true capabilities of these trucks. Even pulling a combined weight of nearly 15 tons seems easy behind the wheel of a 2011 Silverado HD 3500 with the proven Duramax Diesel."

To certify increased payload and towing capacities for the 2011 Silverado HD, engineers conducted a battery of tests.

  --  Based on extensive testing at maximum gross combined weight rating
      (GCWR) to validate the durability of the powertain, drivetrain, and
      brake components, the GCWR is increased to 29,200 pounds.
  --  Based on further testing in varied terrain, grades, and climates while
      pulling the maximum trailer weight to confirm predictable and stable
      handling, the maximum 5th-wheel towing capacity was increased to
      21,700 pounds, and conventional towing capacity increased to 17,000
      pounds.
  --  After higher-strength steel for cargo box cross sills was specified,
      the team conducted additional testing hauling maximum payloads to test
      the stronger cargo box and rear-axle components.  As a result, the
      maximum payload has been increased to 6,635 pounds.

Based on these improved capacities, the 2011 Silverado HD possesses segment-leading capability in horsepower, torque, conventional towing, 5th-wheel towing, and payload.

Starting production next week, it becomes the most capable heavy duty pickup on the market.

"We encourage consumers to test drive the Silverado HD against competitive models," said Spina. "Based on our test results, we are confident the Silverado HD will prove to be the best choice for real-world towing and hauling needs."

                    2011 Silverado HD      2010 Ram HD 2011  Ford F-350
  Max. Horsepower     397 hp.           350 hp.          390 hp.
  Max. Torque        765 lb-ft         650 lb-ft        735 lb-ft
  Max. Conventional
   towing           17,000 lbs.       12,000 lbs.      16,000 lbs.
  Max. Fifth-wheel
   towing           21,700 lbs.       18,500 lbs.      21,600 lbs.
  Max GCWR          29,200 lbs.       25,400 lbs.      29,100 lbs.
  --------          -----------       -----------      -----------
  Max. Payload
   capacity          6,635 lbs.       5,130 lbs.       6,520 lbs.
  ------------       ----------       ----------       ----------