2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Towing Capacity

When planning to tow a heavy load it is good to know how much weight your truck can handle. Today we are looking at the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado and its towing capacity.

The most powerful 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has a whopping towing capacity of 13,400 pounds when properly equipped. And it is ready to handle hefty loads with confidence and ease.

This truck also comes in configurations with smaller engines that will have a lower towing capacity but these trucks can still tow an impressive amount of load considering the engine size.

A Little About the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a great example of exceptional American engineering. With its rugged design and luxurious interior and options, these trucks attract more and more appeal from people each year.

The Silverado offers 6 different engine and transmission combinations that deliver from 277 to 420 horsepower. The power comes from engines that range from a 2.7L turbo V6 all the way to a 6.2L V8. There is something to say about the 2.7L outputting 310 HP and 348 lb.-ft. of torque.

This truck is so versatile and can be used for everything from grocery getting to off-road adventures, from work truck all the way to heavy-duty hauling. It all depends on the options you select.

What Is Towing Capacity And Why You Should Understand It

Towing capacity is, in essence, the maximum weight your vehicle can haul. This number determines what kind of jobs you can undertake. When you need to tow a boat for a weekend getaway or haul heavy construction material for a project. Knowing the towing capacity of your Silverado is the number you need to keep in mind and refer to, to prevent disasters.

The 2020 Chevy Silverado, depending on the configuration you choose, can do many types of jobs. This truck’s towing capacity ranges from a hefty 6,800 lb. for the 2.7L turbo model to a mammoth 13,400 lb. for the 6.2L V8 model when the configuration is properly set up. These figures aren’t just numbers. They translate into practical capabilities, into the range of tasks this versatile truck can handle with grace and ease.

This high towing capacity gives the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 an edge in the world of heavy-duty trucks. It places the Silverado squarely as a competitive choice for those who need a vehicle that can handle the heaviest of duties. Whether it’s for work, play, or a mix of both, the Silverado’s substantial towing capacity ensures it can meet a diverse array of needs. It’s this capacity, this blend of power and utility, that makes the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado a standout in its class.

What Determines The Towing Capacity

Different configurations of the Silverado models determine if you can only tow a JetSki or a bobcat SkidSteer on a flatbed trailer. And it’s not just the engine as some may assume. There are other factors that come into play that we will discuss, right now.

• The Engine – With a choice of the engines ranging from 2.7L turbo V6 to a 6.2L V8, this will determine if the truck has the power to continually pull whatever you need to tow. But this is not the only thing you need.
• The Transmission – The truck comes with a choice of a six-speed, eight-speed or a ten-speed automatic transmission. The more speeds it has the more control you have and the better it is for towing.
• Torque and Horse Power – Having the torque or force to get the load going and the horsepower to keep it moving at a preferred speed up the hills and down the road.
• The Frame and Chassis – To make sure your truck doesn’t get destroyed by the stresses created when towing, the chassis needs to be up to the job and not get all bent up.
• The Suspension –  You don’t want to drag the back of your truck down the road when towing, so you suspension needs to be able to handle the extra weight.
• The Brakes – Stopping is kinda important so the brakes need to be able to slow down and stop the extra weight that is added when towing.
• The Extras – To take it another notch, the Silverado offers a Max Trailering Package which includes an automatic locking rear differential, integrated trailer brake controller, and enhanced cooling radiator, all of which boost the truck’s towing performance.

So selecting the right towing equipment or package not only increases the Silverado’s towing capacity but also ensures a safer and smoother towing experience.

Towing Capacity of the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Because there are so many different configurations that a Chevrolet Silverado can come in you really have to look at each individual configuration of these pickup trucks to understand the towing capacity of each.

Engine	Towing Capacity
2.7L Turbo V6	6,800 lbs.
4.3L EcoTec3 V6	7,900 lbs.
3.0L Duramax® Turbo-Diesel I6	9,300 lbs.
5.3L EcoTec3 V8	11,600 lbs.
6.2L V8	13,400 lbs.

2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – 2.7L Turbo V6 Towing Capacity

This truck’s engine is at the smallest end of the spectrum of engines available for a Silverado. It provides a decent towing capacity of 6,800 lb. It is not for serious towing but will do the job if you have a small trailer and need to haul some yard debris or a piece of furniture. Here are some other things that fall within the towing capacity of 6,800 lb.

1. Small to Medium Travel Trailers: These typically weigh anywhere from 3,000 to 7,000 lbs, so many will fall within this towing capacity.
2. Utility Trailers: Depending on their size and the load they carry, utility trailers could easily fall under this towing limit.
3. Boats: Smaller boats such as a pontoon, bass boat, or a small sailboat usually weigh less than 6,800 lbs including the trailer.
4. Car Trailers: With this towing capacity, you could also tow some smaller cars or small SUVs on a trailer.
5. Horse Trailers: A two-horse trailer with two horses can weigh about 5,000 – 7,500 lbs, which is within this towing capacity as long as you keep it under 6,800 lb.
6. Toy Haulers: These trailers designed to carry motorcycles, ATVs, or other “toys” can often fall within this towing capacity (3,600 lb. to 7,400 lb.), depending on the size and weight of the trailer and cargo.

2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 Towing Capacity

The next one up is the 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 engine truck which has less horsepower and torque than the 2.7L turbo but it does have a little more towing capacity of 7,900 lb. Here is what you can tow with this truck.

1. Medium to Large Travel Trailers: These usually weigh between 5000 and 8000 lbs, fitting within this towing capacity.
2. Larger Boats: Depending on the specific type and size, you could tow larger sailboats, cabin cruisers, or power boats.
3. Car Trailers: This capacity should allow you to tow most small to mid-sized cars or SUVs on a trailer.
4. Large Utility Trailers: Fully loaded large utility trailers can be towed within this capacity.
5. Horse Trailers: A trailer with two to three horses, depending on their size and the size of the trailer, would generally fit within this towing limit.
6. RVs: Many types of mid-sized RVs, pop-up campers, and smaller fifth-wheel trailers will fall within this towing capacity.
7. Toy Haulers: Trailers designed to carry items like jet skis, motorcycles, ATVs, or other “toys” could often be towed, even when fully loaded.
8. Construction Equipment: Small to medium construction equipment like mini excavators or skid steer loaders could also be towed.

2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – 3.0L Duramax® Turbo-Diesel I6 Towing Capacity

This is a diesel version of the Silverado which has the least horsepower of the family but it does have the towing capacity of 9,300 lb. Here is what you can tow with this truck:

1. Large Travel Trailers: Trailers that are between 7000 and 9000 lbs can be comfortably towed with this capacity.
2. Boats: Larger boats like a cabin cruiser or a deck boat can be towed within this capacity.
3. Car Trailers: Almost all types of cars, SUVs, or even some lighter trucks could be towed on a trailer with this capacity.
4. Large Utility Trailers: These, when fully loaded with materials or equipment, could be handled within this capacity.
5. Horse Trailers: A trailer carrying three to four horses, depending on their size, could be towed.
6. RVs: Larger types of RVs, fifth-wheel trailers, and some types of Class C motorhomes could be towed within this capacity.
7. Toy Haulers: Larger trailers designed for carrying items like off-road vehicles, multiple motorcycles, or a couple of jet skis, even when fully loaded, could be towed.
8. Construction Equipment: Medium construction equipment like a bobcat or a small bulldozer could also be towed.

2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 Towing Capacity

The next one is your standard issue 5.3L V8 engine truck that we all know and love. It has the towing capacity of 11,600 lb. (when properly equipped). Here is what you can tow with this truck:

1. Large Travel Trailers: Travel trailers that weigh between 9,000 to 11,000 lbs can be comfortably towed with this capacity.
2. Larger Boats: Depending on the specific type and size, large sailboats, deck boats, or cabin cruisers can be towed.
3. Car Trailers: Most cars, SUVs, and some lighter trucks could be towed on a trailer within this capacity.
4. Large Utility Trailers: These can be towed when fully loaded with heavy materials or equipment.
5. Horse Trailers: A trailer carrying up to four or five horses, depending on their size and the trailer’s weight, could be towed.
6. RVs: Larger types of RVs, fifth-wheel trailers, and some types of Class A or B motorhomes could be towed within this capacity.
7. Toy Haulers: Larger trailers designed for carrying multiple off-road vehicles, several motorcycles, or a couple of jet skis, even when fully loaded, could be towed.
8. Construction Equipment: Larger construction equipment like a bobcat, medium-sized bulldozer, or a small excavator could also be towed.

2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – 6.2L V8 Towing Capacity

Now, if maximum towing capacity is what you’re after, the 6.2L V8 powerful engine is the one to go for. This beast of an engine offers a whopping towing capacity of 13,400 lb. when properly equipped. That’s quite the pulling power! Additionally, it’s worth noting that these capacities vary slightly depending on the configuration (Regular Cab, Double Cab, Crew Cab, Long Bed) and drivetrain (2WD, 4WD) chosen. But no matter which setup you opt for, the 2020 Silverado is well-equipped to handle hefty loads with confidence and ease.

1. Large Travel Trailers: Travel trailers that weigh up to 13,000 lbs can be comfortably towed with this capacity.
2. Larger Boats: Large yachts, sailboats, or cabin cruisers can typically be towed within this limit.
3. Car Trailers: With this capacity, most types of vehicles, including larger SUVs or trucks, can be towed on a trailer.
4. Large Utility Trailers: These trailers, when loaded with heavy materials or equipment, can be comfortably towed.
5. Horse Trailers: A large horse trailer carrying four to six horses, depending on their size and weight, could be towed.
6. RVs: Larger RVs, fifth-wheel trailers, and some types of Class A or B motorhomes could be towed within this capacity.
7. Toy Haulers: Larger toy haulers designed to carry multiple off-road vehicles, several motorcycles, or a couple of jet skis, even when fully loaded, can be towed.
8. Construction Equipment: Larger pieces of construction equipment such as medium to large bulldozers or excavators can be towed.

Great Uses For Your Silverado’s Capabilities

Here are some real-world scenarios where the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 shines.

1. Construction Duty: With its sturdy build and impressive towing capacity, the Silverado is perfect for hauling heavy construction materials like bricks, concrete blocks, or steel beams. It can also tow trailers loaded with equipment such as small diggers or cement mixers.
2. Adventure Towing: For those who love the great outdoors, the Silverado can tow camping trailers, boats, jet skis, or even horse trailers. Whether it’s a weekend fishing trip or a cross-country caravan adventure, the Silverado is a reliable companion.
3. Agricultural Applications: On the farm, the Silverado is the workhorse you need. It can haul large amounts of feed, farm equipment, or livestock, thanks to its generous towing capacity and spacious truck bed.
4. Vehicle Recovery: The Silverado’s high towing capacity also makes it suitable for vehicle recovery tasks. It can easily tow cars, SUVs, or smaller trucks in case of breakdowns or accidents.
5. Landscaping Tasks: Landscaping professionals can benefit from the Silverado’s capabilities too. It can easily tow trailers loaded with plants, trees, mulch, and various landscaping tools and equipment.
6. Event Setup: For event management companies, the Silverado can be handy in transporting stages, sound systems, tents, and other necessary equipment.