If you don’t need the toughest and most powerful trucks, then you’re not going to be able to appreciate their capabilities with towing and payload. Among the strongest for capability numbers, the 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HD performs at the top of its class with new parts for incredible payload. The gas engine can tow up to 17,370 lbs and carry a payload of up to 3,979 lbs. On the other hand, the diesel engine can tow up to 18,510 lbs and has a maximum payload of 3,715 lbs.
2021 Improvements
Improvements in this new generation truck include upgraded axles, prop shaft, U-joint, and other key components that provide greater payload capability. The available Autotrac 2-speed transfer case provides you with multiple drive modes, which lets you change the power sent between the front and rear axles to allow for maximum traction and torque even on unstable terrain.
The wheelbase is designed with a longer frame made of seven different lightweight types of steel, which maintains a stiff support system. Combined with shear-style body mounting, it provides a smooth ride, which is not always easy to come by with such large and powerful trucks. It also gives you more fine control in handling, which is helpful as such large trucks often can feel like you are maneuvering a bus. Overall, the Silverado HD is built from top to bottom to work as efficiently as possible to make every part work towards being a heavy loading machine.
Engine Options
The Chevy Silverado 2500HD comes with two available engine options. The standard engine is a 6.6L gasoline V8 replacing and improving on the last generation 6.0L Vortec engine. The other engine option is the Duramax 6.6L turbodiesel for greater fuel efficiency and towing capacity. Both perform incredibly well, with the V8 engine performing top in its class and the diesel drivetrain providing nearly unmatched raw power and torque with impressive agility.
Gas vs Diesel: The Gas Option
The gas V8 engine provides an impressive 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. For a truck this size, it is capable of surprising acceleration, and the payload strength of the gasoline engine is a great place to start for a standard build. The gasoline engine sports a 6-speed automatic transmission, which is carried over from the last generation.
Gas vs Diesel: The Diesel Option
For towing heavier loads with more durable longevity, the turbodiesel is going to be the natural go-to for you. It is capable of 445 horsepower and a mind-boggling 910 lb-ft of torque. Part of what makes the diesel engine option so effective is the way it works together with the transmission and auxiliary systems. The transmission for the diesel engine is an impressive 10-speed Allison automatic transmission, which provides you with more flexibility for adjusting torque. This is helpful with the diesel, which traditionally is a little bit slower when accelerating from standing still. The Duramax diesel option also offers exhaust-braking systems and a power take-off ideal for farm equipment and other industrial-grade attachments like salt spreaders. These are factory-installed, so you don’t need to worry about modifying your truck yourself.