The heavy-duty 2019 Chevy Silverado 2500 pickup provides robust towing capabilities for pulling large trailers, boats, equipment and cargo. At Antich Automotive, we want to provide an in-depth look at the different Silverado 2500 towing capacities based on cab, drivetrain and engine options.
2019 Silverado 2500 Max Towing Capacity
When properly equipped, the 2019 Silverado 2500 has a maximum conventional towing capacity of:
Up to 18,500 pounds
For more demanding jobs, the max fifth wheel/gooseneck towing rating is:
Up to 23,100 pounds
These impressive numbers allow the Silverado 2500 to confidently pull heavy-duty enclosed trailers, 5th wheel campers, multi-axle horse trailers, car haulers and more.
Gas vs Diesel Towing Capacities
The 2019 Chevy Silverado 2500 is offered with two robust engine options for trailering:
- 6.0L V8 Gas – 360 hp/380 lb-ft
- 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel – 445 hp/910 lb-ft
Here is how the maximum tow ratings compare:
| Configuration | Gas Towing | Diesel Towing |
|---|---|---|
| Max 5th Wheel/Gooseneck | 16,700 lbs | 23,100 lbs |
| Max Conventional Towing | 14,500 lbs | 18,500 lbs |
Thanks to immense torque, the Duramax turbo diesel provides the highest towing capacities – especially for gooseneck trailers. But even the V8 gas engine offers solid towing power for most needs.
Towing Capacity by Cab and Bed Length
The Silverado 2500 is offered in different cab styles and bed lengths, which can impact max towing capacity. Here are the key configurations and ratings:
| Cab/Bed | Gas Towing | Diesel Towing |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Cab, Long Bed | 14,400 lbs | 18,100 lbs |
| Double Cab, Standard Bed | 14,300 lbs | 18,400 lbs |
| Crew Cab, Standard Bed | 14,300 lbs | 18,500 lbs |
| Crew Cab, Long Bed | 14,200 lbs | 18,100 lbs |
In general, the Crew Cab diesel models offer the highest conventional towing limits. But all configurations can confidently pull heavy trailers near max capacity when properly equipped.
Towing Packages and Equipment
To achieve the max towing capacities, the Silverado 2500 needs to be equipped with the available Max Trailering Package which includes:
- Integrated trailer brake controller
- High capacity radiator and auxiliary transmission cooler
- Revised suspension tuning
- Upgraded rear axle
Diesel models also require dual rear wheels to reach max fifth wheel towing over 20,000 lbs.
Other essential trailering equipment includes:
- Proper hitch setup (fifth wheel or gooseneck for max towing)
- 7-pin wiring harness and adapters
- Heavy-duty transmission cooler
- Trailer brake controller
- Supplemental towing mirrors
Using weight distribution hitches and proper trailer loading is also critical for stability.
Popular Silverado 2500 Towing Examples
Thanks to its rugged construction and variety of potent engines, the Silverado 2500 can pull a wide range of heavy trailers:
- 30+ ft Travel Trailers – Large fifth wheel toy haulers and campers
- Multi-Horse Trailers – 3-4 horse gooseneck and tag-alongs
- 30 ft Enclosed Trailers – Large car haulers and cargo trailers
- 40+ ft Boat Trailers – For towing extra large cruisers and yachts
- Heavy Equipment – Dump trailers, tag-a-longs, excavators, dozers, etc.
While the Silverado 2500 can tow lighter loads like ATVs and snowmobiles, it’s really optimized for pulling the biggest and heaviest trailers at near its max rated capacities.
Towing Tips and Weight Distribution
Follow these guidelines when towing heavy trailers near the max limits:
- Use proper receiver height and weight distribution bars
- Adjust hitch setup for 15% tongue weight on fifth wheel/gooseneck trailers
- Verify trailer brake adjustment and synchronization
- Allow extra distance and time for braking under heavy loads
- Consider supplemental towing mirrors for improved rear visibility
- Adhere to speed limits and avoid aggressive driving maneuvers
- Monitor engine temperature when towing in hot conditions
- Take into account trailer width and length when parking and turning
Careful loading, weight distribution and brake adjustment are critical to stability and control when operating near maximum capacities.
Towing Technology Features
The 2019 Silverado 2500 also provides the latest technology to make trailering easier:
- Surround view camera helps easily hitch up trailers
- Integrated trailer brake controller simplifies adjusting brake force
- Diesel exhaust brake enhances control on steep downhill grades
- Tow/Haul mode optimized for hauling heavy loads
- Trailer tire pressure monitoring keeps tabs on trailer tire status
- Trailer light check automatically monitors and displays faults
- Hill start assist prevents rollback when starting on an incline
These features help provide confidence and security when towing large trailers.
Comparing the 2019 Silverado 3500HD
The Silverado 3500HD shares most of the same cab and powertrain options as the 2500HD. But when properly configured, it offers even greater towing capacities:
| Configuration | Max Towing |
|---|---|
| 3500HD Gas Dually | 20,000 lbs |
| 3500HD Diesel Dually | 35,500 lbs |
The one-ton Silverado 3500HD truly specializes in pulling the very biggest and heaviest fifth wheel campers and gooseneck trailers without breaking a sweat. Visit our website to learn more about 2019 Silverado 3500 towing capacities.
With an array of robust engine choices and advanced trailering features, the 2019 Chevy Silverado 2500 pickup provides the muscle, technology and capability required for towing heavy loads up to 23,100 pounds. Understanding the different capacities by cab, bed length and drivetrain is important for choosing the optimal setup for your unique trailering needs.
