2021 Silverado 3500 HD LTZ
Like their smaller, half-ton siblings in the Chevrolet truck lineup, the changes coming to the Bowtie’s 2021 heavy duty trucks are not groundbreaking. However, there are several smaller updates to know about and at least two other more interesting changes to look forward to in this model year including improved towing and a new Carhartt Special Edition of the trucks.
But let’s focus on the increased towing capacity first. Chevy says its engineers increased the HD lineup’s towing capacity by 500 pounds, paving the way for a max tow rating of up to 36,000—which Chevy says is the best available rating among Class 3 pickups.
If you want that 36,000 pounds of towing capacity though, you’ll need a very specific truck: a Silverado 3500 HD Work Truck powered by a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel in tandem with a 10-speed transmission, in a dually configuration with a regular cab and in two-wheel drive. Got that?
The full towing chart is below with the rest of the spec sheet on these trucks, but depending on the model, engine and cab, conventional towing ranges anywhere from 14,500 pounds to 20,000 pounds, while 5th wheel/gooseneck ranges from 16,120 to 36,000 pounds.
And in terms of engine/powertrain options, those are unchanged from 2020. You still have two engine options: the 6.6L gas V8 with 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque, or the 6.6L Duramax diesel with 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque. Available tranmissions are the 10-speed Allison or the 6-speed Hydra-Matic.
Carhartt Special Edition
The second thing to look forward to is the new Carhartt Special Edition. This package will be available on both the 2500 and 3500. Chevy says production on this edition will start soon. We’ve got a full walkaround and all the details of this package in this video:
In addition to the Carhartt edition, Chevy will also be offering the following:
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Midnight Edition
2021 Silverado HD Midnight Edition
Available on black LT and LTZ trims, Midnight Edition offers a blacked-out appearance, including the grille bar, grille inserts, skid plate, Silverado badging and standard black 18-inch aluminum wheels with aggressive mud-terrain tires, or available black 20-inch wheels.
Z71 Sport Edition
2021 Silverado HD Z71 Sport Edition
Available on LT and LTZ trims, the Z71 Sport Edition offers a monochromatic look with color-matched bumpers, grille bar and black door handles. Exclusively available in Red Hot, Summit White or Northsky Blue exterior paint, it also features black accents, including Silverado badging, skid plate, mirror caps, hood vent and black 18-inch wheels with mud-terrain tires or black 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires.
