The Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is Chevy's entrant in the market for massive one-ton heavy hauler pickups. This is the biggest pickup that GM makes. The only other choices in this group are the GM sister GMC Sierra 3500HD the Ford F-350 and the Ram 3500, but all four receive small changes almost yearly in an effort to out-tow, out-haul, or out-luxury-trim the competition. The Silverado was restyled and redesigned for 2015, so it doesn't get many changes this year, but that doesn't hurt it. The changes for 2016 include available remote tailgate locking, wireless charging, a new power steering system, and some new colours. Also new is an optional fifth-wheel hitch package. The Silverado (and GMC twin) have the only independent front suspension in the segment, which helps give them the most confidence inspiring drive of the group. Ride quality, even when unladen, has long been the GM HD truck strong suit. Of note, the new power steering system includes variable assist, improved self-centering at low speeds, and it can even tell if your trailer is pulling the truck in one direction (like in a strong wind, or a highly crowned road) and will adjust the force to require less driver input to keep the truck pointed in the right direction.
The Silverado 3500HD is available in trims ranging from rubber floor and vinyl seat WT to nicer-than-most-luxury-cars High Country. The pair of engine choices start with the base 6.0L Vortec V8 making 360 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. The gas engine has variable valve timing and can run on E85. The diesel option is a 6.6L V8 putting down 397 hp and 765 lb-ft. The diesel gets a standard exhaust brake to help slow the rig without cooking the massive 14-inch diameter front rotors.
A single row regular cab is available, with just the long box. Double cab adds a second row with small rear doors, and is long box only as well. The biggest is the crew cab, which comes in short or long box. Best to check your parking space before ordering that one. Two and Four-wheel drive are options on all cab and engine combinations. High Country trim is crew cab 4x4 only, and LTZ is only on crew and double cab. On 3500HD, single rear wheels is standard, but dual rear wheels is available for increased towing and stability while towing.
Payload depends greatly on choice of cab, options and box length, but ranges from a low of 1,805 kg for a long box crew cab 4x4 diesel to a high of 2,007 kg for a regular cab two wheel drive with the gas V8. Towing ranges from a low of 5,8970 kg across a number of trims to a high of 10,523 kg.
The base WT (work truck) trim comes standard with four-wheel disc brakes, 18-inch steel wheels (17-inch on dual rear wheel models), lighting for the cargo box, and chrome bumpers. Inside, there is a 3.5-inch driver information display in the dash, cruise, power windows (on double and crew cabs), air conditioning, and a four or six-speaker audio system (four speaker in regular cabs). All 3500HD trucks come with a trailer backage with electronic trailer brake controller.
The LT adds electronic controls to the transfer case selector, alloy wheels, body colour mouldings, and tinted rear glass. Inside features include a leather wrapped steering wheel, power windows for regular cab, upgraded stereo with OnStar and 4g WiFi hotspot. remote keyless entry with tailgate lock. The driver info display is upgraded to 4.2-inch full colour, and the stero gets an 8.0-inch touchscreen.
LTZ gets larger vertical mirrors with heat, power folding, and manual extension, along with fog lights. There is a power sliding rear window, tilt and telescoping steering column, and power exterior mirrors with power folding feature. LTZ also has a 110-volt AC power plug, remote start, dual-zone climate control, and leather front seats that are heated and have 10-way power adjustment. Top trim High Country comes in crew cab, four wheel drive only, and adds 17-inch forged polished aluminium wheels, body colour bumpers, a new grille, chrome step bars, front and rear park assist, 12-way power adjustable front buckets with perforated leather, heat and ventilation, and a Bose seven-speaker stereo.
If the standard trims aren't what you're looking for, LT and LTZ trims get a Z71 off-road package option that includes Rancho shocks, hill descent control, and skid plates along with unique gauges and stickers. A Custom Sport edition adds park assist and a special grille and bumpers and different wheels. LT convenience adds power adjustment to the driver's seat, remote start, rear-view camera, tilt/telescoping wheels and fog lights. LT plus adds power-adjustable pedals and front and rear park assist. There are also several special editions introduced throughout the year that add things like black chrome trim, special wheels, and various interior accents.
Pricing for Silverado 3500HD starts at $42,145 for a two-wheel drive WT trim and extends to $83,780 for a High Country 4x4 dually with the diesel option.
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