We’ve seen the highly-anticipated 2020 Silverado HD undergoing testing several times this year. Every time we’ve seen it, we’ve remarked at just how big Chevy’s new 2500HD and 3500HD trucks will be. But we’ve recently come to notice a small detail that could be big news: a potential box step integrated ahead of the rear wheels.
According to the most recently spy photos of the 2020 Silverado HD, there is a noticeable protrusion just fore of the rear wheel well (circled in red). The more we look at it, the more it appears to be an integrated step for accessing the box from the side of the truck.
Now, we could be completely wrong here; the camo could be doing its job in playing tricks on us. Heck, the area in question could also be a rather simple surface styling element meant to give the 2020 Silverado HD some design flair. But we really don’t think that’s the case.
Ultimately, we believe we’re looking at the very first sighting of a new functional design element, much like the GM CornerStep rear bumper, but integrated into the wheel well area of the pickup’s box.
Such a feature would be somewhat similar to the stepside / flareside box design of previous generation pickup trucks, and offering it on the 2020 Silverado HD would be a great way to further differentiate the heavy duty model from its light duty vairnat.
About 2020 Silverado HD
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD is expected to launch in the third quarter of 2019 as a 2020 model year vehicle. The model range will consist of the Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD in various cab and bed configurations.
An official teaser image of the upcoming 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD
Expect the new trucks to be noticeably larger, with bigger cabs and beds. The exterior design should be similar to that of the 2019 Silverado 1500. Of particular note is a better-integrated DEF tank placement than the current K2 platform HD models.
Underpinning the new beasts will be a more capable variant of the GM T1 platform that made its debut in the 2019 Silverado 1500.
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Dually Dual Rear Wheel Spy Shots – March 2018
The current model’s 6.6L Duramax Diesel L5P engine and its 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque will carry over from the current models, as will the Allison 1000 6-speed heavy-duty automatic transmission. But the aging 6.0L V8 L96 gasoline engine is expected to be replaced by an all-new eight-gasoline motor making around 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, mated to a heavy-duty 8-speed automatic transmission.
Weight is expected to drop as a result of a mixed-material architecture that includes aluminum swing panels and a smarter frame design that optimizes strength and weight characteristics, much like on the new Silverado 1500.
2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD interior spy shot – May 2018
The interior is not expected to see much of a departure from either the current, K2-based Silverado HD or from the new Silverado 1500. What will be new are the highly-convenient towing technologies introduced on the new Silverado 1500, which will enable owners to be better prepared for trailing, with a better, more confident driving experience to boot.
Expect the 2020 Silverado HD to debut some time in the first quarter of the 2019 calendar year, for an on-sale date in the third quarter of 2019.
Comments
There needs to be something done to make it easier to access the bed of a Silverado 2500hd and larger pickups. I own a 2007 2500HD and it’s impossible for me to reach over a foot into the front of the bed. My pickup is a regular cab, long bed.
You do realize that there is this thing called the aftermarket where you can order just about anything you need and or want to fix your problem?
Why do customers always feel the need to ask the manufacturer to fix their problems instead of taking it on themselves and finding a solution?
Brian I am still trying to find that aftermarket rear air for my 2017 Denali HD like my 2007 HD Classic. Any leads.
A custom shop will do it for you! It cost but you can have anything done in this day in age. Have you ever seen rear a/c installed in old vehicles that didn’t even have a/c standard heater only.
Stop complaining about it and have it done
Brian, you line of thinking would result in zero progress in any product line, in any industry. You would still be taking your horse buggy to the aftermarket shop, trying to make a better carriage.
There is clearly a need here – the need to access the box from the side. Look like GM will deliver on this need. End of story.
The aftermarket is not a viable solution for most people. It’s eitjer done by the OEM, or OEMs slowly go out of business for failing to satisfy obvious needs and wants. Or a new competitor enters and satisfies those needs (Tesla being a prime example in the electric space).
Your over reacting and not paying attention to what I am saying. If a option is not offered on a car that is delivered from the factory you can either complain about or you can take it upon yourself to fix the issue.
I used that horse and buggy thing to explain Brian in the past. I just want to add for your sake Brian. The reason there are so many accessories at GM dealerships is so GM can cash in on the aftermarket sales to help the bottom line. lets just take my rear air. I don’t even care if it is a standard option. If GM designed it and it was an option I could buy it I WOULD have already installed it. Just 1 more thing if you get GM not to cut the ALL NEEDED WARRANTY that is void if you touch the truck more people would also do more . look at the older Duramax They are everywhere with all options.
Oh do you drive your trucks from the back seats? I can see why that might be a slight annoyance if you do.
I just want to start out by saying I agree that the driver does not need rear air vents.
However me as a truck owner I DO. If I’m hauling my family, my mother, wife, or in laws, or even my children. OR employees are driving. If this was a standard cab great ill give you that it doesn’t need rear vents. Maybe even an extended cab since only maybe children can ride there or even full sized people short distances.
BUT a $70,000 CREW cab vehicle. The vehicle is literally called a CREW CAB like you haul a CREW. If I’m fishing or camping or hunting or working with a CREW for $70,000 I want rear vents. Like I said I’m NOT saying ALL trucks need them, if people want to buy a work truck CREW cab and make there CREW ride in the back and sweat or freeze that’s there business. But if I spend $70,000+ on a CREW cab anything to haul a CREW it will have rear air vents.
My 35+ years of GM owner loyalty is wearing very thin. $17,000 profit for GM truck on average and I’m buying the highest price pickup of its class a Denali HD Duramax. And I DO use it for work.
I’m not even sure why we are having this conversation since I’m pretty sure I’m not the only person with this opinion since they have rear vents again like my 2007 Classic HD did. But if GM did all that for little old me I feel pretty special.
Awesome 400 hp and 450 torque for the gas. I want to order my new work truck now!
One more thing. I went fishing with my father in law and his friend today. Friday rainy, snowy, 35 degrees. The friend drove GM trucks before 2007 new body, now Ford, has had 2 F150s since. He went ELK hunting last weekend with his friends and they drive a RAM. I think he might actually buy one. They were driving through the mountains and he raised and lowered the truck with air over rough terrain. He said it was quiet, comfortable, he said he was impressed. I drive GM trucks because back in the day they were more reliable, more quiet, more comfortable to drive. That is simply not true anymore. My uncle just got a new 19 RAM it is nice. My Denali HD is nice. So far he has had ZERO dealer visits. My Denali had a recall, a seatbelt satisfaction fix, A rear wheel axle nut coming loose satisfaction fix, the headliner had a rattle in it that was fixed, the fuel cap was faulty wouldn’t tighten correctly that was fixed. My 2007 LBZ Classic ran 140,000+ miles and was never to a dealer, it was a great truck the right size comfortable drove great. Now you might say well they fixed it for free, but it is not free. In my business just like GM I make money per hour. I don’t like to take my truck to a dealer period, and if I do how does it make this GM truck better than the competition.