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Explaining The 2019 Silverado Medium Duty Transmission Options

By Francisco Cruz

May 7, 2019 10:50 am

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Chevrolet’s 2019 Silverado Medium Duty trucks, consisting of the Silverado 4500HD (Class 4), Silverado 5500HD (Class 5) and Silverado 6500HD (Class 6), offer a choice of 16 transmission options. That’s right, sixteen. To make it easier to understand the lineup, we delved into gearboxes to deliver this 2019 Silverado Medium Duty transmission guide.

Before we get into it, here’s a brief summary: each of the 16 transmissions in the Silverado Medium Duty Chassis Cab trucks is supplied by Allison. Each gearbox is close-ratio automatic transmissions with six forward gears and double overdrive. All are mated to the 6.6L Duramax V-8 L5D turbo-diesel engine (for the time being, anyway). The biggest variables are the trucks’ GVWRs and usage types. For instance, of the sixteen 2019 Silverado Medium Duty transmissions, four are exclusive to models equipped with the Motorhome Package (PCH).

2019 Chevrolet Silverado 5500HD exterior 001

There’s also the issue of PTO, or Power Take Off – a feature that transfers the mechanical power of the engine to the vehicle’s auxiliary components, most commonly a hydraulic pump.

The table below lists the 16 transmissions offered for the 2019 Silverado Medium Duty trucks, along with the corresponding RPO Codes, part numbers, gear ratios, and trim level availability. Note that availability information is fleshed out in the legend below the table.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty Transmissions
RPO Code Model Number Type 1st Gear Ratio 2nd Gear Ratio 3rd Gear Ratio 4th Gear Ratio 5th Gear Ratio 6th Gear Ratio Features Availability
MWA A1700HS Highway Service 3.10 1.80 1.40 1.00 0.70 0.61 non-PTO, park pawl 1
MJ0 A1750HS Highway Service 3.10 1.80 1.40 1.00 0.70 0.61 non-PTO, park pawl 2
MWB A2700HS Highway Service 3.10 1.80 1.40 1.00 0.70 0.61 non-PTO, park pawl 3
MBX A2750HS Highway Service 3.10 1.80 1.40 1.00 0.70 0.61 non-PTO, park pawl 4
MIU A1700RDS Rugged Duty Service 3.10 1.80 1.40 1.00 0.70 0.61 PTO, park pawl 5
MI0 A1750RDS Rugged Duty Service 3.10 1.80 1.40 1.00 0.70 0.61 PTO, park pawl 6
MIA A2700RDS Rugged Duty Service 3.10 1.80 1.40 1.00 0.70 0.61 PTO, park pawl 7
MBV A2750RDS Rugged Duty Service 3.10 1.80 1.40 1.00 0.70 0.61 PTO, park pawl 8
MH1 A1700EVS Emergency Service 3.10 1.80 1.40 1.00 0.70 0.61 PTO, park pawl 9
MHV A1750EVS Emergency Service 3.10 1.80 1.40 1.00 0.70 0.61 PTO, park pawl 10
MG0 A2700EVS Emergency Service 3.10 1.80 1.40 1.00 0.70 0.61 PTO, park pawl 11
MBY A2750EVS Emergency Service 3.10 1.80 1.40 1.00 0.70 0.61 PTO, park pawl 12
ME0 A1750MH Motor Home 3.10 1.80 1.40 1.00 0.70 0.61 PTO, park pawl 13
MIX A1700MH Motor Home 3.10 1.80 1.40 1.00 0.70 0.61 PTO, park pawl 14
MF0 A2700MH Motor Home 3.10 1.80 1.40 1.00 0.70 0.61 PTO, park pawl 15
MBW A2750MH Motor Home 3.10 1.80 1.40 1.00 0.70 0.61 PTO, park pawl,16
  • 1: Requires (C5B) 15,000 lbs. GVWR, (C7P) 16,000 lbs.GVWR, (C7R) 16,500 lbs. GVWR, (GZX) 17,500 lbs GVWR, (GZJ) 18,000 lbs. GVWR or (GZG) 19,500 lbs. GVWR. Requires (R6G) 26,000 lb GCWR (11,793 kg).
  • 2:
    • 2WD models require (C5B) 15,000 lbs. GVWR, (C7P) 16,000 lbs.GVWR, (C7R) 16,500 lbs. GVWR, (GZX) 17,500 lbs GVWR, (GZJ) 18,000 lbs. GVWR or (GZG) 19,500 lbs. GVWR. Not available with (066) 4.10 rear axle ratio. Requires (R6I) 30,000 lb GCWR (13,607 kg), (R6W) 34,000 lbs. GCWR (15,422 kg), (R6X) 35,000 lbs. GCWR (15,875 kg) or (R6Y) 37,000 lbs. GCWR (16,782 kg). 
    • 4WD models require (C5B) 15,000 lbs. GVWR, (C7P) 16,000 lbs.GVWR, (C7R) 16,500 lbs. GVWR, (GZX) 17,500 lbs GVWR, (GZJ) 18,000 lbs. GVWR or (GZG) 19,500 lbs. GVWR. Not available with (066) 4.10 rear axle ratio. Requires (R6I) 30,000 lb GCWR (13,607 kg) or (R6W) 34,000 lbs. GCWR (15,422 kg).
  • 3:
    • 2WD models require (GZH) 21,500 lbs. GVWR, (C9U) 22,940 lbs. GVWR or (DD7) 23,500 lbs. GVWR. Requires (R6G) 26,000 lbs. GCWR (11,793 kg).
    • 4WD models require (DD5) 21,000 lbs. GVWR, (C5D) 22,500 lbs. GVWR or (DB9) 23,000 lbs. GVWR. Requires (R6G) 26,000 lbs. GCWR (11,793 kg).
  • 4:
    • 2WD models require (GZH) 21,500 lbs. GVWR, (C9U) 22,940 lbs. GVWR or (DD7) 23,500 lbs. GVWR and (PTX) Power Take-Off (PTO), not installed and (R6I) 30,000 lbs. GCWR (13,607 kg), (R6W) 34,000 lbs. GCWR (15,422 kg), (R6X) 35,000 lbs. GCWR (15,875 kg) or (R6Y) 37,000 lbs. GCWR (16,782 kg).
    • 4WD models require (DD5) 21,000 lbs. GVWR, (C5D) 22,500 lbs. GVWR or (DB9) 23,000 lbs. GVWR and (PTX) Power Take-Off (PTO), not installed, and (R6I) 30,000 lbs. GCWR (13,607 kg) or (R6W) 34,000 lbs. GCWR (15,422 kg).
  • 5: Requires (C5B) 15,000 lbs. GVWR, (C7P) 16,000 lbs. GVWR, (C7R) 16,500 lbs. GVWR, (GZX) 17,500 lbs GVWR, (GZJ) 18,000 lbs. GVWR or (GZG) 19,500 lbs. GVWR. Requires (R6G) 26,000 lbs. GCWR (11,793 kg).
  • 6:
    • 2WD models Requires (C5B) 15,000 lbs. GVWR, (C7P) 16,000 lbs. GVWR, (C7R) 16,500 lbs. GVWR, (GZX) 17,500 lbs. GVWR, (GZJ) 18,000 lbs. GVWR or (GZG) 19,500 lbs. GVWR. Not available with (066) 4.10 rear axle ratio. Requires (R6I) 30,000 lbs. GCWR (13,607 kg), (R6W) 34,000 lbs. GCWR (15,422 kg), (R6X) 35,000 lbs. GCWR (15,875 kg) or (R6Y) 37,000 lbs. GCWR (16,782 kg).
    • 4WD models (C5B) 15,000 lbs. GVWR, (C7P) 16,000 lbs. GVWR, (C7R) 16,500 lbs. GVWR, (GZX) 17,500 lbs. GVWR, (GZJ) 18,000 lbs. GVWR or (GZG) 19,500 lbs. GVWR. Not available with (066) 4.10 rear axle ratio. Requires (R6I) 30,000 lbs. GCWR (13,607 kg) or (R6W) 34,000 lbs. GCWR (15,422 kg).
  • 7:
    • 2WD models require (GZH) 21,500 lbs. GVWR, (C9U) 22,940 lbs. GVWR or (DD7) 23,500 lbs. GVWR. Requires (R6G) 26,000 lbs. GCWR (11,793 kg).
    • 4WD models require (DD5) 21,000 lbs. GVWR, (C5D) 22,500 lbs. GVWR or (DB9) 23,000 lbs. GVWR. Requires (R6G) 26,000 lbs. GCWR (11,793 kg).
  • 8:
    • 2WD models (GZH) 21,500 lbs. GVWR, (C9U) 22,940 lbs. GVWR or (DD7) 23,500 lbs. GVW and (PTO) Power Take Off, engine control provisions and (R6I) 30,000 lbs. GCWR (13,607 kg), (R6W) 34,000 lbs. GCWR (15,422 kg), (R6X) 35,000 lbs. GCWR (15,875 kg) or (R6Y) 37,000 lbs. GCWR (16,782 kg).
    • 4WD models (DD5) 21,000 lbs., (C5D) 22,500 lbs. GVWR or (DB9) 23,000 lbs. GVWR and (PTO) Power Take Off, engine control provisions and (R6I) 30,000 lbs. GCWR (13,607 kg) or (R6W) 34,000 lbs. GCWR (15,422 kg).
  • 9: Requires (C5B) 15,000 lbs. GVWR, (C7P) 16,000 lbs. GVWR, (C7R) 16,500 lbs. GVWR, (GZX) 17,500 lbs GVWR, (GZJ) 18,000 lbs. GVWR or (GZG) 19,500 lbs. GVWR. Requires (YF2) Emergency Service Package and (R6G) 26,000 lbs. GCWR (11,793 kg).
  • 10:
    • RWD models require (C5B) 15,000 lbs. GVWR, (C7P) 16,000 lbs. GVWR, (C7R) 16,500 lbs. GVWR, (GZX) 17,500 lbs GVWR, (GZJ) 18,000 lbs. GVWR or (GZG) 19,500 lbs. GVWR. Requires (YF2) Emergency Service Package and (R6I) 30,000 lbs. GCWR (13,607 kg), (R6W) 34,000 lbs. GCWR (15,422 kg), (R6X) 35,000 lbs. GCWR (15,875 kg) or (R6Y) 37,000 lbs. GCWR (16,782 kg).
    • 4WD models (C5B) 15,000 lbs. GVWR, (C7P) 16,000 lbs. GVWR, (C7R) 16,500 lbs. GVWR, (GZX) 17,500 lbs GVWR, (GZJ) 18,000 lbs. GVWR or (GZG) 19,500 lbs. GVWR. Requires (YF2) Emergency Service Package and (R6I) 30,000 lbs. GCWR (13,607 kg) or (R6W) 34,000 lbs. GCWR (15,422 kg).
  • 11:
    • RWD models require (GZH) 21,500 lbs. GVWR or (C9U) 22,940 lbs. GVWR. Requires (YF2) Emergency Service Package and (R6G) 26,000 lbs. GCWR (11,793 kg).
    • 4WD models require (DD5) 21,000 lbs. GVWR or (C5D) 22,500 lbs. GVWR. Requires (YF2) Emergency Service Package and (R6G) 26,000 lbs. GCWR (11,793 kg).
  • 12:
    • RWD models require (GZH) 21,500 lbs. GVWR, (C9U) 22,940 lbs. GVWR or (DD7) 23,500 lbs. GVWR and (YF2) Emergency Service Package and (PTO) Power Take Off, engine control provisions and (R6I) 30,000 lbs. GCWR (13,607 kg), (R6W) 34,000 lbs. GCWR (15,422 kg), (R6X) 35,000 lbs. GCWR (15,875 kg) or (R6Y) 37,000 lbs. GCWR (16,782 kg).
    • 4WD models require (DD5) 21,00 lbs. GVWR, (C5D) 22,500 lbs. GVWR or (DB9) 23,000 lbs. GVWR and (YF2) Emergency Service Package and (PTO) Power Take Off, engine control provisions and (R6I) 30,000 lbs. GCWR (13,607 kg) or (R6W) 34,000 lbs. GCWR (15,422 kg).
  • 13:
    • RWD models require (C5B) 15,000 lbs. GVWR, (C7P) 16,000 lbs. GVWR, (C7R) 16,500 lbs. GVWR, (GZX) 17,500 lbs GVWR, (GZJ) 18,000 lbs. GVWR, (GZG) 19,500 lbs. GVWR or (GZH) 21,500 lb. GVWR. Not available with (066) 4.10 rear axle ratio. Requires (PCH) Motorhome Package and (R6I) 30,000 lbs. GCWR (13,607 kg), (R6W) 34,000 lbs. GCWR (15,422 kg), (R6X) 35,000 lbs. GCWR (15,875 kg) or (R6Y) 37,000 lbs. GCWR (16,782 kg).
    • 4WD models require (C5B) 15,000 lbs. GVWR, (C7P) 16,000 lbs. GVWR, (C7R) 16,500 lbs. GVWR, (GZX) 17,500 lbs GVWR, (GZJ) 18,000 lbs. GVWR, (GZG) 19,500 lbs. GVWR or (DD5) 21,000 lbs. GVWR. Requires (PCH) Motorhome Package and (R6I) 30,000 lbs. GCWR (13,607 kg) or (R6W) 34,000 lbs. GCWR (15,422 kg).
  • 14:
    • RWD models require (C5B) 15,000 lbs. GVWR, (C7P) 16,000 lbs. GVWR, (C7R) 16,500 lbs. GVWR, (GZX) 17,500 lbs GVWR, (GZJ) 18,000 lbs. GVWR, (GZG) 19,500 lbs. GVWR or (GZH) 21,500 lb. GVWR. Requires (PCH) Motorhome Package and (R6G) 26,000 lbs. GCWR (11,793 kg).
    • 4WD models require (C5B) 15,000 lbs. GVWR, (C7P) 16,000 lbs. GVWR, (C7R) 16,500 lbs. GVWR, (GZX) 17,500 lbs GVWR, (GZJ) 18,000 lbs. GVWR, (GZG) 19,500 lbs. GVWR or (DD5) 21,000 lbs. GVWR. Requires (PCH) Motorhome Package and (R6G) 26,000 lbs. GCWR (11,793 kg).
  • 15:
    • RWD models require (PCH) Motorhome Package, (C9U) 22,940 lbs. GVWR or (DD7) 23,500 lbs. GVWR and (PTO) Power Take Off, engine control provisions and (R6G) 26,000 lbs. GCWR (11,793 kg).
    • 4WD models require (PCH) Motorhome Package, (C5D) 22,500 lbs. GVWR or (DB9) 23,000 lbs. GVWR and (PTO) Power Take Off, engine control provisions and (R6G) 26,000 lbs. GCWR (11,793 kg).
  • 16:
    • RWD models require (C9U) GVWR, 22,940 lbs. (10,405 kg) or (DD7) 23,500 lbs. GVWR and (PCH) Motorhome Package and (PTO) Power Take Off, engine control provisions and (R6I) 30,000 lbs. GCWR (13,607 kg), (R6W) 34,000 lbs. GCWR (15,422 kg), (R6X) 35,000 lbs. GCWR (15,875 kg) or (R6Y) 37,000 lbs. GCWR (16,782 kg).
    • 4WD models require (C5D) 22,500 lbs. GVWR, or (DB9) 23, 000 lbs. GVWR and (PCH) Motorhome Package and (PTO) Power Take Off, engine control provisions and (R6I) 30,000 lbs. GCWR (13,607 kg) or (R6W) 34,000 lbs. GCWR (15,422 kg).
2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country - Exterior - 2018 Detroit Auto Show 002

2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show

About Chevrolet Silverado

The Chevrolet Silverado is a lineup of full-size pickup trucks sold primarily in North America, but also in the Middle East and in certain markets in South America. Slotting above the mid-size Chevrolet Colorado (known as the S10 in some markets), the Silverado is Chevrolet's largest pickup truck and currently consists of the 1500 light duty model, two Heavy Duty models - the 2500HD and 3500HD, as well as Conventional Class 4, Class 5 and Class 6 Medium Duty models - the Silverado 4500HD and Silverado 5500HD and Silverado 6500HD.

The 2018 Chevy Silverado represents the fifth model year of the third-generation Silverado. It is based on the GM K2 platform shared with other full-size pickup trucks and SUVs from GM. Though the line sold relatively well, it became less competitive in the marketplace with time when compared to its primary Ford F-Series rival, due to lacking cutting-edge features such as turbocharged engines, a rugged off-road variant such as the Ford F-150 Raptor, a diesel engine option in the light duty (1500) model, and also various modern features and equipment.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country - Exterior - 2018 Detroit Auto Show 004

2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show

Luckily, an all-new Silverado arrived for the 2019 model year that addresses many of the issues of its predecessor model. Customers began taking delivery of the all-new truck in the second half of August 2018.

Chevrolet says that the all-new 2019 Silverado is the result of over 7,000 customer interviews - the most intensive research in its history. The new model uses higher grade alloy steel in the bed floor as well as various mixed materials that result in a reduction in weight and improved performance, with weight falling about 450 pounds. The truck also offers an expanded amount of models for a total of eight, including the new 2019 Silverado Trailboss.

Riding on GM's new T1 platform shared with other future GM full-size trucks and SUVs, the 2019 Silverado offers more technology, convenience features, and engine/transmission combinations. While details of five powertrain combos have already been revealed, GM has not yet shared details of the new inline-six 3.0L Duramax Diesel engine, only stating that it will be "best-performing" and that it will be mated to GM's new 10-speed transmission.

Notably, the outgoing, Chevy will continue manufacturing and selling the outgoing, K2 generation Silverado alongside the all-new model for a limited amount of time in limited configurations.

2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD

Having overhauled the Silverado 1500, Chevy will next overhaul the Silverado Heavy Duty. The brand released a teaser image of the upcoming all-new 2020 Silverado HD in April 2018 and announced the vehicle in November 2018. The truck will launch in the 2019 calendar year as a 2020 model.

2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD LT Crew Cab 02

The 2020 Silverado HD will be comprised of the Silverado 2500HD and Silverado 3500HD that ride on a more robust and capable version of the new T1 platform when compared to the 2019 Silverado 1500, while sharing many high-tech features and design elements with its light duty brother.

Completing the overhauled Silverado family is the 2019 Silverado Medium Duty series, comprised of the Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado 5500HD exterior 004

2019 Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty (5500HD)

The Chevrolet Silverado is built at the following GM plants:

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By Francisco Cruz

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Comments

  1. Wow. Interesting to see motorhome-specific transmissions. Must indicate Chevy will return to the ‘Super C’ medium duty based motorhome market. When is the gasoline option coming?

    Reply

    1. Probley after the 2020 HD’s are out

      Reply

  2. I’m really surprised that there are 16 transmission options and every single one has the exact same gear ratios. What rear axle ratios are they offering?

    Reply

  3. The Auto Start – Stop and DFM make these trucks useless to me. Absurd and overly complicated systems that do ZERO for fuel economy. And can’t turn it off so Chevy crams it down your throat even if you hate the feature. Keep it. Same with the Ford and the RAM. Idiotic!

    Reply

    1. I dont think they have those features on the Medium Duty trucks.

      Reply

    2. Hey, retard. That’s only on gas engines. Not Diesel. By the way, you can turn it off. Guess only morons like yourself can’t figure it out.

      Reply

    3. Don’t think you’ll see auto start/stop on these trucks.

      Reply

  4. I just bought a 2019 5500hd with the rugged duty transmission for use as a small rolloff truck because the Kodiak I had was awesome at it. The salesman told me the truck was PTO enabled on the right and left had side, come to find out I had to buy a special PTO for the right side to accommodate for the limited space. After 3.3 k I took it to the dealership to have the PTO engagement programmed, the only two ways to engage the PTO is in park with the emergency brake on or the truck moving at 4 mile an hour in M1-M3, I need a live PTO with the truck in neutral like my Kodiak operated to load cans, GM says that is impossible. I need help

    Reply

    1. Actually, that truck is one of the few that actually comes with a PTO (not just provisioned). All of the MD Silverado (4500, 5500, 6500) chassis with rugged duty transmission will have a PTO on the right side. The PTO is live. You can engage in park, shift in to drive and it will operate above 4 mph as you stated. Your sales person was misinformed and what he said would apply to the transmission in the 2500 and 3500. I am not sure why your application requires the PTO to operate in neutral instead of park, both would be sitting still.

      Reply

    2. any resolution?

      Reply

  5. Couple of things to try. First, call GM customer service. It will likely take a few calls until you get connected to someone in engineering, but since it sounds like a programming issue one would think a simple reflash is all that’s needed. Second, I would give Allison a call, they may have input as well. You might also try an International dealer, they may have encountered this issue on the CV series trucks.

    Check here: https://www.gmupfitter.com/

    It seems I have heard of this issue before, but I am not sure how it was resolved.

    Reply

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