Certain engines for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 received an increase in their towing capacity for the new model year, namely the GM 2.7L L3B four-cylinder and GM 3.0L LM2 inline-six Duramax diesel. But while GM managed to stretch the tow capacity of these Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engines, when equipped with the GM 6.2L L87 V8, the truck actually lost some of its maximum rating.
The towing capacity of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado with the range-topping 6.2L L87 V8 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission is 13,300 pounds – down 100 pounds when compared to an identically equipped 2020 Chevrolet Silverado. As a reminder, the 6.2L L87 V8 engine is rated at 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque in the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado, where it is offered exclusively with a GM 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. The engine is available as an option on the Silverado LT Trail Boss, Trail Boss, RST, LTZ and High Country trim levels.
| RPO Code | Engine | 2020 Silverado (lbs / kg) | 2021 Silverado (lbs / kg) | Difference (2021 vs 2020) |
| LV3 | 4.3L V6 | 7,900 / 3,583 | 7,900 / 3,493 | 0 |
| L3B | 2.7L I4 Turbo | 7,000 / 3,175 | 9,600 / 4,354 | +2,600 / +1,179 |
| L82 | 5.3L V8 AFM | 10,000 / 4,536 | 10,000 / 4,536 | 0 |
| L84 | 5.3L V8 DFM | 11,600 / 5,216 | 11,500 / 5,262 | -100 / -45 |
| LM2 | 3.0L I6 Turbo-Diesel | 9,300 / 4,218 | 9,500 / 4,309 | +200 / +91 |
| L87 | 6.2L V8 DFM | 13,400 / 6,033 | 13,300 / 6,078 | -100 / -45 |
GM Authority reached out to General Motors for an explanation, and the automaker stated that “when packaging changes and content is added, that sometimes leads to adjustments in specs such as towing capacity.”
The automaker was able to squeeze 2,600 pounds of additional towing capacity out of the four-cylinder 2021 Chevrolet Silverado after additional testing and validation revealed that it “possesses better-than-expected cooling performance.” Meanwhile, the towing capacity for the 3.0L LM2 diesel jumped by 200 pounds due to the Silverado’s better-than-expected rear axle durability.
A number of other changes have also been applied to the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado – the most notable of which is the addition of the new Multi-Flex tailgate. The Chevrolet tailgate is the same as the MultiPro multi-position tailgate offered on the GMC Sierra and allows owners to get even more usability out of their pickup’s bed.
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Comments
I know it’s only 100 lbs but that just cannot happen.
The max tow package added content and now weighs more, from the sound of it.
Well, I guess there is no reason to downgrade from the highest towing capacity of 2017.
Anyone who tows to the limit is stupid. You should never tow more than 80% of the tow rating for safety reasons. Dealers won’t tell you that because it could kill a sale. Pulling a load is easy, controlling a load is the hard part. The brakes, and frame are not heavy duty enough to control a max load. No one plans to have an emergency maneuver or stop just like no one plans on having an accident, but they happen. Do you want to endanger your family’s lives because you weren’t smart enough to do your research before buying to much trailer for your truck? If you don’t care about your family please inform me where you will be driving so I can stay off that road while you’re on it.
Bob your comment is bang on. Not sure why the downvotes.
Totally agree, not only for your safety but for the others on the road. Be careful of gawr and hitch capacity. Practice due diligence!
For those commenting negatively about the 100lb downgrade in max towing capacity…
If you are towing any where near that much on a regular basis you need a 2500HD.
I think you’re missing the point. It has nothing to do with the 100 lbs. It’s the fact that it’s another model year newer and capacity is slightly decreasing. The idea is to continually improve or at least I’d hope so.
Does that mean the 3.42 gears won’t be an option and only the 3.23 gears will be available? Geez, ya want to up the # of pounds towed just lower the gear ratio like to 3.73, 3.90, or even 4.10. But “Bob” has a point, just cause you can pull it doesn’t make it safe.
Not completely on topic but just bought a new 2020 silverado trail boss w 6.2 & had it 3 days & 145 mi & it shut off on me in traffic & wouldn’t restart. Can’t find any1 else that this happened 2 so soon & suddenly. Dealer says its due 2 broken valve spring which caused catastrophic engine damage & they r replacing engine & components, etc. I’ve been w/out it for 10 days now. My dealer is being good about it but this is so frustrating. Any1 else out there ever dealt w this kind of problem so soon? What was my dream truck is now a nightmare…
GM stopped improving and started just surviving years ago Brandon. It was Mary’s plan.
Woah.
The 2.7t casually added 2600 lbs. That’s incredible!
Woah.
The 2.7t casually added 2600 lbs. That’s incredible!
Do u have to take the new style tailgate or is it a option.
Thanks for discussing your ideas. I’d personally also like to state that video games have been ever evolving. Better technology and enhancements have helped create realistic and fun games. These types of entertainment games were not that sensible when the real concept was first of all being tried. Just like other areas of electronics, video games also have had to develop as a result of many many years. This is testimony towards fast progression of video games.
you read that the 1500 can tow 13000 lb. yet all the trucks i looked at are at 7300lb. where is the big number coming from? do a build & price max trailing is 7400lb. can anybody explain this?
what is the GAWR for silverado 1500 with 5.3l and tow package