The refreshed 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 introduces a long list of changes and updates over the preceding 2021 model year and pre-refresh 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 Limited. Among these changes is a revised exterior design, an overhauled cabin space, new technology, and the introduction of the 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2. Now, we’re taking a closer look at the ZR2 as it compares to the Trail Boss model in terms of towing capacities.
The 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 slots in above the 2022 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss with regard to the nameplate’s trim level cadence, offering greater capability when off-roading. However, for those customers also interested in using their pickup for towing, there are significant differences to consider between the two models.
One of the most important factors in a vehicle’s tow rating is the engine, so let’s start there. The 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 is available with four engine options, including the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine, rated at 310 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, with that latter figure representing a 20-percent increase as compared to models prior. The other three engines include the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L84 gasoline engine, rated at 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87, rated at 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and the 3.0L I6 LM2 turbodiesel Duramax, rated 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B connects to an eight-speed automatic transmission, whereas the other three connect to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Of these four engines, the 2022 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss is available with three options, namely the 5.3L V8 L84, the 6.2L V8 L87, and the 3.0L I6 LM2. Meanwhile, the 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 is only available with the 6.2L V8 L87.
With that covered, let’s check out the max towing capacities for the 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 and 2022 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss:
| RPO Code | Engine | Crew Cab 2WD/4WD | Trail Boss Crew Cab | ZR2 Crew Cab |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L3B | 2.7L I4 Turbo | 9,200 / 9,000 | - | - |
| L84 | 5.3L V8 DFM | 11,200 / 11,000 | 9,200 | - |
| LM2 | 3.0L I6 Turbo-Diesel | 13,200 / 12,900 | 9,000 | - |
| L87 | 6.2L V8 DFM | - / 13,200 | 9,100 | 8,900 |
| RPO Code | Engine | Crew Cab 2WD/4WD | Trail Boss Crew Cab | ZR2 Crew Cab |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L3B | 2.7L I4 Turbo | 4,173 / 4,082 | - | - |
| L84 | 5.3L V8 DFM | 5,080 / 4,990 | 4,173 | - |
| LM2 | 3.0L I6 Turbo-Diesel | 5,987 / 5,851 | 4,082 | - |
| L87 | 6.2L V8 DFM | - / 5,987 | 4,128 | 4,037 |
As we can see, the Trail Boss offers slightly more towing capacity than the Chevy Silverado ZR2, even when equipped with the less-powerful 5.3L V8 L84 gasoline engine. To note, neither the Chevy Silverado Trail Boss or Chevy Silverado ZR2 are available with the Max Trailering Package (RPO code NHT).
The difference comes down to the suspension spec, with the ZR2’s DSSV dampers tuned specifically for off-roading, which affects towing capacity. Both models are also lifted, which can also affect towing, but the components are different for the Chevy Silverado ZR2.
As a reminder, all trim levels of the refreshed 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 continue to ride on the GM T1 platform, with production taking place at the GM Fort Wayne plant in Indiana and GM Silao plant in Mexico. Production will also take place at the GM Oshawa plant in Canada once renovations have been completed.
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Comments
The reliable 5.3 will probably wither on the vine and eventually be discontinued, unfortunately. Would love to see some real world tests of the revised 2.7 towing 5,000 pounds up a mountain pass.
The 5.3 won’t as it’s under appreciated. It’s a heck of a motor for being almost a decade old. Think of how a mostly new engine like the 2.7 doesn’t beat the 5.3 in most figures, particularly fuel economy. The 5.3 is still relevant. That’s impressive. They could also do like they did with the LT2, increase the exhaust valve size and give it longer runners, they could do like Ram with the Hemi, or Ford with the coyote and instead of making it run standard off of 87 octane, run off premium fuel. There’s a lot to work with.
Also, ever tried a cam swap, particularly a non epa compliant swap on the 5.3? You would be surprised. There a whole lotta lot left on the table with the 5.3, even down low. All GM has to do is figure out how to make such a cam epa compliant, which the l84 with DSF and oodles of advanced sensors, can probably do.
TFLtruck did a 6000 lb tow test of the un updated 5.3 over the isenhower pass. The 2.7 didn’t break sweat. Somebody needs to do a 10,000 lbs tow test with the 2.7
This is what I would like to know. For those of us who occasionally tow A fifth wheel RV under 12,000 pounds – will the refreshed 2022 towing 1500 Silverado handle that close to what my three-quarter ton GMC with the Duramax LBZ could do? My truck is a 2006 and I would like to get the new 2022 with a 3.0 but I still need to tow a fifth wheel now and then
Should, if you consider power torque and wheelbase. The LBZ made 360hp at 3000rpm. The 3.0 would feel a little anemic, and the 5.3 would pull it, but screaming all the way. The 6.2 would do it confidently.
You also would want it in the longest wheelbase. A crew cab 6.5ft bed as the longer wheelbase helps with control. Couple that with the new trucks auto trailer anti sway it would do fine.
Question should be can the refreshed 2022 1500 handle the kingpin load of your 5th wheel compared to your old LBZ 2500 and not go over a gvwr and or axle weight rating. When one adds up the sum load of passengers, cargo, 5th wheel hitch weight, and trailer kingpin load, then compare to the available payload capacity of tow vehicle, many people are surprised at how far off a max tow rating they are. As a comparison if your 2006 was a cc 6.5′ box 4wd it had about a 2200lb payload capacity.
Lol…lots of recent marketing hype with paper and digital advertising BUT….lets watch the dealership lots show off these plethora of trucks or NOT. My guess, 3-5 trucks every 2 months on the lot.
JMO
FYI: We have a 2LT Trail Boss @ status 3000 (accepted by production control) WITH the L3B 2.7L engine.