The Silverado 3500 is a heavy-duty variant of the Silverado pickup truck. Available in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations, this vehicle is designed to haul and tow heavy loads, including most large trailers that require a gooseneck hitch. The Silverado can tow up to 21,700 pounds and haul a payload of up to 6,635 pounds in its bed when properly equipped, making it the ideal vehicle for most heavy-duty applications. The 2011 Silverado 3500 received Motor Trend's Truck of the Year" award.
The 6-liter, 8-cylinder engine serves as the standard engine for all Silverado 3500 trim levels. This engine produces 322 horsepower at 4,400 rpm and 380 pound-feet of torque at 4,200 rpm. A 6-speed automatic transmission is used for the gas engine. The Duramax 6.6-liter turbo... View more diesel engine is available as an option, producing up to 397 horsepower and 765 pound-feet of torque. The Duramax engine is paired with the Allison 1000 6-speed automatic transmission, often praised for its durability in heavy-duty applications. The Silverado 3500 also comes with a 3.73 ratio rear axle, with a 4.10 ratio axle for towing available as an option.
Despite Chevrolet introducing its first pickup as early as 1930, the Silverado name has only been recently used to denote an actual model. From the mid-1970s until 1999, the Silverado nameplate was used to denote the highest level trim on the Chevrolet C/K pickup trucks. The Silverado became a model in its own right when the C/K designation was dropped in 1999.
Like many of the trucks in the Silverado lineup, the 3500 comes in a dizzying array of different configurations and options. For instance, the Silverado 3500 can be ordered in a regular, extended, or crew cab. The extended cab extends the amount of space behind the driver and passenger, while the crew cab offers true 5- or 6-passenger seating. Short, standard, and long beds are also available. "Duallies;" or pickup trucks with 4 wheels on a single rear axle, are available only with the long bed configuration. Trim levels consist of the basic WT (work truck), mid-level LT, and upscale LTZ. Other options include OnStar, Bluetooth connectivity, six-way power adjustable driver's seat, EZ Lift locking tailgate, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, dual alternators, integrated trailer brake controller, engine block heater, and wiring provisions for fifth wheel and gooseneck trailers.
The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 starts at a MSRP of $29,155. Additional options and trim packages can easily push that price past $54,000. Cash offers and other available programs can help bring down the total amount in some cases. The price of a loaded Silverado 3500 may seem a bit steep, but for the price, you'll get a solid heavy-duty pickup truck that can take on nearly any tough task. View less
