Whether you’re hauling loads of cargo, heavy machinery, or your favorite toys, you need a heavy-duty workhorse you can count on. And when towing is an everyday affair, a light-duty pickup just won’t do. Over the last hundred years, Chevy has earned its reputation as one of America’s favorite brands by churning out functional and dependable pickups. The cornerstone of that rock-solid reputation is undoubtedly the Silverado. If you’re looking for a truck that can easily tackle the biggest jobs in style and comfort, look no further than the 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HD.
There’s a reason this heavy-duty truck is second only to the Ford F-150 in popularity, and that’s what we’ll be exploring today. From leading-edge trailering technology to monstrous powertrains to exciting trims like the High Country and the gold-pinstriped Carhartt Edition, there’s a lot to unpack here. A truck with a heavy-duty reputation deserves a heavy-duty breakdown, so let’s dive in.
Towing, Payload, & Trailer Tech
Whether you plan to haul your RV into the mountains for family camping trips or lug heavy farming equipment around town, the 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HD can do it all. With the available Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel V8 engine, you get a max towing capacity of 18,510 lbs and a payload capacity of up to 3,979 lbs. And when you pair the impressive hauling capability with Chevy’s high-tech trailering features, there’s not much this beast can’t handle.
Part of what makes trailering so convenient with the 2500HD is its best in class camera technology. A suite of eight exterior cameras provides you with 360-degree awareness of you and your trailer’s surroundings. With fifteen different views covering the front, back, sides, and bed of your truck, you’ll have incredible maneuverability in tight spaces. Not to mention, with the overhead trailer hitch view, you can line your Silverado up to connect with a trailer effortlessly. There’s even an available Chevy accessory camera that you can install inside your trailer to keep an eye on your precious cargo during your trip.
Trailering side mirrors are foldable, extendable, and power-adjustable, with various available lighting options to choose from. Using the advanced trailering system, you can create custom profiles for different trailers and keep track of vital information on your center console touchscreen or the myChevrolet app. Additional key trailering features include a StabiliTrak Electronic Stability System with Trailer Sway Control, Auto Grade Braking, Tow/Haul mode, and quite possibly the most advanced piece of consumer tech: Transparent Trailer mode.
As the name suggests, Transparent Trailer mode lets you see through whatever your towing, giving you a clear view of what’s behind you. But how does it work? Using the camera feeds from the tailgate camera and the accessory camera mounted on the trailer, the advanced camera system creates a see-through silhouette of whatever you’re towing. It’s functional, high-tech features like these that separate the 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HD from its competition.
Gas or Diesel?
You’ll only have two engines to choose from when building out your dream heavy-duty Silverado, but they both pack a hell of a punch. A gas-burning 6.6L V8 comes standard on all trims, doling out 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is perfect for frequent family trips that involve a jetski or two or even a small RV. But if the bulk of your plans include hauling heavy cargo, the Duramax turbo-diesel engine is the better choice.
This diesel-burning 6.6L V8 comes complete with a ten-speed Allison automatic transmission and affords you the 18,500 lb towing capacity we mentioned before. Cranking out 445 hp and an insane 910 lb-ft of torque, the turbo-diesel just won’t quit. With this monster of a powertrain, hauling a full-size RV on mountain roads will feel like a breeze. By coupling these rugged and reliable engines with state-of-the-art trailering features, Chevy made towing more convenient and accessible. With the 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HD, hauling heavy machinery or packing up for a spontaneous family adventure is more hassle-free than ever.
Five Functional Trims
Five customizable trims are available for the Silverado 2500HD, including the Work Truck (WT), Custom, LT, LTZ, and the High Country. If you’re excited about the Carhartt Edition Silverado, then you’ll want to go with the LTZ trim. Sitting atop 20-inch aluminum wheels with Grazen Metallic accents, this special edition features Z71 and Carhartt badging, a stylish gold-pinstripe running the length of the truck, a tonneau cover with the Carhartt logo, and distinctive two-tone Carhartt interior trim. For enhanced styling, you can opt for the Mosaic black paint job.
The WT
The WT is your “just the essentials” trim, despite it being fitted with a surprising amount of creature comforts. Go with the WT, and you’ll get power windows, door locks, and the WT Convenience Package. This package includes a slew of useful features like keyless entry, a power lock and release tailgate, a defogging rear window, cruise control, and power-adjustable trailer mirrors. If you need the extra towing power, the Duramax turbo-diesel engine is an available upgrade for the WT.
The Custom
The Custom Silverado trim comes with Chevy’s Custom Value Package, which includes everything the Convenience Package has to offer and more. Remote start capability, LED bed lighting, Chevy’s Infotainment Package, and enhanced side mirror lighting make the Custom a nice step up from the WT. You’ll also find the same 20-inch machined aluminum wheels featured on the Carhartt edition Silverado. But the Custom is the only trim that can’t take advantage of the turbo-diesel engine. So if you like hauling extremely heavy things, the Custom might not be the trim for you.
The LT
Featuring a chrome grille bar, front and rear fenders, and round assist step, the LT is the perfect trim for all the chrome lovers out there. The LT All Star Z71 and LT Duramax All Star stand out with a ton of convenience and safety features. The All Star Package comes with dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel, keyless entry, remote start, and more. The Safety Package includes a suite of driver assistance features like park assist, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Plus, the Z71 Package comes with all the off-road goodies you could ever ask for.
The LTZ
The LTZ trim level is where things start to get real fancy. When you go with the LTZ, you’ll automatically get the Z71 Off-Road and Safety Packages. Additionally, you’ll have access to features like front bucket seats, heated front and rear seats, a universal home remote, built-in navigation, HD surround vision, an 8-inch touchscreen, and much more. With the LTZ Premium package, you’ll also get a 15-inch head-up display and a rear camera mirror. The only way to top the comfort and convenience of the LTZ is to go with the High Country.
The High Country
The pinnacle of Silverado luxury, the High Country comes with all of the above and more. Bucket seats come standard, as does the 8-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation and a power sunroof. To haul and tow in ultimate comfort, pair the High Country with the Duramax turbo-diesel engine. Perfect for family boating or camping trips, this trim epitomizes the Silverado’s versatility.
A Trailering Dream
If you’re on the market for a heavy-duty pickup, chances are trailering capability is at or near the top of your priorities list. With best-in-class camera technology, a suite of trailering conveniences, and impressive towing capacity, the 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HD is an excellent choice. Whether you plan to put yours to work towing tractors and other heavy machinery or the family boat, the 2500HD is sure to get the job done while keeping you and your loved ones comfortable and safe.
