2015 Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra can tow up to 12,000 pounds

Thu, 19 Jun 2014

Think back to the launch of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado. At the time, General Motors happily trumpeted that its fullsize pickup could tow up to 11,500 pounds when properly equipped – impressive stuff, no doubt. But now, revised tow rating practices have been put into place, called SAE J2807. And with these new methods of testing, GM can now officially rate both the Silverado and its GMC Sierra twin as being able to tow up to 12,000 pounds.

Of course, not all Silverado and Sierra models are capable of this feat. In fact, because of SAE J2807, most of the truck models have actually had decreases in tow ratings from the 2014 to 2015 model year. For example, a 2014 Silverado Crew Cab with the 5.3-liter V8, 5.7-foot box and 3.73 rear axle was rated at 11,200 pounds in 2014, but has since been reduced to 10,800 in 2015. Same goes for the Sierra.

But for 2015, both the Silverado and Sierra can be had with a more powerful 6.2-liter V8, as well as a Max Trailering Package that includes a 9.76-inch rear axle, heavy-duty rear springs, revised shock tuning, improved cooling and a new trailer brake controller. There are also four- and seven-pin, bumper-mounted connectors, a trailer hitch (duh), and a G80 locking rear differential. This configuration, with either model, is the only way you can actually tow 12,000 pounds.

That said, when we first drove the Silverado in 2013, we were cautiously optimistic about that tow rating. "We put 8,600 pounds of trailer and skid steer behind the new Silverado, and while the truck could confidently pull the load about, we'd think twice about knocking on that 11,500 number's door," former Autoblog editor Zach Bowman wrote in his First Drive story. Still, the fact that these trucks are capable of hauling such heft is mighty impressive.

For all the details about SAE J2807 and the full list of tow ratings for the 2015 Silverado and Sierra, scroll down to read the separate press releases.

2015 Silverado 1500 Will Tow up to 12,000 Pounds, Based on SAE J2807

- Updated trailer ratings showcase Silverado's strength and capability
- Available 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 leads segment in horsepower and torque
- All 2015 Silverado 1500 trailer ratings based on SAE J2807

DETROIT – Chevrolet Silverado 1500 will maintain a 12,000-pound maximum available trailer weight rating as it transitions to new ratings for 2015 based on SAE J2807 Recommended Practices.

"We engineered the new Silverado 1500 to be our most capable light-duty pickup ever," said Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer. "For 2015, we will build on that strong foundation to implement SAE J2807 while maintaining robust towing capability across the lineup.

"For 2015, Silverado 1500 will continue to offer trailer weight ratings up to 12,000 pounds," said Luke. "And, we will offer a number of configurations with trailer weight ratings of 9,000 pounds or more, enabling light-duty pickup customers to choose exactly the right truck for their towing requirements."

For 2014, Silverado, the North American Truck of the Year, led the light-duty pickup segment with a maximum available trailer weight rating of 12,000 pounds.

The stronger choice for tough towing situations

The 2015 Silverado 1500 will be available with a number of features engineered for serious towing:

- The available 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 is the most powerful engine offered in any light-duty pickup, with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Like other EcoTec3 engines, it combines proven performance with advanced fuel-saving technologies, seamlessly switching to four cylinders to improve efficiency in light-load driving.
- The available NHT max trailering package includes a 9.76-inch rear axle, heavy-duty rear springs, revised shock tuning for increased control, enhanced cooling, and an integrated trailer brake controller. Also included is an automatic locking rear differential, trailer hitch, and bumper-mounted 4- and 7-pin connectors.
- Combined, the 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 and max trailering package will give the 2015 Silverado 1500 2WD double-cab a 12,000 pound trailer weight rating. The comparable 4x4 version will have a trailer weight rating of 11,900 pounds.
- Silverado's standard 4.3L EcoTec3 V-6 and available 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8 also will offer significant towing capability for 2015, with maximum available trailer weight ratings of 11,200 pounds for the 5.3L V-8 and 7,600 pounds for the V-6. (SAE J2807; see attached Trailering Tables for details.)

Foundation for all 2015 Silverado 1500s is a fully boxed high-strength steel frame. Extensive use of high-strength steels in the frame and body structure also contributes to a quieter interior and more solid feel, and helps Silverado earn a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score for safety in the newest government crash tests. Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's New Car Assessment Program.

Like all new Silverados, the 2015 Silverado 1500 will have the best pickup coverage in America, including a 5-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty, and is part of the family of the most-dependable, longest-lasting pickups on the road.

2015 Silverado 1500s will be available starting later this summer, with full availability in Q4 of this year.

The 2014 Silverado has won more awards than any other pickup. Silverado was recently named Best Value Truck Line in America by Vincentric, in recognition that the Silverado family has the lowest cost to own of any full-size pickups.

Choosing the right truck for the towing

With the transition to SAE J2807, trailer weight ratings will be adjusted for many Silverado 1500s. Following are examples of old and new ratings for popular configurations:

Configuration – 2014 (Pre-SAE) – 2015 (With SAE)

Regular cab 2WD 4.3L V-6 6.5' box 3.43 axle 6,400 lbs. 6,100 lbs.
Double cab 2WD 5.3L V-8 6.5' box 3.08 axle 6,900 lbs. 6,500 lbs.
Crew cab 2WD 5.3L V-8 5.7' box 3.42 axle 9,800 lbs. 9,400 lbs.
Regular cab 4x4 4.3L V-6 6.5' box 3.42 axle 7,600 lbs. 7,600 lbs.
Double cab 4x4 5.3L V-8 6.5' box 3.42 axle 9,600 lbs. 9,200 lbs.
Crew cab 4x4 5.3L V-8 5.7' box 3.73 axle 11,200 lbs. 10,800 lbs.

As always, customers need to determine the appropriate vehicle and trailering capacity for their particular situation, including the curb weight of their specific vehicle, the number of passengers they will actually carry, the actual tongue weight for their combination, the amount of cargo in their vehicle, and the weight of the load they plan to tow.

Customers should follow the trailering guidelines in their owner's manual, ask their Chevrolet dealer for trailering advice, or contact Chevrolet Customer Assistance for more information.

Also, the Chevrolet Trailering Guide can be found in the Manuals & Videos section under the Ownership tab of the Chevrolet.com website.

Background: SAE J2807 Recommended Practice

Performance standards for trailering vehicles: To help ensure that vehicles can confidently tow the rated maximum trailer weight under a variety of real-world driving conditions, SAE J2807 establishes specific test protocols. These include:

- Cooling capability on a long highway upgrade modeled on the Davis Dam grade on Arizona SR 68;
- Launch and acceleration performance on a level road and a 12 percent upgrade;
- Combined handling performance – understeer and trailer sway;
- Combined braking performance – stopping distance and parking brake-hold on grade; and
- Structural performance for the vehicle and hitch or hitch receiver.
New calculations for trailer weight ratings: In addition to the performance standards, SAE J2807 also uses a specific set of assumptions to calculate maximum trailer weight ratings:
- For light-duty full-size pickups (GVWR < 8,500 lbs.), SAE J2807 assumes that the tow vehicle includes any options with higher than 33 percent penetration;
- It assumes there is both a driver and passenger in the vehicle, each weighing 150 pounds;
- It assumes that tow vehicles also include up to 70 pounds of aftermarket hitch equipment (where applicable); and
- For conventional trailer towing, SAE J2807 assumes that 10 percent of the trailer weight is on the tongue.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.9 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Trailering – 2015 Silverado 1500 Regular Cab (SAE J2807)

2WD:

Regular Cab, 6' 6" box
6,100 lbs. / 2,767 kg. – 4.3L (3.23 axle)
7,000 lbs. / 3,175 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,000 lbs. / 4,082 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)

Regular Cab, 8' box
5,900 lbs. / 2,676 kg. – 4.3L (3.23 axle)
6,800 lbs. / 3,084 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,800 lbs. / 4,445 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)

4WD:

Regular Cab, 6' 6" box
7,600 lbs. / 3,447 kg. – 4.3L (3.42 axle)
6,700 lbs. / 3,039 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
8,700 lbs. / 3,946 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)

Regular Cab, 8' box
7,400 lbs. / 3,357 kg. – 4.3L (3.42 axle)
6,500 lbs. / 2,948 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,500 lbs. / 4,309 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)

Trailering – 2015 Silverado 1500 Double Cab (SAE J2807)

2WD:

Double Cab, 6' 6" box
5,600 lbs. / 2,540 kg. – 4.3L (3.42 axle)
6,500 lbs. / 2,948 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,500 lbs. / 4,309 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)
9,500 lbs. / 4,309 kg. – 6.2L (3.23 axle)

Double Cab, 6' 6" box w/ Max Trailering Package
11,200 lbs. / 5,080 kg. – 5.3L (3.73 axle)
12,000 lbs. / 5,443 kg. – 6.2L (3.42 axle)

4WD:

Double Cab, 6' 6" box
7,200 lbs. / 3,266 kg. – 4.3L (3.42 axle)
6,200 lbs. / 2,994 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,200 lbs. / 4,173 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)
9,200 lbs. / 4,173 kg. – 6.2L (3.23 axle)

Double Cab, 6' 6" box w/ Max Trailering Package
11,000 lbs. / 4,990 kg. – 5.3L (3.73 axle)
11,900 lbs. / 5,398 kg. – 6.2L (3.42 axle)

Trailering – 2015 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab (SAE J2807)

2WD:

Crew Cab, 5' 8" box
5,600 lbs. / 2,540 kg. – 4.3L (3.23 axle)
6,400 lbs. / 2,903 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,400 lbs. / 4,264 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)
9,400 lbs. / 4,264 kg. – 6.2L (3.23 axle)

Crew Cab, 5' 8" box w/ Max Trailering Package
11,100 lbs. / 5,035 kg. – 5.3L (3.73 axle)
12,000 lbs. / 5,443 kg. – 6.2L (3.42 axle)

Crew Cab, 6' 6" box
5,500 lbs. / 2,495 kg. – 4.3L (3.23 axle)
6,400 lbs. / 2,903 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,400 lbs. / 4,264 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)
9,300 lbs. / 4,218 kg. – 6.2L (3.23 axle)

Crew Cab, 6' 6" box w/ Max Trailering Package
11,000 lbs. / 4,990 kg. – 5.3L (3.73 axle)
11,900 lbs. / 5,398 kg. – 6.2L (3.42 axle)

4WD:

Crew Cab, 5' 8" box
7,100 lbs. / 3,221 kg. – 4.3L (3.42 axle)
6,200 lbs. / 2,812 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,200 lbs. / 4,173 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)
9,200 lbs. / 4,173 kg. – 6.2L (3.23 axle)

Crew Cab, 5' 8" box w/ Max Trailering Package
10,900 lbs. / 4,944 kg. – 5.3L (3.73 axle)
11,800 lbs. / 5,352 kg. – 6.2L (3.42 axle)

Crew Cab, 6' 6" box
7,000 lbs. / 3,175 kg. – 4.3L (3.42 axle)
6,100 lbs. / 2,767 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,100 lbs. / 4,128 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)
9,100 lbs. / 4,128 kg. – 6.2L (3.23 axle)

Crew Cab, 6' 6" box w/ Max Trailering Package
10,800 lbs. / 5,352 kg. – 5.3L (3.73 axle)
11,700 lbs. / 5,307 kg. – 6.2L (3.42 axle)

2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Maintains 12,000-lb. Max Trailering

Revised ratings based on new, industrywide SAE J2807 calculations

DETROIT – The 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 maintains a 12,000-pound maximum trailering rating under SAE J2807 Recommended Practices – calculations being adopted throughout the industry.

"For 2015, the GMC Sierra 1500 builds on the strong foundation introduced with the redesigned 2014 model to offer uncompromising strength, capability and confidence," said Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer. "The implementation of SAE J2807 levels the playing field among all manufacturers, affirming the capability customers depend on from GMC."

Sierra's 12,000-pound maximum rating is for the Double Cab 2WD configuration equipped with the available 6.2L V-8 engine and available Max Trailering Package. Trailering ratings for other configurations remain the same or are slightly lower, per the new SAE J2807 calculations. Examples of popular configurations with revised ratings include:

Configuration – 2014 (Pre-SAE) – 2015 (With SAE)

Double cab 4x4 5.3L V-8 6' 6" box 3.42 axle 9,600 lbs. 9,200 lbs.
Crew cab 4x4 5.3L V-8 5' 8" box 3.73 axle 11,200 lbs. 10,800 lbs.

While the calculations for trailering ratings may have changed, the Sierra 1500's powertrain and chassis features that support serious towing have not:

- The available 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 is the most powerful engine offered in the light-duty segment, with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Like other EcoTec3 engines, it combines proven performance with advanced fuel-saving technologies, seamlessly switching to four cylinders to improve efficiency in light-load driving
- The available Max Trailering Package includes a 9.76-inch rear axle, heavy-duty rear springs, revised shock tuning for increased control, enhanced cooling, and an integrated trailer brake controller. Also included is the G80 locking rear differential, a trailer hitch, and bumper-mounted four- and seven-pin connectors
- Sierra's standard 4.3L EcoTec3 V-6 and available 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8 also will offer significant towing capability for 2015, with maximum available trailer weight ratings of 7,600 pounds for the V-6 and 11,200 pounds for the 5.3L.

Customers should follow the trailering guidelines in their owner's manual, ask their GMC dealer for trailering advice, or contact GMC Customer Assistance for more information. Additionally, the GMC Trailering Guide can be found in the Manuals & Videos section under the Ownership tab of the GMC.com Web site.

The foundation for all 2015 Sierra 1500 models and their trailering capability is a fully boxed, high-strength steel frame. Extensive use of high-strength steels in the frame and body structure also contributes to a quieter interior and more solid feel, and helps Sierra earn a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score for safety in the newest government crash tests. Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's New Car Assessment Program.

GMC backs Sierra customers with the ProGrade protection program. It includes two years/24,000 miles (whichever comes first) of scheduled maintenance, covering four services of an oil change, tire rotation and 27-point inspection. It complements the three-year/36,000-mile (whichever comes first) bumper-to-bumper limited vehicle warranty and five-year/100,000-mile (whichever comes first) powertrain limited warranty for peace of mind.

Background: SAE J2807 Recommended Practices

Performance standards for trailering vehicles: To help ensure that vehicles can confidently tow the rated maximum trailer weight under a variety of real-world driving conditions, SAE J2807 establishes specific test protocols. These include:

- Cooling capability on a long highway upgrade modeled on the Davis Dam grade on Arizona SR 68;
- Launch and acceleration performance on a level road and a 12 percent upgrade;
- Combined handling performance – understeer and trailer sway;
- Combined braking performance – stopping distance and parking brake-hold on grade; and
- Structural performance for the vehicle and hitch or hitch receiver.

New calculations for trailer weight ratings: In addition to the performance standards, SAE J2807 also uses a specific set of assumptions to calculate maximum trailer weight ratings:

- For light-duty full-size pickups (GVWR < 8,500 lbs.), SAE J2807 assumes that the tow vehicle includes any options with higher than 33 percent penetration;
- It assumes there is both a driver and passenger in the vehicle, each weighing 150 pounds;
- It assumes that tow vehicles also include up to 70 pounds of aftermarket hitch equipment (where applicable); and
- For conventional trailer towing, SAE J2807 assumes that 10 percent of the trailer weight is on the tongue.

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC's highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.

2015 GMC SIERRA TRAILERING SPECIFICATIONS

2015 Sierra 1500 Regular Cab (SAE J2807)

2WD:

Regular Cab, 6' 6" box
6,100 lbs. / 2,767 kg. – 4.3L (3.23 axle)
7,000 lbs. / 3,175 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,000 lbs. / 4,082 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)

Regular Cab, 8' box
5,900 lbs. / 2,676 kg. – 4.3L (3.23 axle)
6,800 lbs. / 3,084 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,800 lbs. / 4,445 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)

4WD:

Regular Cab, 6' 6" box
7,600 lbs. / 3,447 kg. – 4.3L (3.42 axle)
6,700 lbs. / 3,039 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
8,700 lbs. / 3,946 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)

Regular Cab, 8' box
7,400 lbs. / 3,357 kg. – 4.3L (3.42 axle)
6,500 lbs. / 2,948 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,500 lbs. / 4,309 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)

2015 Sierra 1500 Double Cab (SAE J2807)

2WD:

Double Cab, 6' 6" box
5,600 lbs. / 2,540 kg. – 4.3L (3.42 axle)
6,500 lbs. / 2,948 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,500 lbs. / 4,309 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)
9,500 lbs. / 4,309 kg. – 6.2L (3.23 axle)

Double Cab, 6' 6" box w/ Max Trailering Package
11,200 lbs. / 5,080 kg. – 5.3L (3.73 axle)
12,000 lbs. / 5,443 kg. – 6.2L (3.42 axle)

4WD:

Double Cab, 6' 6" box
7,200 lbs. / 3,266 kg. – 4.3L (3.42 axle)
6,200 lbs. / 2,994 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,200 lbs. / 4,173 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)
9,200 lbs. / 4,173 kg. – 6.2L (3.23 axle)

Double Cab, 6' 6" box w/ Max Trailering Package
11,000 lbs. / 4,990 kg. – 5.3L (3.73 axle)
11,900 lbs. / 5,398 kg. – 6.2L (3.42 axle)

2015 Sierra 1500 Crew Cab (SAE J2807)

2WD:

Crew Cab, 5' 8" box
5,600 lbs. / 2,540 kg. – 4.3L (3.23 axle)
6,400 lbs. / 2,903 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,400 lbs. / 4,264 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)
9,400 lbs. / 4,264 kg. – 6.2L (3.23 axle)

Crew Cab, 5' 8" box w/ Max Trailering Package
11,100 lbs. / 5,035 kg. – 5.3L (3.73 axle)
12,000 lbs. / 5,443 kg. – 6.2L (3.42 axle)

Crew Cab, 6' 6" box
5,500 lbs. / 2,495 kg. – 4.3L (3.23 axle)
6,400 lbs. / 2,903 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,400 lbs. / 4,264 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)
9,300 lbs. / 4,218 kg. – 6.2L (3.23 axle)

Crew Cab, 6' 6" box w/ Max Trailering Package
11,000 lbs. / 4,990 kg. – 5.3L (3.73 axle)
11,900 lbs. / 5,398 kg. – 6.2L (3.42 axle)

4WD:

Crew Cab, 5' 8" box
7,100 lbs. / 3,221 kg. – 4.3L (3.42 axle)
6,200 lbs. / 2,812 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,200 lbs. / 4,173 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)
9,200 lbs. / 4,173 kg. – 6.2L (3.23 axle)

Crew Cab, 5' 8" box w/ Max Trailering Package
10,900 lbs. / 4,944 kg. – 5.3L (3.73 axle)
11,800 lbs. / 5,352 kg. – 6.2L (3.42 axle)

Crew Cab, 6' 6" box
7,000 lbs. / 3,175 kg. – 4.3L (3.42 axle)
6,100 lbs. / 2,767 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,100 lbs. / 4,128 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)
9,100 lbs. / 4,128 kg. – 6.2L (3.23 axle)

Crew Cab, 6' 6" box w/ Max Trailering Package
10,800 lbs. / 5,352 kg. – 5.3L (3.73 axle)
11,700 lbs. / 5,307 kg. – 6.2L (3.42 axle)

By Steven J. Ewing