Silverado, Sierra Diesel Trucks Likely Getting Tow Rating Increase

The Duramax engine could be getting improvements soon.

Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra’s diesel variants may be getting a welcome upgrade in their tow ratings, thanks to a potential improvement on the Duramax engine in both models.

When General Motors released both models, it was focused on coming up with high fuel economy numbers. However, while the results were impressive for the two trucks, tow ratings were compromised.

John Barta, assistant chief engineer of diesel engine controls at General Motors, said important improvements are likely happening for the half-ton trucks, which may result in an increase in their tow ratings.

“We’re actually looking at upgrading some of the materials around [the engine bay] to see if we can maybe raise our tow rating,” Barta shared in an interview. “We do know that [95 percent] of our light-duty customers don’t tow over 9,000 pounds. There was a conscious decision to maybe not go after the towing but go after the fuel economy. We realized that our tow rating is hitting 95 percent of the customer we have,” he said.

When it comes to tow ratings, the Ford F-150 Power Stroke and Ram 1500 EcoDiesel are leading the segment with 11,400 lbs and 12,560 lbs, respectively. But for the Duramax-powered Chevy trucks, the highest number is only at 9,300 lbs.

“Even though it’s nice to brag about big numbers, in reality, light-duty customers are not towing that large with their trucks,” Barta explained. “We think we hit the right balance with delivering class-leading fuel economy and still be able to tow what they tow as a light-duty customer.”

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Duramax and 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Duramax are the league leaders in fuel economy with 30 miles per gallon on the highway or better. With a boost in their tow ratings, both models could be more monstrous in the segment.