If you're considering purchasing a new Chevy Silverado, one of the specs you might be wondering about is the pickup truck's weight. Whether you're getting ready to fill the truck's bed with gravel or preparing to hitch-up a trailer, the truck's weight plays a vital role in hauling and towing capabilities. We've researched the various trim levels of the 2021 Chevy Silverado and broken them down for you in an easy to follow post.
The Chevy Silverado weighs between 4,265 pounds and 5,155 pounds. You'll notice that there is quite a range between those two numbers. Many factors determine the Silverado's curb weight, including trim level, cab size, and bed length. We've broken down the weight ranges for you by trim level here:
- Chevy Silverado WT - 4,257-lbs to 4,965-lbs
- Chevy Silverado LT - 4,693-lbs to 4,965-lbs
- Chevy Silverado RST - 4,702-lbs to 4,965-lbs
- Chevy Silverado LTZ - 4,693-lbs to 4,965-lbs
- Chevy Silverado High Country - 4,702-lbs to 4,965-lbs
- Chevy Silverado LT Trail Boss- 5,100-lbs to 5,155-lbs
The Chevy Silverado's weight will also vary by other configurations you are considering. We've broken down all the options possible and listed their respective curb weights in more detail below. We've also researched the Silverado's maximum towing capacity for the 1500 and 3500 models, as well as listed some important reasons why you should never overload your pickup truck. Keep reading for more pertinent information.
2021 Chevy Silverado Weights By Model/Trim Level
Chevy Silverado WT
- Regular Cab Long Bed 4x2: 4,257-lbs
- Regular Cab Long Bed 4x4: 4,470-lbs
- Double Cab Standard bed 4x2: 4,693-lbs
- Double Cab Standard bed 4x4: 4,940-lbs
- Crew Cab Short Bed 4x2: 4,702-lbs
- Crew Cab Short Bed 4x4: 4,915-lbs
- Crew Cab Standard Bed 4x2: 4,772-lbs
- Crew Cab Standard Bed 4x4: 4,965-lbs
Chevy Silverado LT
- Double Cab Standard Bed 4x2: 4,693-lbs
- Double Cab Standard Bed 4x4: 4,940-lbs
- Crew Cab Short Bed 4x2: 4,702-lbs
- Crew Cab Short Bed 4x4: 4,915-lbs
- Crew Cab Standard Bed 4x2: 4,772-lbs
- Crew Cab Standard Bed 4x4: 4,965-lbs
Chevy Silverado RST
- Crew Cab Short Bed 4x2: 4,702-lbs
- Crew Cab Short Bed 4x4: 4,915-lbs
- Crew Cab Standard Bed 4x2: 4,965-lbs
- Crew Cab Standard Bed 4x4: 4,772-lbs
Chevy Silverado LTZ
- Crew Cab Short Bed 4x2: 4,702-lbs
- Crew Cab Short Bed 4x4: 4,915-lbs
- Crew Cab Standard Bed 4x4: 4,965-lbs
- Double Cab Standard Bed 4x2: 4,693-lbs
- Double Cab Standard Bed 4x4: 4,940-lbs
Chevy Silverado High Country
- Crew Cab Short Bed 4x2: 4,702-lbs
- Crew Cab Short Bed 4x4: 4,915-lbs
- Crew Cab Standard Bed 4x2: 4,772-lbs
- Crew Cab Standard Bed 4x4: 4,965-lbs
Chevy Silverado LT Trail Boss
- Crew Cab Short Bed 4x4: 5,105-lbs
- Crew Cab Standard Bed 4x4: 5,155-lbs
- Double Cab Standard Bed 4x4: 5,100-lbs
Is the Chevy Silverado a half-ton pickup?
It's important to know what is truly meant by the term "half-ton pickup." This doesn't mean that the truck weighs 1,000 pounds. It refers to how much the truck can carry on its frame, in addition to its curb weight. This additional weight is what is known as the payload capacity, which we will discuss in more detail later in this post.
In the classic sense, a half-ton pickup would have a maximum payload of 1,000 pounds, a three-quarter ton pickup would have its maximum at 1,500 pounds, and so on. But truck frames have evolved, and so have the technologies that help make them. Because of this, most trucks have outgrown their original capacities and can carry a much bigger payload than what their name might imply.
What is the maximum payload capacity of the Chevy Silverado 1500?
Since the curb weight varies from model to model, the Chevy Silverado's maximum payload capacity will also be different based on the trim style, cab size, and other factors. While the range doesn't vary by a great deal, maximum payload capacity is still an important spec to be aware of and stay within the confines. The payload capacity ranges by trim level for the Silverado 1500 are:
- Chevy Silverado 1500 WT has a payload capacity that ranges from 1,960-lbs to 2,250-lbs.
- Chevy Silverado 1500 LT has a payload capacity that ranges from 1,960-lbs to 2,040-lbs.
- Chevy Silverado 1500 RST has a payload capacity that ranges from 1,960-lbs to 2,030-lbs.
- Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ has a payload capacity that ranges from 2,020-lbs to 2,040-lbs.
- Chevy Silverado 1500 High Country has a payload capacity that ranges from 1,960-lbs to 2,030-lbs.
- Chevy Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss has a payload capacity that ranges from 1,760-lbs to 1,770-lbs.
What is the maximum payload capacity of Chevy Silverado 3500?
The Chevy Silverado 3500 is considered a full ton pickup truck, capable of carrying the largest loads for everyday consumers. It's massive, state of the art frame and suspension system make it one of the more durable full ton pickup trucks on the market. It also boats great longevity and minimal maintenance.
We've broken down the maximum payload capacities by trim level here:
- Chevy Silverado 3500 WT has a payload capacity that ranges from 4,052-lbs to 6,112-lbs.
- Chevy Silverado 3500 LT has a payload capacity that ranges from 4,052-lbs to 6,112-lbs.
- Chevy Silverado 3500 LTZ has a payload capacity that ranges from 4,052-lbs to 6,112-lbs.
- Chevy Silverado LT Trail Boss has a payload capacity that ranges from 4,052-lbs to 6,112-lbs.
What happens if you overload a truck?
Overloading any model pickup truck will have dire consequences, and the Chevy Silverado is no exception to this. Not paying attention to your truck's maximum payload capacity will result not only in costly damage to your Silverado but can also lead to fatal accidents on the road.
Frame Overload
While the Silverado is built on a sturdy frame, every frame has its limits. Too much weight on the frame will damage the truck's shocks and suspension system and can also cause tires to blow out from being overloaded. You'll feel every bump and pothole in the road, as the extra weight will make these little annoyances even more pronounced. The frame itself can sustain irreparable bending and fractures, making the truck undrivable.
Engine & Transmission Strain
The engine and transmission will also be put under excessive strain. Even if your frame and tires survive, there's a very real possibility that the overage will greatly lessen the life of the Silverado's drive train.
Poor Handling
Aside from the damage to the vehicle itself, consider how dangerous overloading the truck is for its passengers and those they are sharing the road with. When your truck's payload has been exceeded by too much, you'll notice that it's much harder to steer. This can cause overcorrection and lead to the truck tipping over on the roadway.
For obvious reasons, you must know what your Silverado's maximum payload capacity is before you load up the bed and cab. Doing so might mean the difference between a safe, fun trip and one that ends in tragedy.
Conclusion
The Chevy Silverado has been a leader in its class since it was first launched in 1999. Consumers enjoy the multitude of trim levels and various bed lengths and give high praise for the Silverado's reliability. The higher towing capacity and payload maximums make it more attractive than others on the market for those that need a reliable work truck, which has been a real boost to its popularity among construction companies in the United States.
The Silverado has evolved, with even sturdier frames and a variety of engine options. The 2021 model will undoubtedly continue the Chevy Silverado tradition, being highly sought after in the competitive pickup truck market.
If you are interested in learning more about the Chevy Silverado, below are some very helpful posts that may help you make a more informed decision should you be considering purchasing this truck.
How long can a Chevy Silverado Last?
Can a Chevy Silverado Be Flat-towed?