If properly equipped, a pickup truck can be used to haul flatbed trailers, smaller vehicles, and other objects. Sometimes you have the option to add more equipment to make this task easier. The Chevy Silverado offers the Max Trailering Package upon purchase. We researched this pickup truck so that you'll know exactly what this package entails.
The 2022 Chevy Silverado's Max Trailering Package is an add-on that will equip your truck with the following:
- G80 automatic rear locking differential
- Enhanced cooling
- Heavy-duty springs
- Bigger rear axle
- Trailer brake controller
- Trailering equipment
- Handling/trailering suspension package
Now that we know what is included in the Max Trailering Package, we'll take a closer look at each item it adds. You might be wondering how much this additional package costs or if there are other ways to increase your towing capacity. For the answers to these questions and more, read ahead in this post and check out what we've uncovered in our research.
What The Max Trailering Package Adds To Your Chevy Truck
The Max Trailering Package can be added to the Silverado and Colorado trucks in the Chevy lineup. Earlier in this post, we listed the items that it will add to your truck. Let's take a look at each one so you'll know what value they add to your towing needs.
G80 Automatic Rear Locking Differential
When you're hauling heavy objects behind you, you'll want your rear wheels to work in unison. The rear locking differential does just that. No matter how heavy the load or the type of traction on the road, your rear wheels will work better together. Your truck will be easier to control as well.
Enhanced Cooling
The more weight you pull, the harder your engine and transmission have to work. This extra work generates more heat, which can damage these vital parts under your truck's hood.
The Max Trailering Package will include a larger radiator with more cooling ability. This works to keep everything at proper working temperature without the risk of damage.
Heavy-Duty Springs
Heavy-duty springs will increase the strength between your truck and the trailer that it is pulling. They also go a long way in making the ride a lot less bumpy.
Bigger Rear Axle
Equipping your truck with a larger axle will allow the truck to pull more weight. Your axles, like everything else on your truck, are only engineered to handle so much strain. By increasing the size of the rear axle, you will be giving the truck more pulling power as well as increasing its towing capacity.
Trailer Brake Controller
The heavier your load, the more work your brakes are forced to do. This is especially true of the brakes on the trailer.
A trailer brake controller will use the electrical power from the truck to control the trailer brakes. The amount of power applied to the trailer brakes is directly related to the amount of power that has been applied to the brakes of the truck. This makes maneuvering the trailer much easier and safer.
Trailering Equipment
This includes equipment like your trailer hitch, saving you from getting it on the aftermarket.
Handling/Trailering Suspension Package
Enhancements to the truck's suspension make for a smoother ride. Heavy loads can cause the journey to be a lot bumpier. This equipment upgrade greatly improves Chevy's suspension, also making it easier to control on the road.
Adding the Max Trailering Package to your Chevy Silverado will take its towing capacity up to 12,000 pounds. This is a significant increase from the 9,000 pounds that it would be able to tow with the base model. With a towing capacity jump like that, you can see why many Chevy owners will equip their Silverado with it!
How Do You Know If Your Silverado Has The Max Trailering Package?
Buying a used Silverado and not sure what it has been equipped with? If you are wondering if the prospective truck you have your sights on has the Max Trailering Package, there are ways to tell.
As there are several different towing packages offered through Chevy, you want to make certain that yours is equipped with the right one. The best way to do this is to run a check through the truck's VIN. This can be run by a dealer to see what it was built with.
Taking a peek under the hood and inspecting the radiator will also help you determine what package you might have. If it's got the Max Trailering Package, it'll have an enhanced cooling system for the radiator.
How Much Does It Cost To Add The Max Trailering Package?
Adding the Max Trailering Package to your Chevy truck will increase your invoice price a bit. For all of the benefits of this package to be used, it has to be equipped in conjunction with the Convenience Package II, as this will include some of the needed components for trailering.
All in all, it will add $1,460 to your invoice. But if you plan on hauling heavy loads behind you, this package is worth the extra fee.
What Does The Tow Haul Mode On A Silverado Do?
For the heaviest of loads, Chevy has its Silverado equipped with Tow Haul Mode. Placing your truck in this mode will make your towing experience safer for your vehicle as well as make the towing itself an easier process.
Tow Haul Mode will automatically adjust how the transmission shifts. This comes into play during travel up and down any hilly terrain, as the transmission will shift less.
This puts much less wear on the transmission. It also works to keep the brakes from overheating. Keep in mind that the more weight you tow, the harder every part of your truck has to work. These extra features and enhancements will allow you to haul more weight while minimizing the wear on your truck.
How Do You Increase Towing Capacity?
If you have a pickup truck without any type of tow package, you might be able to increase your towing capacity by having some upgrades to the vehicle installed on your own.
Unless you are experienced at this, it's strongly recommended that the following are done by a licensed professional who can also verify your new towing capacity.
As we mentioned earlier in this post, the more weight you pull, the harder your entire truck has to work. More work means more heat, and heat can cause premature wear and can even permanently damage your vehicle. For this reason, upgrading your radiator is a great place to start, as a bigger one will help to cool your engine and transmission.
Better brakes, a bigger axle, and an upgrade on your suspension system will also work to increase the towing power of your truck.
Final Thoughts
While the Chevy Silverado is capable of towing a lot behind it on its own, adding the Max Trailering Package will increase its overall towing power.
This package can be added to your truck before purchase for a nominal fee that many owners feel is worth it for the increase in towing weight and the ease it lends to towing. You can add this on your own in the aftermarket, but it's best to have a professional install it. Drive safe!
If you found this post helpful, we suggest reading the following posts on the Chevy Silverado:
How Many Miles Left When Gas Light Comes On In A Chevy Silverado?
Chevy Silverado High Country Vs. Ford King Ranch – Which Is Right For You?
Where can I find part numbers for the rear spring or the radiator?