A Towing Test Between a Sierra 1500 and a Silverado 2500HD

The Fast Lane Truck (TFLtruck) addressed a common issue for those who tow regularly. If you tow within the maximum towing capacity of a half-ton truck, should you upgrade to a heavy-duty truck anyway? While its test may not provide a definitive answer to your specific truck and trailer situation, it offers valuable insights. Chevrolet of Spring Valley shares the findings.  

The Test 

TFLtruck accessed two trucks: a GMC Sierra 1500 and a Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD. The editors charted a highway route consisting of the 470-toll loop that circled Denver. The 115-mile route consisted of nearly uninterrupted driving at highway speeds. They drove the route simultaneously in each truck, comparing notes as they went. The test began and concluded at a gas station, which enabled them to obtain accurate fuel mileage for each truck during the drive. 

The Trucks 

The trucks were not optimized for towing, but they featured the best towing powertrain. The Sierra 1500 was an off-road-oriented AT4X equipped with the AEV Edition Package, which is quite similar to a Silverado 1500 ZR2 with the Bison Edition package. Like the ZR2, this truck was designed for off-roading and came with a variety of AEV (American Expedition Vehicles) aftermarket parts, including specialized front and rear AEV bumpers, additional skid plates, rocker guards, and 35-inch all-terrain tires, among other components. The engine was a 3.0-liter Duramax inline-six turbodiesel, providing 305 horsepower at 3,750 rpm and 495 lb-ft of torque at 2,750 rpm. The Duramax was paired with the GM ten-speed automatic transmission.  

The Silverado 2500HD had off-road capability, its Trail Boss trim showcasing 4WD, Rancho twin-tube shocks, and 20-inch wheels fitted with all-terrain tires. It also featured the best powertrain for towing: the 6.6-liter Duramax V8 turbodiesel that produces 470 hp at 2,800 rpm and an impressive 975 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. It was paired with an Allison ten-speed automatic transmission and came with a 3.42 rear axle ratio.    

The Trailers 

Both models towed nearly identical empty InTech 24-foot, dual-axle toybox trailers. The only difference was that the 2500HD’s InTech had a few more options, including a roof-mounted air conditioning unit. Consequently, the trailer towed by the Sierra 1500 weighed about 4,000 pounds, while the 2500HD’s trailer weighed around 4,500 pounds. Although not heavy, the trailers were quite long, wide, and tall. Ultimately, the purpose of this exercise was to tow trailers well within the 1500’s 8,700-pound towing capacity to determine if there was still a reason to choose the HD model. 

The Experience 

On the road, the Sierra 1500 driver felt that the HD’s standard tow mirrors would have been welcomed, as the trailer was fairly wide to see around with the standard mirrors. Fortunately, the camera system helped by providing side-rear images that appeared on the digital display when the turn signal was engaged.  

The Sierra 1500 driver felt that his truck was pretty stable on the drive, though wind gusts hitting the empty trailer could be felt. The 2500HD, weighing about 2,000 pounds more and having a longer wheelbase, had a stability advantage and was hardly taxed by the trailer’s weight.  

The 470-toll loop did not extend to the mountains west of Denver, so no steep grades were encountered during this test. The Sierra 1500 driver suggested that if there had been steep inclines, the greater power of the HD truck might have been appreciated. 

At the end of the drive, the 1500’s trip computer registered 15.0 mpg, slightly exceeding the calculation of 14.3 mpg, while displaying an average speed of 54.9 mph. The Silverado 2500HD’s trip computer showed 11.9 mpg at the same average speed, with its calculation being nearly accurate at 11.8 mpg. Thus, there was a nearly 2.5 mpg difference in this test for a heavier truck with double the displacement, pushing a larger hole in the air. 

With this slight difference, the 2500HD truck seems worthy of consideration due to its increased stability and greater reserve capacity, should towing needs arise. Of course, there is a difference in purchase price. The price ranges of the 1500 and 2500HD overlap significantly. The Sierra 1500 AT4X with the $4,395 AT4X AEV Edition package costs about $10K more than the Silverado 25000HD Trail Boss. When looking at a mid-grade trim level for both, a similarly equipped Duramax 2500HD will be around $15K more than the 1500.  

As always, the choice depends on individual usage. If the truck frequently tows long distances, the HD might justify the added cost. However, if towing is only occasional, the 1500 could be all you need. Plus, as the drivers noted, when not towing, the Sierra 1500’s more compact dimensions make it a bit more convenient for city driving. Chevrolet of Spring Valley invites you to test drive both options and discuss your towing needs with our sales professionals.