Compare · Silverado 2500HD · 2500
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vs Ram 2500: towing
For 2012, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD has the higher printed fifth-wheel maximum, by 2,300 lb. Comparing the best row for the same cab and drivetrain, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is higher in 4 of 4 setups and the Ram 2500 in 0. Across 5 model years where both are cited, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD led 3 times, the Ram 2500 2 times.
Every figure is a printed manufacturer chart value for its own model year. Maximums need specific equipment; the same-setup table is the fairer comparison.
2012: same cab, same drivetrain
2012 is the newest year with substantial chart coverage for both trucks. Best printed fifth-wheel rating for each body style; “No row” means the transcribed chart has none for that setup. Extended cab groups SuperCab, Double Cab, Quad Cab, King Cab and Access Cab; crew groups SuperCrew, CrewMax and Mega Cab.
| Setup | Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD | Ram 2500 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular cab 2WD | 17,800 lb 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax), Regular Cab, Long Box, 3.73 axle, Automatic transmission | 15,500 lb 6.7L 24V Turbo Diesel (ETJ), Regular Cab, Long box, 4.10 axle, RAM REGULAR CAB 2WD LONG BED ST; trans A6 68RFE 6 sp AUTO (DG7) | Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD +2,300 |
| Regular cab 4WD | 17,500 lb 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax), Regular Cab, Long Box, 3.73 axle, Automatic transmission | 15,050 lb 6.7L 24V Turbo Diesel (ETJ), Regular Cab, Long box, 4.10 axle, RAM REGULAR CAB 4WD LONG BED ST; trans A6 68RFE 6 sp AUTO (DG7) | Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD +2,450 |
| Extended cab 2WD | 17,500 lb 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax), Extended Cab, Standard Box, 3.73 axle, Automatic transmission | No row | — |
| Extended cab 4WD | 16,400 lb 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax), Extended Cab, Standard Box, 3.73 axle, Automatic transmission | No row | — |
| Crew cab 2WD | 17,400 lb 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax), Crew Cab, Standard Box, 3.73 axle, Automatic transmission | 15,100 lb 6.7L 24V Turbo Diesel (ETJ), Crew Cab, Short box, 4.10 axle, RAM CREW CAB 2WD SHORT BED ST; trans A6 68RFE 6 sp AUTO (DG7) | Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD +2,300 |
| Crew cab 4WD | 15,800 lb 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax), Crew Cab, Standard Box, 3.73 axle, Automatic transmission | 14,650 lb 6.7L 24V Turbo Diesel (ETJ), Crew Cab, Short box, 4.10 axle, RAM CREW CAB 4WD SHORT BED ST; trans A6 68RFE 6 sp AUTO (DG7) | Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD +1,150 |
2012 rating ranges
| Hitch | Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD | Ram 2500 |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional | 9,300–13,000 lb | 8,900–12,000 lb |
| Fifth-wheel | 9,300–17,800 lb | 12,050–15,500 lb |
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD by engine
- 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel (Duramax)14,700–17,800 lb
- 6.0L V89,300–14,700 lb
Source: Chevrolet, 2012 Chevrolet Trailering Guide
2012 Ram 2500 by engine
- 6.7L 24V Turbo Diesel (ETJ)12,050–15,500 lb
- 5.7L V8 gas (EZC)12,850–14,400 lb
Source: Ram, 2012 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Towing Charts (media.chrysler.com)
Year by year
Highest cited fifth-wheel rating for each model year. A blank means that year is not cited or the model was not sold, never zero.
| Year | Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD | Ram 2500 | Higher |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 22,430 lb | — | |
| 2024 | 22,430 lb | — | |
| 2023 | 18,510 lb | — | |
| 2022 | 18,510 lb | — | |
| 2021 | 18,510 lb | — | |
| 2020 | 18,510 lb | — | |
| 2019 | 14,400 lb | 19,780 lb | 2500 |
| 2018 | 18,100 lb | — | |
| 2017 | 18,100 lb | — | |
| 2016 | 18,000 lb | — | |
| 2015 | 17,900 lb | — | |
| 2014 | 17,800 lb | — | |
| 2013 | 17,800 lb | 18,350 lb | 2500 |
| 2012 | 17,800 lb | 15,500 lb | Silverado 2500HD |
| 2011 | 17,800 lb | 15,450 lb | Silverado 2500HD |
| 2010 | 15,800 lb | 13,450 lb | Silverado 2500HD |
| 2009 | 15,800 lb | — | |
| 2007 | 16,100 lb | — | |
| 2006 | 16,100 lb | — | |
| 2005 | 16,200 lb | — | |
| 2003 | 16,100 lb | — | |
| 2002 | 16,300 lb | — |