Compare · Silverado 3500HD · 3500
Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD vs Ram 3500: towing
For 2017, the Ram 3500 has the higher printed fifth-wheel maximum, by 7,910 lb. Comparing the best row for the same cab and drivetrain, the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is higher in 0 of 4 setups and the Ram 3500 in 4. Across 16 model years where both are cited, the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD led 7 times, the Ram 3500 9 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.
2017: same cab, same drivetrain
2017 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 3500HD | Ram 3500 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular cab 2WD | 14,600 lb Vortec 6.0L V8, Regular Cab, Long Box, 4.10 axle | 31,210 lb 6.7L CUMMINS DIESEL (HO), Regular Cab, 4.10 axle, REGULAR CAB, 4X2, DRW; trans A6 AS69RC; DRW | Ram 3500 +16,610 |
| Regular cab 4WD | 23,300 lb Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8, Regular Cab, Long Box, 3.73 axle, Dually | 30,830 lb 6.7L CUMMINS DIESEL (HO), Regular Cab, 4.10 axle, REGULAR CAB, 4X4, DRW; trans A6 AS69RC; DRW | Ram 3500 +7,530 |
| Extended cab 2WD | 23,200 lb Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8, Double Cab, Long Box, 3.73 axle, Dually | No row | — |
| Extended cab 4WD | 22,900 lb Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8, Double Cab, Long Box, 3.73 axle, Dually | No row | — |
| Crew cab 2WD | 23,100 lb Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8, Crew Cab, Long Box, 3.73 axle, Dually | 30,660 lb 6.7L CUMMINS DIESEL (HO), Crew Cab, Long box, 4.10 axle, CREW CAB LONG BOX, 4X2, DRW; trans A6 AS69RC; DRW | Ram 3500 +7,560 |
| Crew cab 4WD | 22,700 lb Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8, Crew Cab, Long Box, 3.73 axle, Dually | 30,320 lb 6.7L CUMMINS DIESEL (HO), Crew Cab, Long box, 4.10 axle, CREW CAB LONG BOX, 4X4, DRW; trans A6 AS69RC; DRW | Ram 3500 +7,620 |
2017 rating ranges
| Hitch | Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD | Ram 3500 |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional | 8,900–20,000 lb | 10,830–17,960 lb |
| Fifth-wheel | 8,800–23,300 lb | 18,130–31,210 lb |
2017 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD by engine
- Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V817,000–23,300 lb
- Vortec 6.0L V88,800–14,600 lb
Source: Chevrolet, 2017 Chevrolet Trailering Guide
2017 Ram 3500 by engine
- 6.7L CUMMINS DIESEL (HO)20,300–31,210 lb
- 6.7L CUMMINS DIESEL18,130–22,550 lb
- 6.4L V8 HEMI—
- 5.7L V8 HEMI—
Source: Ram, 2017 Ram 3500 Trailer Towing Chart - SAE J2807 Compliant (Body Builder Guide)
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 3500HD | Ram 3500 | Higher |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | 36,720 lb | |
| 2025 | 31,580 lb | 26,080 lb | Silverado 3500HD |
| 2024 | 31,580 lb | 29,810 lb | Silverado 3500HD |
| 2023 | 36,000 lb | 29,810 lb | Silverado 3500HD |
| 2022 | 36,000 lb | 29,810 lb | Silverado 3500HD |
| 2021 | 36,000 lb | 26,830 lb | Silverado 3500HD |
| 2020 | 32,000 lb | 26,860 lb | Silverado 3500HD |
| 2019 | 23,100 lb | 35,100 lb | 3500 |
| 2018 | 23,300 lb | 31,210 lb | 3500 |
| 2017 | 23,300 lb | 31,210 lb | 3500 |
| 2016 | 23,200 lb | 24,820 lb | 3500 |
| 2015 | 23,200 lb | 24,410 lb | 3500 |
| 2014 | 23,100 lb | 24,400 lb | 3500 |
| 2013 | 23,100 lb | 30,010 lb | 3500 |
| 2012 | 23,000 lb | 22,750 lb | Silverado 3500HD |
| 2011 | 21,700 lb | 22,700 lb | 3500 |
| 2010 | 16,500 lb | 17,600 lb | 3500 |
| 2009 | 16,500 lb | — | |
| 2007 | 16,700 lb | — | |
| 2006 | 16,700 lb | — | |
| 2005 | 16,700 lb | — | |
| 2003 | 15,500 lb | — | |
| 2002 | 15,800 lb | — |