Overview & Reviews

The "HD" part of Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD does not, in fact, indicate that this truck features crystal-clear wide-screen picture quality. In this case we're using the old-fashioned meaning of HD: "Heavy Duty." Thanks to its stiffened suspension, sturdy frame, powerful engine choices and available dual rear wheels, the 3500HD is a true workhorse meant for serious towing and hauling. Having said that, the latest model does offer an HD-quality 8-inch touchscreen, so it's not the one-trick pony it used to be.

Indeed, the Silverado 3500HD has evolved into a multitalented star. Compared to past Silverado trucks, the current model boasts a radically improved interior that enhances this big pickup's desirability. Nonetheless, it will always be the durable, capable mechanicals underneath that keep generations of Chevy loyalists coming back to the gold bowtie. The original definition of "HD" is alive and well in Chevy's toughest truck.

Current Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
The current Silverado 3500HD has been redesigned for the 2015 model year. Like the 2500HD, it shares its comprehensively upgraded interior layout and technology features with the latest Silverado 1500. The exterior styling has also been updated to bear a family resemblance to the 1500. As expected, regular-, extended- or crew-cab body styles are offered, but the extended cab has been reinvented, featuring a new official name ("double cab") and four conventional doors rather than the traditional reverse-opening rear doors. The regular and double cabs come with a long cargo box only, while the crew cab offers either a short box or a long box.

The powertrains are borrowed from the previous generation, so a 6.0-liter V8 with 360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque is the standard engine. A "bi-fuel" option permits this V8 to use compressed natural gas (CNG), with CNG output falling to 301 hp and 333 lb-ft. Either way, a six-speed automatic transmission handles the shifting duties. The optional 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 (397 hp, 765 lb-ft) continues to be paired with an exclusive Allison six-speed automatic. Every 3500HD can be equipped with either rear- or four-wheel drive, and all cab styles can be outfitted with a dual-rear-wheel setup. An automatic locking rear differential is standard across the board.

The double- and crew-cab body styles have three trim levels -- Work Truck, LT and LTZ -- while the regular cab is limited to Work Truck and LT trims. Standard equipment is more generous than ever on the Work Truck, including cruise control and an audio system with a 4.2-inch color display and USB connectivity. The "WT" also provides basics like a front bench seat, steel wheels, a tilt-only steering wheel and air-conditioning. The LT throws in alloy wheels, tinted glass, heated power mirrors, an "EZ-Lift and Lower" tailgate, cloth upholstery, OnStar, MyLink smartphone integration, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a six-speaker CD audio system with satellite radio. The LTZ cranks up the luxury with foglights, extended chrome trim, leather upholstery (with optional power front bucket seats), heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera and an 8-inch MyLink touchscreen.

Some of the 3500HD's upscale standard features are optional on lesser trims. Other options include power-adjustable pedals, front and rear parking sensors, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a heated steering wheel, Bose audio and the Z71 Off-Road package with special suspension components. New for this 3500HD is the High Country package, which matches high-end rival models with a saddle-brown leather interior and basically every premium feature in the book. Also new are optional safety technologies like lane-departure warning and forward-collision alert.

In terms of towing and hauling capability, the current Silverado 3500HD isn't much more capable than its predecessor. The engines are the same, after all, and although the structure has been reinforced here and there, it was already extremely stout. The interior, however, is a giant leap for Chevy-kind. The formerly crude Work Truck dashboard looks downright respectable these days, while the LTZ's leather trim and 8-inch touchscreen would do a luxury SUV proud. We've been knocking the 3500HD's lackluster cabin appointments for years, but now they're fully up to snuff. We're also fans of the new double cab with its four normal doors; it's a "Why didn't they think of that before?" kind of idea (of course, Ram thought of it years ago with its Quad Cab). Throw in the monstrous, battle-tested Duramax diesel, and you've got a full-spectrum product that's tough to top. But trucks in this class are always jockeying for pole position, so don't sleep on the latest from Ford and Ram.

Used Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Models
The previous-generation Chevy Silverado 3500HD was produced for the 2007-'14 model years. Although its appearance remained largely unchanged, the 2011-'14 truck gained a stronger, fully boxed frame, beefier suspension components and additional electronic aids. The standard engine was initially a 6.0-liter gasoline V8 that made 353 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel was rated at 365 hp and 660 lb-ft. The gas V8 crept up to 360 hp and 380 lb-ft for 2010; the Duramax, meanwhile, was overhauled for 2011 and re-rated at 397 hp and 765 lb-ft. Both engines had a six-speed automatic transmission, with the diesel upgrading to an Allison unit with manual shift control.

This 3500HD was available in regular-, extended- or crew cab designs, with rear- or four-wheel drive and optional dual rear wheels. The extended cab, which was dropped for the 2014 model year, employed reverse-opening rear doors. Extended- and crew-cab models were offered in three trim levels: Work Truck, LT and the more luxurious LTZ that featured an upgraded cabin with the same higher-quality dashboard found in the Tahoe and Suburban. The regular cab came in Work Truck and LT trims only.

In a comparison test of heavy-duty pickups, the mechanically identical GMC Sierra HD came out on top against its Dodge and Ford competitors. Though we found its cabin less inviting, the big GM trucks' recently revised frame, suspension and diesel engines proved hard to beat. Although multigenerational brand loyalty may dictate which heavy-duty pickup you take home, sticking with (or switching to) a used Silverado 3500HD of this vintage would be a solid decision.

Aside from the structural and powertrain updates noted above, changes were minimal during this 3500HD's production run. Most notably, a rearview camera was made available for '09 and the Work Truck got standard air-conditioning for 2010.

From 2001-'06 the truck was known simply as the Chevrolet Silverado 3500. Before 2001, Chevy's full-size pickups had just a C or K designation, with rear-wheel-drive trucks indicated by a "C" (e.g. "C3500") and four-wheel-drive trucks by a "K."

User Reviews:

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  Doing it in a Dually - 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
  By Steve - January 29 - 1:44 am

  When my 09 2500 HD Silverado was not up to towing the new Toy Hauler 5th Wheel We had to upgrade the truck. Friend owns a Ram so I rode in the Ram a lot. Another friend owns a Super duty Ford and again I had the chance to ride in his truck. This survey does not let you choose 6.6 Duramax Diesel, or new 2018 model. The engine is fantastic! Quiet , clean and sets you back in the seat when you punch the fun pedal. The comfort and features are upper level. Room and storage is very well thought out. The Puck system for the trailer prep is a fantastic idea ! The fit and finish of the interior is great and quality of materials is top of the class. The quality of the GM interiors is above all the rest. I should know owning several GM trucks all purchased new, 1991 Silverado k1500 Sold when it had 216,000 miles and I still see it on the road today! 2004 GMC Sierra SLE , 2009 Silverado 2500 HD and now the 3500 HD Silverado Duramax Dually . All my trucks gave great service. Towing a 45 5th wheel with GVW of 20,000 Lbs I appreciate the blind spot warning and the Back up/cargo lighting system ! This is the second purchase from the Chevrolet dealer and I got a great price, discount and value for my trade. Dealer gave me a good discount off MSRP and a good value for my trade and GM sweetened the deal with loyalty rebates of $3000.00 Great truck and great Value !

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  Silverado - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
  By Andy - December 30 - 1:40 pm

  It is a very stable truck and it gives you the power to do anything and haul anything you want to.

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  Not what I expected - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
  By Dan - October 4 - 4:00 pm

  A very strong tow vehicle and decent appearance.. but that is about it. The interior is very cheap with rattles since the first month of ownership. The blind spots are terrible. I average 11 MPG loaded or empty. As far as towing ability, no problem. As far as build quality... its not what you would expect for a 48K truck. My F-350 was far more roomy and comfortable. Also the base tires are too small for the truck. The tail gate is flimsy.

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  Best Silverado yet - 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
  By Joe DE - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Traded in my 2008 2500HD Silverado for the 2011, 3500HD,LTZ, 6.6 Duramax with allison, dually, 4X4. Love it! think Im driving a luxury car! I was able to get 20 mpg on 95 at 64 mpg. No kidding.

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  some improvements over prior models - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
  By obrienw - November 12 - 6:23 pm

  The interior has some improvements over prior models but Ford is still much nicer. The powertrain is why I bought this truck and it does not disappoint - with the exception of the need to replace fuel filters too frequently. Engine and allison trans are great for pulling my gooseneck trailer. Has bigger tag receiver , with insert. They dropped the trans temp gauge from prior models but the info is available from the Driver Information Center. Had emergency brake sticking and a driveline vibration issue but otherwise good solid truck.

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  Not bad at all - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
  By BINCS - April 2 - 2:53 am

  Ive had mine for 2 years now and never had a problem with mileage - 15/18. I use it a lot in the woods and never had a problem on or off road. I do agree the tires are too small for the truck (that was the very first thought when I saw it). But its been a good truck that handled well on a WA to NJ road trip of 4000+ miles with a motorcycle and stuff in the bed ranging from twisting turning roads in Yellowstone to 90+ MPH straightaways in SD (milage goes to 14-15 at 90MPH).

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  Definitely Tougher Than Rocks - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
  By Ezechiel Florea - January 25 - 9:46 pm

  This truck I bought last year new. I have already 65,000 miles on it. It broke at about 56,000 and now Im getting 18MPG without the trailer on the highway. At first it got 12 and 14 at best with out the trailer. I haul 10,000-13,000 pounds all the time. You can go up and down moutains and it just keeps on moving forward. The Allison Trany and the Duramax makes the truck tougher and more reliable. It never broke down on me/never had a problem. I am always going to be a Chevy fan. The tow command is simple and very good to have. It helps out buy being easier on my truck brakes. Always has power to spare. I would recommend this truck to anyone that needs a tough reliable truck that will never stop.