Towing Capacity Chevy Express 3500: A Detailed Guide

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The question “What is the towing capacity of a Chevy Express 3500?” has surely crossed the minds of many travelers who own this brand. This Chevy van has a maximum towing capacity of 9,700 pounds. However, that doesn’t imply that you should approach that limit because the overall weight of your passengers still needs to be added to the tow weight.

Towing Capacity Chevy Express 3500

 

Sit back and relax as this article unveils more information about the towing capacity of the Chevrolet Express 3500.

What Is the Towing Capacity of Chevy Express 3500?

The towing capacity of Chevy Express van 3500 ranges from 9,000 to 10,000 pounds. However, there are a few elements that can determine the exact towing capacity of this van, including the year of manufacture as well as the engine type.

These factors will have a significant impact on the towing capacity of this van. One of the two 2016 diesel vans can tow up to 10,000 pounds, while a few 2015 diesel-powered vans of this model can tow roughly 9700 pounds. The Mercedes model of 2015 pulls lower than 5000 pounds. 

However, the four 2020 diesel motors can tow anything between 9200 and 9700 pounds. Regardless of the year they were manufactured, practically all 3500 series vans should be able to pull a little over 9000 to 10,000 pounds. The exact weight will depend on the axle rating and year.

Even the 2006 model can tow 9700 pounds, giving you flexibility in the kind of trailer you can bring along with you on your RV exploration trips. Additionally, stay with 4-wheel drive automobiles rather than 2-wheel drive ones in case you find yourself in any sticky situations.

– Chevy Express 3500 Towing Capacity Package

The tow package you receive for the first may differ slightly from the second. The 3500 series provides several towing packages that vary by year. The 2021 3500 owner’s manual focuses more on selecting the suitable tow and adequately connecting the electrical system than on towing kits.

Chevy Express 3500 Towing Capacity Package

The 2020 owner’s manual is the same. There are mild differences between the years, and different trailers, making the use of one over the other impossible and very difficult to achieve, so you should speak to your mechanic or dealer about the best tow package for your vehicle. 

Remember that it is your responsibility as the owner to secure the appropriate towing machinery for the trailer you intend to transport. 

– Towing Capacity of a Chevy 3500 Cargo vs Express Passenger Van

There is no difference in the towing capacity for the 2500 and the 3500 in both categories. That is when you compare cargo vans with one another and passenger vans with passenger vans. The 3500 can only tow the passenger van with a maximum weight of 9600 pounds.

However, the cargo variant can tow higher weights, but they’re relatively lighter. The weight limit is 10,000 pounds. We identified several 2020 3500 vans with a 4-cylinder engine that were only rated to load 9200 pounds, while another choice with the same motor size was up to 9600. This capacity and engine size will change from year to year.

Before contacting the dealer or owner, choose the 3500 vans you are most interested in and review the specifications to obtain an accurate capacity rating. Another reason why they’re similar is that the 2016 models featured 8-cylinder motors and could tow more weight. However, a general search of all 3500s won’t give you the details you need to make a wise buy.

– Towing Capacity of a Chevy Express Diesel

The Chevy Express Diesel 2018 3500 can haul roughly 6,800 pounds. That’s relatively less than other common Chevy offerings. For effective towing, you need a tow kit. The 2018 3500 extended wheelbase CV is only rated for 6,500 pounds, further necessitating the purchase of a towing kit. 

Towing Capacity of a Chevy Express Diesel

The Chevy website can assist you in getting the information you need if you’re seeking a specific model and engine. The Chevrolet Express is covered from 2009 to 2018. To find the model and make that correspond to the van you are interested in, click the drop-down menu and then view the results.

We looked at the 2021 Express on the Car and Driver website, but they only mention gas vehicles for some reason. Some of them can tow loads up to 10,000 pounds. You should do some searching to find the precise tow information you need for the diesel model you wish to purchase.

– Towing Capacity of a Chevy 2500 Van

The towing capacity of a Chevy 2500 van, according to a general search on towing capacities, is reported to have the same tow rating as the 3500. The cargo vans can pull up to 10,000 pounds, while the passenger vans can tow up to 9600 to 9700 pounds. 

Again, we have learned from our study that such capacities may vary based on the year 2500 was produced and the type of engine powering. Additionally, a 10,000-pound rating was applied to the 2012 diesel 2500 Express. Visit the Chevy website for a complete list of the specifications for every Chevy 2500 ever produced.

Since there were a lot of different 2500 models produced, it is impossible to include each one along with its towing capacity. The good news is that Chevy did not upgrade its vans as often as it did its more well-known vehicles, so the ranking may remain consistent over several years.

– Towing Capacity of Chevy Astro Van

The Chevy Astro van has a towing capacity of 5000, which strongly suggests that the vehicle is not designed for towing. The towing capacity is also inversely proportional to the braked capacity. The term “braked capacity” means a trailer braking system has been fitted to aid in halting the vehicle.

Towing Capacity of Chevy Astro Van

This is not great news for towing fans at all, particularly if you want to tow your fine 6000-pound fishing boat or a 7,000-pound travel trailer for a weekend getaway. Without that trailer braking mechanism, Astro’s towing capacity is significantly reduced.

– Towing Capacity of a Chevy G20 Van

The Chevy G20 van has a towing capacity of between 5000 and 6500 pounds. The exact towing capacity depends on the model of the van. Also, the engine rating beneath the hood, either 4.3 V-6, 6.5 V-8, 5.0 V-8, or 5.7 V-8, determine the towing capacity of the vehicle.

The G20 van wasn’t designed to pull various trailers across the country or simply to your getaway cabin in the neighboring county. Although more models were available in 1991 than in 1995, the selection was slightly more comprehensive. During those years, you could get a G20 that could support up to 7500 pounds or 4000 pounds. As mentioned, the tow rating ranges were influenced by the engine type.

– Chevy 10,000 lb Towing Capacity

Chevy produces two vans with a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds. These cargo vans are the 2500 and the 3500. The weight that the other vehicles can tow is less. You will need to upgrade a Chevy truck or heavy-duty vehicle to pull more weight than that.

Then we talk of Silverado. With 12,500 pounds, the 1500 tows the lightest load in its class. The 3500 HD has a towing weight of more than 25,000 pounds, while the Silverado 2500 HD comes in second with slightly over 18,000 pounds. The 2017 Chevy Express was the only one to exceed 10,000 unit capacity out of nine vehicles.

Vans are not intended to tow things. Instead, they are made to haul. As such, you will see them with deficient towing capacities, with a few down under 2000 towing weight limitations. Ford, Dodge, and even Mercedes were way below the 8,000-pound mark, with Nissan reaching approximately 9,400.

– Chevy Van That Can Tow the Most Weight

Three Chevy models, alongside the GMC Savana, have towing capacities over 10,000 pounds and can tow the most weight. The towing capacities of these vans depend on a few factors, one of which is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Few vans even tow above 10,000 pounds.

Chevy Van That Can Tow the Most Weight

The three Chevy models that reach 10,000 units or more are the Express, 2500, and 3500 cargo vans. As even the Mercedes-benz Sprinter has a weight limit of 7500 pounds, other van manufacturers cannot even come close to matching that.

The Ford Transit weighs the same as the Sprinter at 7500 pounds, whereas the Dodge Ram Promaster can only support 5100 pounds. The Nissan NV 2500 then has a 9400-pound towing capability.

Given that GMV owns Chevrolet, it is not surprising that that particular kind of van reaches the 10,000-pound threshold. The Nissan 2500 is more reminiscent of the vintage Chevy Suburban combination truck van type from the 1970s to 1980s. It resembles a truck more than a van, yet all vans have that third folding door on the right side.

– Towing a Camper

A Chevrolet Express can tow a camper, but it depends on the weight of the camper. If the camper weighs more than 10,000 pounds, take note that you will not be able to tow it with your Chevy Express. The 10,000 pounds threshold includes passengers and supplies.

While the Chevy Express could, in theory, tow a 10,000-pound camper, you should avoid getting too near to that figure. This is because the more the load on the van, especially over 9000 pounds, the less smooth the ride. There’s also a possible detrimental effect on the vehicle’s durability.

To ensure you can tow a camper, verify the specifications and engine size. Also, ensure your Express can safely manage all the people and equipment you wish to bring with you by taking them into account as well.

Conclusion

Our article has discussed the various towing capacities of Chevrolet Express vans so you can select the most suitable one for your needs. Let’s mention some of the essential points.

  • The towing capacity of the Chevy Express 3500 ranges from 9000 to 10,000 pounds. The year of manufacture, as well as the engine type, will have a significant impact on the towing capacity of this van. One of the two 2016 diesels can tow up to 10,000 pounds.
  • The G20 van wasn’t designed to pull various trailers across the country or simply to your getaway cabin in the neighboring county.
  • Depending on the model you bought, the 1995 G20 could pull somewhere between 5000 and 6500 pounds.
  • Before contacting the dealer or owner, choose the 3500 vans you are most interested in and review the specifications to obtain an accurate capacity rating.
  • This van can tow a camper. The secret to accomplishing this goal would be to weigh the camper before hooking it up.

The towing capacity for most Chevy Express vans is 10,000 pounds. However, stay within the limit or precisely the limit to ensure a safe drive.

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