How much can the new Silverado really pull? If you are hauling a boat to Clinton Lake, a camper to the Lake of the Ozarks or a skid steer to a job site in Johnson County, that is the first question to answer. The 2027 Silverado 1500 towing capacity tops out at 13,700 pounds when properly equipped, and that is only part of the story.
The 2027 Silverado 1500 is a fully redesigned truck. It brings two new V8 engines, an updated 2.7L TurboMax, the Duramax 3.0L turbo-diesel, a 10-speed automatic on every engine and some of the most advanced trailering technology Chevy has ever offered. With four engines and seven trims, the right setup for your trailer depends on more than one headline number.
At McCarthy Chevrolet Olathe, we help Kansas City truck buyers match the right Silverado to the right job every day. This guide breaks down towing and payload by engine, which engines come on which trims, the new trailering tech and how to pick the best configuration for what you tow.
Quick Answer: 2027 Silverado 1500 Towing at a Glance
- Maximum towing: 13,700 lbs with the 5.7L V8 and Max Trailering Package
- Best for frequent towing: Duramax 3.0L turbo-diesel, up to 12,000 lbs with 495 lb-ft of torque
- Most powerful engine: 6.6L V8 with 481 hp, rated up to 9,700 lbs
- Minimum towing on every 2027 Silverado 1500: 7,200 lbs
- Hands-free towing: available Super Cruise works with trailers up to 13,600 lbs on compatible roads
Ready to see one in person? Browse the 2027 Chevy Silverado 1500 for sale in Olathe.
2027 Silverado 1500 Towing Capacity Chart by Engine
Chevrolet publishes towing and payload maximums by engine. Each number below is the highest rating for that engine in its best configuration. Your truck's exact capacity depends on cab style, bed length, 2WD or 4WD, axle ratio and installed packages.
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Max Towing | Max Payload | Max Towing Rated On |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L V8 (L76) | 402 hp | 428 lb-ft | 13,700 lbs | 2,170 lbs | Double Cab, standard bed, 2WD, Max Trailering Package |
| Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel | 305 hp | 495 lb-ft | 12,000 lbs | 1,870 lbs | Crew Cab, short bed, 4WD, Max Trailering Package |
| 6.6L V8 (L78) | 481 hp | 501 lb-ft | 9,700 lbs | 1,510 lbs | Crew Cab, short or standard bed, 4WD |
| 2.7L TurboMax | 350 hp | 455 lb-ft | 9,400 lbs | 2,340 lbs | Regular Cab, long bed, 2WD |
Chevrolet calls the 5.7L V8's 13,700-pound rating best in class. All four engines use a 10-speed automatic transmission, and every 2027 Silverado 1500 is rated to tow at least 7,200 pounds. That means even an entry-level truck can handle most utility trailers, small campers and fishing boats.
The 6.6L V8 surprises many shoppers. It is the most powerful engine in the lineup, but its maximum rating is lower than the 5.7L's. Chevy rates the 6.6L only in Crew Cab 4WD configurations and offers it on upper trims like the High Country and ZR2. Pick it for performance and off-road capability. If maximum towing is your top priority, choose the 5.7L V8 or the Duramax.
What Is New for the 2027 Silverado 1500
The 2027 model is a next-generation Silverado, and many of the changes help with towing:
- Two new V8 engines. The 5.7L and 6.6L V8s replace the previous V8 lineup and deliver the most power ever offered in a Silverado 1500.
- 10-speed automatic across the board. The 2.7L TurboMax now uses the 10-speed instead of the previous eight-speed, which helps it stay in its power band when pulling.
- Duramax on the Work Truck. The 3.0L turbo-diesel is now available on the Work Truck trim, a big win for fleets and contractors who tow every day.
- Bigger screens on every trim. A standard 16.3-inch center touchscreen and a 12.2-inch digital driver display make camera views and trailering menus easier to read.
- New trailering tech. Boat ramp assist, a Trailer Brake Gain Assistant and hands-free Super Cruise trailering join the lineup.
2027 Silverado 1500 Trims, Prices and Engines
Here is how the seven 2027 Silverado 1500 trims line up. Prices are Chevrolet's starting MSRPs and do not include the $2,795 destination charge.
| Trim | Starting MSRP | Engine and Towing Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Work Truck (WT) | $38,600 | 2.7L TurboMax standard, Duramax 3.0L available. Standard 12,000-lb hitch and integrated trailer brake controller. |
| Custom | $43,600 | Standard 12,000-lb hitch, integrated trailer brake controller, and Hitch Guidance with Hitch View. |
| Silverado (formerly LT / Z71) | $47,900 | The mid-level trim. Super Cruise is available. |
| Custom Trail Boss | $54,400 | Off-road styling and capability at a lower price than the Trail Boss. |
| Trail Boss | $61,200 | Up to 19 camera views available. Super Cruise is available. |
| High Country | $71,700 | 5.7L V8 standard; 6.6L V8 and Duramax available. Super Cruise with trailering standard. |
| ZR2 | $77,200 | Duramax standard; 6.6L V8 available. Super Cruise with trailering standard, plus a 34-gallon fuel tank. |
Engine availability, packages and pricing can change. Our sales team can confirm the exact engine, axle ratio and trailering package on any truck in our inventory.
Which 2027 Silverado 1500 Is Best for Your Towing Needs?
Light Towing: Utility Trailers, Jet Skis and Small Boats
If you mostly pull a landscaping trailer, a pair of jet skis or a small fishing boat, the 2.7L TurboMax is a smart choice. It makes 350 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque, more torque than the 5.7L V8. That low-end pull helps when you start from a stop with a trailer behind you. Every 2027 Silverado 1500 is rated for at least 7,200 pounds, so even the base truck has plenty of room for light loads.
Medium Towing: Pontoons, Car Haulers and Travel Trailers
For pontoon boats, small car haulers and mid-size travel trailers, the 5.7L V8 is the sweet spot. With 402 hp and a maximum of 13,700 pounds, it leaves a comfortable margin under your truck's rating. That margin matters on hot summer days or the hills along I-70 and US-169.
Frequent or Long-Distance Towing
If you tow every week or take long trips to Colorado, Branson or Lake of the Ozarks, look hard at the Duramax 3.0L turbo-diesel. It makes 495 lb-ft of torque and tows up to 12,000 pounds, and diesel torque makes highway towing feel relaxed. Now that it is available on the Work Truck, contractors can get diesel towing without moving up to a pricier trim.
Luxury Towing: High Country
The High Country pairs a standard 5.7L V8 with Super Cruise and trailering, so you can tow hands-free on compatible highways. Add the panoramic roof, Bose audio and an upgraded interior, and it is one of the most comfortable ways to tow a camper across the country.
Off-Road Adventures: Trail Boss and ZR2
If your trips end at a muddy campsite or a gravel boat ramp, look at the Trail Boss and ZR2. The ZR2 adds Multimatic DSSV dampers, 35-inch mud-terrain tires, underbody cameras and a 34-gallon fuel tank for longer range between fill-ups. These trucks are built for capability first, so check the exact towing rating of the configuration you choose.
2027 Silverado 1500 Trailering Technology
Towing capacity tells you what the truck can pull. Trailering tech makes it easier and less stressful to do. The 2027 Silverado 1500 offers some of the most advanced towing features in any half-ton pickup.
- Super Cruise with trailering: Hands-free driver assistance while towing trailers up to 13,600 lbs on compatible roads. Chevrolet says hands-free trailering works on about 630,000 miles of roads. Automatic lane changes are not available while trailering.
- Boat ramp assist: A new feature designed to make launching and loading a boat easier.
- Trailer Brake Gain Assistant: Chevy calls this an industry first. It helps you set trailer brake gain correctly instead of guessing.
- Up to 11 cameras and 19 views: Includes Hitch View and the rear camera mirror, plus underbody cameras on off-road trims.
- Hitch Guidance with Hitch View: Helps you line up the hitch ball with the trailer coupler, often without a spotter.
- Integrated trailer brake controller: Standard on the Work Truck and Custom, so no aftermarket controller is needed.
- Tow/Haul mode and Blind Zone Steering Assist: Adjusts shift points for heavy loads and helps watch the blind zones along the sides of your truck and trailer.
Understanding Towing Numbers Before You Hitch Up
Many towing mistakes come from looking at only one number. Here are the terms every Silverado owner should know:
- Towing capacity: The maximum trailer weight your specific truck can pull, based on its exact configuration.
- Payload: The total weight your truck can carry in the cab and bed. That includes passengers, cargo, gear and the trailer's tongue weight.
- Tongue weight: The downward force the trailer puts on your hitch. A common rule of thumb is about 10 to 15 percent of the trailer's weight for conventional trailers.
- GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): The maximum allowed weight of the loaded truck and loaded trailer together.
Here is an example. An 8,000-pound travel trailer may put 800 to 1,200 pounds on your hitch. Add four passengers and a bed full of camping gear, and you can hit your payload limit before you hit your towing limit. Check the Tire and Loading Information label on your driver's door jamb for your truck's exact payload.
What Can a 2027 Silverado 1500 Tow?
Trailer weights vary widely by brand, size and how they are loaded. These approximate ranges show where common trailers fall compared with the Silverado's 7,200 to 13,700-pound range:
| Trailer Type | Typical Loaded Weight (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Small utility or landscape trailer | 1,500 to 3,500 lbs |
| Jet skis or small fishing boat | 1,500 to 4,000 lbs |
| Pontoon boat with trailer | 3,000 to 6,000 lbs |
| Mid-size travel trailer (20 to 26 ft) | 5,000 to 8,000 lbs |
| Car hauler with vehicle | 6,000 to 9,000 lbs |
| Large travel trailer (28 ft and up) | 8,000 to 11,000+ lbs |
Always use the trailer's actual loaded weight, not its dry weight. Water, propane, batteries and gear add up fast. A trip to a public scale before a long trip is a smart move.
Towing Tips for Kansas City Drivers
- Plan for wind. Kansas crosswinds can push tall travel trailers around, especially on open stretches of I-35 and K-10. A weight-distributing hitch with sway control helps.
- Leave more stopping distance. A loaded trailer can greatly increase stopping distance, so give yourself extra room in Kansas City traffic.
- Check your trailer brakes. Set your brake controller gain for each load. The new Trailer Brake Gain Assistant makes this easier.
- Inspect before every trip. Check tire pressure on the truck and trailer, lights, safety chains, the breakaway cable and the coupler lock.
- Know the rules. Kansas and Missouri have their own requirements for trailer brakes, lights and safety chains, so check them before crossing state lines.
- Practice first. Spend time backing and turning in an empty lot before your first boat launch at Clinton Lake or Smithville Lake.
When to Step Up to a Silverado HD
If you regularly tow more than about 10,000 pounds, pull a large fifth-wheel camper or carry heavy payloads, a Silverado 2500 HD or 3500 HD may be the better tool. Heavy Duty models are built for bigger loads and offer gooseneck and fifth-wheel prep. Learn more about the Chevy Silverado 2500 HD in Olathe.
Still deciding? Compare bed sizes in our Silverado 1500 bed size guide, or see our previous Silverado towing guide if you are shopping for a pre-owned truck.
Shop the 2027 Silverado 1500 in Olathe »
Find the Right Towing Setup at McCarthy Chevrolet Olathe
Tell us what you tow, and we will match you with the right engine, axle ratio and trailering package. Visit 675 N Rawhide, Olathe, KS 66061, or call (913) 712-9346 to schedule a test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2027 Silverado 1500?
The 2027 Silverado 1500 can tow up to 13,700 pounds with the 5.7L V8 when properly equipped with the Max Trailering Package in a Double Cab, standard bed, 2WD configuration.
Which 2027 Silverado 1500 engine is best for towing?
The 5.7L V8 has the highest rating at 13,700 pounds. The Duramax 3.0L turbo-diesel tows up to 12,000 pounds with 495 lb-ft of torque, which makes it a strong choice for frequent or long-distance towing.
Why does the 6.6L V8 have a lower towing rating than the 5.7L V8?
Chevrolet rates the 6.6L V8 at up to 9,700 pounds in Crew Cab 4WD configurations. It is offered on upper trims such as the High Country and ZR2 and focuses on power and performance. For maximum towing, choose the 5.7L V8 or the Duramax.
What is the minimum towing capacity of a 2027 Silverado 1500?
According to Chevrolet, every 2027 Silverado 1500 has a minimum towing rating of 7,200 pounds.
Can I use Super Cruise while towing a trailer?
Yes. On equipped 2027 Silverado 1500 models, Super Cruise supports hands-free driving while towing trailers up to 13,600 pounds on compatible roads. Automatic lane changes are not available while trailering.
How do I find the exact towing capacity of a specific truck?
Towing capacity depends on engine, cab, bed, drivetrain, axle ratio and packages. Check the truck's trailering information and door-jamb label, or ask our team to look it up by VIN.
Where can I test drive a 2027 Silverado 1500 near Olathe?
Visit McCarthy Chevrolet Olathe at 675 N Rawhide, Olathe, KS 66061, or call (913) 712-9346 to schedule a test drive.
Specifications from Chevrolet and the GM newsroom. Towing and payload ratings are maximums and vary by configuration. Before you tow, see the Owner's Manual and the label on your vehicle. Pricing excludes destination, tax, title and fees and is subject to change.
