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Towing with small payload

1679 Views 11 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  HawaiiEV
The payload is a relatively small 1300 pounds. How is the Silverado EV going to tow 10,000 let alone 20,000 well with such a small payload? I’ve heard 10% as a minimum but 15-20% preferred.
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GM recommends 10%-15% tongue weight for conventional bumper towing. With the Silverado EV being so heavy they are probably basing the towing capacity on 10% tongue weight. So that would be 1000 lbs tongue weight and enough left over for the driver and about 100 lbs of payload.

Only the fully loaded RST will have a 1300 lbs payload. Lower trims with less weight adding options (no air suspension, no rear steer etc) will have higher payload capacity.

For the 20k lbs towing version they will just use a more heavy duty suspension like with their HD pickups for a higher payload capacity.

Side Note: The WT's lower 8000 lbs towing and 1200 lbs payload is most likely to keep the GVWR under 10k lbs for commercial regulation reasons.
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The Rivian R1T is sort of like this and tows just fine. Check out this test that was recently done while towing 9k pounds:
Very good question.

Let's assume 1,200 lbs. of payload.

Let's assume husband, wife, two kids go a combined total of 600 lbs. Now you've got 600 lbs. remaining.

Let's assume you put 100 lbs. of camping gear, coolers, etc. in the bed of the truck. Now you've got 500 lbs. remaining.

500 lbs. of payload will translate to a 5,000 lb. maximum trailer.

The only way you're going to get even remotely close to 10,000 lbs. of towing is if you're alone inside the truck, and you have zero additional weight onboard aside from the trailer itself.
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I'll add that per the information my dealership just sent me this morning, the WT is now pegged at 1,000 lbs. of payload and 10,000 lbs. of towing. I had been seeing 1,200/8,000 passed around until today. Seems like the new numbers will make it even harder to reach max towing capacity.

Logic would dictate that the WT should have the highest payload and towing. That's how all ICE trucks are, and that's what fleet managers care about. Odd that it's the opposite on EV.
I'll add that per the information my dealership just sent me this morning, the WT is now pegged at 1,000 lbs. of payload and 10,000 lbs. of towing. I had been seeing 1,200/8,000 passed around until today. Seems like the new numbers will make it even harder to reach max towing capacity.

Logic would dictate that the WT should have the highest payload and towing. That's how all ICE trucks are, and that's what fleet managers care about. Odd that it's the opposite on EV.
Is that on an official document from GM? Can you post a copy of that?
I have removed his name and contact info because I'm not one to publicly post info like that unless there's a reason, but here's the entire body of the e-mail in full:

On this first production cycle, the Silverado will be available in a Work Truck and an RST. Here are some of the key features:

1. How about the range? Both will have an estimated range of 400 miles on a full charge. They will both have standard DC Fast Charging capability and with 10 minutes of charging, you will get about 100 miles.

2. Is it fast? The Silverado EV will go from 0 to 60 in just under 4.5 seconds. The work truck starts off with 510 hp and 615 lb ft of torque. The RST is capable of getting 664 ho with 780 lb ft of torque.

3. How much can I tow? The work truck starts out with 10,000 pounds of towing capability and a payload of 1000 pounds. The RST is up to 14,000 pounds and a payload of 1300 pounds.

4. Need to carry something? The Silverado EV is very flexible when it comes to what you can put in the bed. For starters, you have a 5' 11'' bed. Through various configuration you can load items that are up to 10' in length. With the 60/40 split rear of the cabin, you can place something that is 10' long and still have seating for up to two people in the rear seat.

5. How's the view? Well, to start with, the front view over the hood has been increased to see more of what's in front of you. As for the inside, (get your ruler out for this one), you will have a 17" diagonal infotainment screen that is next to a 11" driver information center. That's right, you will have 28" of screen in front and to the right of you. Couple this with the available Heads Up Display and you will have everything you need at a quick glance.

6. Any other cool things? How about having up to 10 outlets available for use to power other items from a laptop to a power tool. Cool? How about using the available charging chord to attach your Silverado to charge another EV? But wait, there's more! Did you know you have some great innovative capabilities like 4-Wheel-Steer? This is where the Silverado will turn the rear wheels in a different direction to allow for tighter turns. You can even get the air suspension to move the EV up or down 2" in any direction.

OK, enough of the fun stuff. We are all excited and anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Silverado EV. Things are moving fast so lets keep in touch as the process continues. Oh, and if you want to drop by to chat about the Silverado EV, come on down.

I look forward to hearing from you and I will make myself available for you as needed.
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14,000 pounds of towing for the RST is also new information. I would question those amounts. That is pretty major news for something GM hasn't officially announced.
I'm scheduled to drive down to the dealership tomorrow for more information in person. I'll see if they have any GM published materials showing these numbers.
Well I still haven't been able to get any more info or clarification from my dealership. They have a Silverado EV person who is a dedicated EV sales member. He's my contact, but no new news so far.

I did see where TFL tested a F-150 Lightning with the extended range battery towing a 6,000 lb. camper and they got like 85ish miles on a charge I think. Miserable. So realistically the idea of towing 10,000 lbs. with a Silverado EV is likely going to be around town ONLY, and towing 20,000 lbs. with it will be a magic trick that I'm dying to see.
No point in checking in with the dealer. The dealer is going to get new information the same time as everyone else.
I think you have to imagine 1/3 to 1/2 range mostly based on pushing highway speeds or driving 55. Plan accordingly. Otherwise it seems the lightning tows confidently, let’s hope the Silverado is as good.
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