The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD has become even more capable for heavy-duty towing customers, with General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) introducing a new fifth-wheel hitch package that lifts the ute‘s maximum towing capacity to 8000kg.
Developed and installed by Walkinshaw as part of the Silverado HD’s right-hand-drive remanufacturing process, the package enables the trailer to connect via a heavy-duty coupling mounted above the rear axle inside the tub rather than a traditional towball at the rear of the vehicle.
The upgrade increases the Silverado HD’s towing capacity from up to 4500kg with a conventional towball setup to 8000kg, making it one of the highest-rated tow vehicles available to Australian buyers.
For context, 8000kg is enough to tow more than three BYD Shark 6 utes or nearly six Toyota Corollas.
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Chevrolet Silverado HD towing capacity jumps to 8000kg
The fifth-wheel hitch option is available in two configurations: a 50mm pin coupling priced at $20,000 and a three-inch (76mm) gooseball setup priced at $18,000.
Both prices include GST and cover a range of supporting hardware, including a factory-integrated air brake system, reinforced chassis structure, tub-mounted attachment plate, additional trailer connectors, trailer brake air lines, interior controls and driver warning lights.
The system is installed during the vehicle’s remanufacturing process rather than after delivery, ensuring it is supplied as a complete, factory-backed package.
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Drivers will need a truck licence
While the increased towing capacity is impressive, buyers should note that vehicles fitted with the fifth-wheel package are classified as NB2 vehicles.
As a result, drivers will require a truck licence to legally operate the vehicle, regardless of whether a trailer is attached.
The standard Silverado HD can still be registered in NB1 form, allowing it to be driven on a regular car licence thanks to its lower Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) rating of 4495kg. However, the fifth-wheel hitch package is not available on NB1 vehicles.
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Availability and pricing
The fifth-wheel package is covered by Chevrolet’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and can be ordered alongside a new Silverado HD through GMSV dealerships.
It will be available on vehicles remanufactured from the third quarter of 2026, with customer deliveries expected between July and September.
The package is likely to appeal to owners towing large caravans, horse floats, machinery trailers and other heavy loads that exceed the capabilities of most dual-cab utes sold in Australia.
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