- A truck's value, if used as a workhorse, is based on its payload, which is the amount of weight it carries in the cargo bed, and towing capacity. Chevy truck engines generate torque ranging from 190 lb.-feet to 380 lb.-feet. Torque is the turning effort, or revolutions per minute, of engine power transmitted to the wheels that increase with speed. A high axle ratio, such as 3.23 or higher, allows the engine to perform at high revolutions and provide more torque to the wheels for more towing capacity, according to autoweb.com.
- The 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 standard truck powered by a 190-horsepower 4.3-liter 6-cylinder engine can generate 260 lb.-feet of torque. With a four-speed automatic transmission and 3.23:1 rear axle ratio it's capable of towing 4,900 lbs. The four-wheel-drive version offers slightly better towing capacity at 5,100 lbs., according to autoweb.com.
- The Silverado 1500 standard pickup powered by a 302-hp 4.8-liter V-8 with 305 lb.-feet of torque can pull 4,700 lbs. The same standard Chevy truck tuned to provide the same V-8 with 305 lb.-feet of torque is capable of pulling up to 6,000 lbs., according to autoweb.com.
- The larger 2010 four-wheel-drive Chevy 2500 Heavy Duty truck featuring the long box cargo bed and equipped with a 360-hp 6-liter V-8 generating 380 lb.-feet of torque, a six-speed automatic transmission and 3.73 axle ratio has a towing capacity of 10,200 pounds. The two-wheel-drive 2500HD has as 10,500-lb. pulling power capacity, the best of any Chevy truck, according to autoweb.com.
- The 322-hp 6-liter V-8 on the 3500HD four-wheel-drive model equipped with dual rear wheels also features a 380-lb.-feet rating, but only achieves 9,700-lb. towing capacity. The single-rear-wheel model with a 3.73 axle ratio performs slightly better with a 10,000-lb. pulling capacity, according to autoweb.com.
- Although Chevy pickups are rated with a maximum tow capacity of 10,500 lbs., the 2500HD equipped with an Allison 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine, six-speed automatic transmission, standard trailer hitch and a 4.10 axle ratio is capable of hauling up to 13,000 lbs., according to trucktrend.com.
- The compact 2010 Chevrolet Colorado is designed for light hauling and has modest towing capacities. Engines range from the 2.9-liter inline 4-cylinder to the 5.3-liter V-8. Torque ranges from 190 to 320 lb.-feet with the five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission options. Towing capacities start at 2,400 lbs. with the inline-four engine to 6,000 lbs with the V-8, according to canadiandriver.com.
