Bigger, stronger and more powerful than ever, the completely new 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD/3500HD (Fig. 1) and GMC Sierra 2500HD/3500HD (Fig. 2) trucks offer increased capability and an expanded range of options for customers. Compared to the current HD models, the new trucks are larger in virtually every measure. The HD trucks are available in 3/4-ton 2500, 1-ton 3500 single rear wheel, and 1-ton 3500 dual rear wheel configurations with either 2WD or 4WD.
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
The Silverado HD lineup includes Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ, and High Country models. Sierra HD models include Sierra, SLE, SLT, new AT4, and Denali trim lines.
The trucks offer a number of advanced features designed to deliver for HD customers, including:
- Enhanced cooling system for vehicles equipped with the Duramax® 6L diesel engine
- Available Autotrac Active 2-speed transfer case on 4WD models
- Available dual alternators on both gasoline and diesel engine options for power needed in commercial applications
- A modular front on the trucks that enables easier mounting of a snowplow
- Available 120 V alternating current power outlet located at the rear of the cargo box for electrical equipment that uses a maximum of 150 watts
- Available power up/down tailgate on Silverado HD and the innovative MultiPro tailgate (Fig. 3) on Sierra HD
- Available enhanced trailering system featuring a class-leading 15 camera views
Fig. 3
Powertrains
There are a choice of two powertrains: the standard all-new 6.6L V8 gasoline engine (RPO L8T) and 6-speed 6L90 automatic transmission or the available Duramax® 6.6L V8 diesel engine (RPO L5P) and the all-new Allison 10-speed automatic transmission with an available integrated PTO option.
The new 6.6L V8 gas engine features a cast-iron small block with aluminum heads and direct fuel injection. It produces 401 horsepower and 464 lb.-ft. of torque. With a longer stroke, it delivers more than 21 percent greater torque than the previous 6.0L V8 gas engine.
The Duramax 6.6L V8 turbo-diesel engine produces 445 horsepower and 910 lb.-ft. of torque and offers exceptional durability with its hardened engine block that uses a deep skirt design and light-weight aluminum cylinder heads. Combined with the new Allison 10L1000 automatic transmission, the HD trucks have a 35,000 lb. maximum towing rating when properly equipped. (Fig. 4)
Fig. 4
All-Wheel Drive
The available Autotrac system (RPO NQH) is a 2-speed automatic, active transfer case. The system provides five modes: Auto 4WD, 4HI, 4LO, 2HI and Neutral. (Fig. 5) The Auto 4WD position offers the capability of an active transfer case with on-demand torque biasing wet clutch and easy vehicle tuning through software calibrations. The software calibrations allow for vehicle speed dependent clutch torque levels to enhance the performance of the system.
Fig. 5
For example, the system is calibrated to provide 0–5 lb.-ft. of clutch torque during low speed, low engine torque operation, and predetermined higher torque for 25 mph (40 km/h) and greater. These calibrations prevent crow-hop and binding at low speeds and provide higher torque biases at higher vehicle speeds in order to enhance stability.
New Technology
The HD trucks offer an extensive number of new technologies and safety features, including:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Following Distance Indicator
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- Front and Rear Park Assist
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
- Safety Alert Seat
- HD Surround Vision
- Head-Up Display
Many of the vehicle controls, including some safety features, the available diesel exhaust brake, and available Integrated Trailer Brake Controller can be operated or turned on/off using the switchbank and other controls on the center of the instrument panel. (Fig. 6)
Fig. 6
Trailering System
The available Advanced Trailering System (Silverado HD) and ProGrade Trailering System (Sierra HD) features up to15 camera views (up to two accessory cameras can be installed), including high-definition Surround Vision and other unique views, such as a transparent trailer view feature (Fig. 7) to help see behind the trailer when towing and a hitch view camera that aids in connecting a trailer to the vehicle. To check the available camera views when in Drive, touch the Camera icon on the infotainment screen and select the desired view. Touch X on the screen to exit the view.
Fig. 7
In addition to the trailering system, other trailer technologies and hardware that are available on the new HD trucks include:
- Auto Electric Park Brake – automatically applies the parking brake to help maintain truck position when hitching
- New Park Grade Hold Assist – enhances hill hold by using braking effort at each wheel for an extended period of time
- Integrated Trailer Brake Controller – works with the trailer profile in the Trailering App to recall a specified trailer’s most recent gain setting
- Tow/Haul Mode – remains engaged on the next key-on cycle, for up to four hours; includes a reminder the feature is engaged
- Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control
- Trailer Sway Control
- Auto Grade Braking and Diesel Exhaust Braking
- Digital Variable Steering Assist – dynamically optimizes power steering according to driving scenarios, including trailering, and enables road pull compensation and other features
- Trailering Info Label – located on the driver’s door jamb with the truck’s specific trailering information, including curb weight, GVWR, GCWR, maximum payload, maximum tongue weight and rear GAWR.
New, larger door-mounted trailering mirrors are standard on all 2500HD and 3500HD models. The trailering mirrors have been redesigned with improved perimeter lighting. The mirrors extend and retract using a four-bar-link system for smooth operation, whether done manually or with the available power extension controls. A new forward-facing spot lamp on each mirror shines light at about a 45-degree angle, providing illumination on the job site or campsite. There also are side-view cameras mounted within the mirror housings, and when equipped, mirror-mounted puddle lamps and two rearward-facing spot lamps.
To extend the trailering mirrors manually, grasp the mirror housing firmly and pull back in one motion, arching slightly toward the rear of the vehicle. (Fig. 8) To return the mirror to its original position, reverse the motion.
Fig. 8
Action Center
A Technical Assistance Center (TAC) Action Center (U.S.) has been established for product feedback on the 2020 Silverado HD and Sierra HD. Any vehicle issues that warrant prompt and immediate attention should be reported to TAC, not just concerns requiring technical assistance. Any concerns will be answered by a Silverado HD/Sierra HD specialist. The Action Center is connected directly to TAC, Engineering, and the assembly plant in order to address any product concerns.
To report a concern, create a TAC Case using the Dealer Case Management (DCM) system. Refer to Bulletin #08-00-89-014E for more information about using the DCM system. The Silverado HD/Sierra HD specialist will provide any diagnostic direction as needed through the DCM. Contact TAC if needed once a case has been started.
For additional information on the new 2020 Silverado HD and Sierra HD, refer to Bulletin #19-NA-091.
– Thanks to Kevin Minor and Sherman Dixon
