2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

The Silverado Heavy Duty lineup rolls into 2012 with even greater towing and payload capacities to lead the segment, including:

-- Best-in-class 1-ton fifth-wheel towing capacity of 23,000 pounds

-- Best-in-class conventional towing capacity of 18,000 pounds

-- Best-in-class payload of 7,215 pounds

For greater fifth-wheel towing capacity, engineers strengthened the pickup box sills and other box structures along with the rear springs, U-bolts, and box mounts. The also revised the shock tuning, all of which contributed to the Silverado 3500 HD best-in-class tow rating of 23,000 pounds, up from 21,700 pounds in 2011. Silverado leads the class in payload, with a 7,215-lb. capacity.

Chevrolet offers ten 2500HD models and eight single- and dual-rear-wheel 3500HD models, including regular cab, extended cab and crew-cab body styles offered in 2WD and 4WD.

All share key architectural and performance features, including a fully-boxed, high-strength-steel frames and available 6.6L Duramax diesel with 397 horsepower and 765 lb.-ft. of torque.

For 2012, Silverado HD offers a number of technical features for both work and recreation, including a new navigation radio. It offers an enhanced display and now has a hard drive that eliminates the need for discs with map data.

Silverado HD also offers comprehensive confidence and control features. Trailer Sway Control, which uses the truck and trailer brakes and the powertrain controls to keep the vehicle and trailer on the intended path, is now part of StabiliTrak, as is Hill Start Assist, which avoids roll-back before accelerating on inclines.