Bergey's Chevrolet

Redesigned for 2011, the Silverado heavy-duty lineup is broader than ever, with 10 2500HD models and eight single- and dual-rear-wheel 3500HD models including a new 3500HD Crew Cab with a 6.5-foot cargo box. WT, LT and LTZ trim levels are offered, and popular features such as the EZ Lift tailgate and rearview camera system return. All models bring greater capability, improved ride and handling and a greater feeling of driver control. Highlights include:

• Increased towing capability (21,700 pounds) and payload (6,335 pounds) supported by all-new fully-boxed, high-strength-steel frames and strong suspensions for maximum capability and exceptional ride characteristics
• New 6.6L Duramax diesel delivers up to 11-percent greater highway fuel economy and up to 63-percent lower emissions, along with B20 biodiesel capability and quicker acceleration
• Larger gas tank and fuel economy improvements allow up to 680 miles between fill-ups with the 6.6L Duramax turbo diesel
• All-new smart exhaust brake feature provides greater control on grades and reduced brake pad wear
• An array of control features, including trailer sway control, integrated trailer brake control, hill start assist, automatic grade braking, intelligent brake assist and larger brakes
• Purposeful technology, including available mobile WiFi, USB connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, XM Satellite Radio, OnStar 9.0 and navigation.

Outside, the 2011 Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD models are distinguished by a power dome-style hood with a new, louvered design, as well as a new grille and full-width chrome steel front bumper. A new lineup of 17- (Dually), 18- and 20-inch wheel/tire combinations is featured, too (20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels are available on 2500HD).

In the quest to comprehensively redesign the Silverado HD chassis to improve durability and ride, while also supporting increased capability, engineers developed 18 all-new, fully boxed frame assemblies. The frames have increased cross sections and use more high-strength steel for greater durability, higher towing capacity and improved ride and handling; the front sections are hydroformed.

The bending and beaming stiffness of the frames is increased 92 percent and 20 percent, respectively, with the fully boxed sections enhancing torsional stiffness by a factor of five. Also, larger engine and transmission mounts, coupled with a 125-percent-stiffer front frame structure, provide greater vibration control, while hydraulic body mounts are incorporated under the cab section on extended and crew cab models for a more isolated feel inside.

A completely redesigned independent front suspension system offers up to a 25-percent greater front axle weight rating up to 6,000 pounds front gross axle weight rating (FGAWR) enabling a snow plow to be used on all 4WD cab configurations with the available snow plow prep package, while also supporting improved ride and handling characteristics.

Compared to competitors beam-axle front suspension, the Silverado's independent front suspension provides a better ride, more accurate trim height control (with fewer parts) and greater flexibility to adjust the alignment for weight and tire sensitivity.

Commensurate with the Silverado HD's greater strength and capability is a rear suspension designed to support greater loads. It features a new, larger asymmetrical leaf-spring design that also contributes to improved ride and handling characteristics.



Stronger frames, suspension systems with greater weight ratings and enhanced powertrain systems contribute to the Silverado HD's greater towing and payload capability. The specifications charts included below outline capacities for each model and/or configuration, but here are the key facts:

The maximum conventional (ball hitch) towing rating increases to a segment-best 17,000 pounds.  A Silverado 3500HD crew cab/long box can tow up to 21,700 pounds with a fifth-wheel hitch.  The maximum payload (3500HD) is 6,635 pounds.

Supporting the new 2011 Silverado HD trucks greater capabilities is a new version of the workhorse Duramax 6.6L diesel and Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission powertrain combination. The Duramax 6.6L is more powerful and durable and the Allison 1000 is stronger and helps enable new features, including the exhaust brake system.   With nearly 1.3 million Duramax 6.6L engines produced since 2000, they have proven exceptionally durable and dependable. The internal elements that helped build its reputation are enhanced for 2011.

The enhanced Allison 1000 for 2011 is strengthened to handle the higher torque capability of the new 6.6L Duramax engine, while also helping improve fuel economy and providing seamless assistance with a new exhaust brake system. Greater efficiency is delivered through reduced spin loss meaning, the transmission channels more of the engine's power to the axles, allowing it to do more with less fuel. The Allison 1000 also features driver shift control with tap up/tap down shifting and a patented elevated idle mode cab warm-up feature. Also, the tow/haul mode reduces shift cycling for better control and improved cooling when towing or hauling heavy loads. The six-speed configuration retains its two overdrive gears for optimal efficiency. Performance with the Duramax/Allison combination is also improved over previous models, with preliminary testing showing 0-60 mph times of less than 9 seconds and quarter-mile times of less than 16 seconds in 2500HD models. That's about 0.3-second and 0.5-second quicker, respectively, than previous models.

The venerable Vortec 6.0L gas V-8 with variable valve timing returns to the new heavy-duty trucks, along with a strengthened version of the Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers excellent performance and efficiency, with a greater emphasis on low-rpm power.

A new feature on Duramax-equipped models is an exhaust brake system. This driver-selectable feature uses the turbine control of the variable geometry turbocharger and the compression of the engine to generate backpressure, slowing the vehicle without applying the brakes. It is a smart system integrated with the cruise control feature and varies the braking to account for the grade and vehicle load.  The exhaust brake system allows for virtually effortless driving and towing, with seamless and quiet operation. It also helps prolong brake life and prevents overheating the brakes on long, downhill grades.

Brake feel and performance are greatly improved with the 2011 Silverado HD trucks. The standard four-wheel disc system is completely revamped to deliver smoother, more immediate and confident-feeling performance. Four-wheel, four-channel ABS is standard on all single-rear-wheel models and a three-channel system is standard on dual-rear-wheel models.

The front and rear rotors are larger in diameter 14 inches and width on all models to support their increased capacity, weight ratings and trailering ratings, while the calipers are stiffer and stronger. The hydroboost brake booster calibration is revised for reduced pedal effort and the travel of the pedal is also revised for a more comfortable, confident feel. Larger wheel hub and bearing assemblies complement the new brake system and the rear rotors attach to the wheel hubs for easier servicing.



Longer wheelbases ranging from 133.6 inches to 167.7 inches and wider front/rear tracks enhance the ride and handling characteristics of the Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD, giving them a greater feeling of smoothness and control.

The longer wheelbases and wider tracks are complemented by the new, stiffer frames, new jounce bumpers, shock mounts and hydraulic body mounts to provide a solid, smooth and isolated driving experience. New shocks were specially valved to support the new trucks weight ratings, while balancing excellent ride characteristics.

Also enhancing the driving experience is a revised steering system designed to support the trucks' greater front gross axle weight rating. It includes a new, larger steering gear, power steering pumps and linkages. The pumps (different parts for gas and diesel models) deliver greater pressure for reduced steering effort in low-speed and parking maneuvers; they are also quieter. On some models, the new linkages feature a compliant joint added at the pitman attachment to enhance handling.

The 2011 Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD models have a comprehensive roster of safety features and functional technologies that include: StabiliTrak electronic stability control system on all single-rear-wheel models, larger, four-wheel disc brakes with standard four-wheel ABS, a new high-strength steel tubular frame cross member that enhances safety and improves crashworthiness, seat pelvic/thorax and head curtain side air bags available on 2500HD, available rear backup camera segment-exclusive OnStar 9.0, trailer sway control system on all single-rear-wheel models, hill start assist (standard on single-rear-wheel models).

From the available remote starting feature to the unimpeded access offered by the 170-degree-opening rear access doors on extended cab models, the 2011 Silverado HD models live bigger, drive better and work harder. The interiors are refined, with improved quietness and attention to detail, but designed for working. Numerous storage compartments provide covered access for everything from work gloves to laptops.



Indeed, for many owners the Silverado HDs are mobile workspaces, offering mobile WiFi, USB connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, XM Satellite Radio and a navigation system. Multiple charge points enable multiple electronic devices to operate simultaneously; and when equipped with the available navigation system, XM NavTraffic offers real-time updates of traffic conditions (in selected areas) that can help plan the most effective route to the job site.

Cold-weather customers will appreciate the Duramax 6.6L's quick, reliable start-up, with a starting time on par with gas engines. Its glow plug cycle time is the segment's best in all temperatures, taking no more than 3 seconds in temperatures as low as -20 F. There's also a cab heat-up feature that allows the engine to idle faster in low temperatures to warm up the interior faster.

Silverado HDs take you farther without stopping. A new, 36-gallon fuel tank is standard on all models and, with the improved fuel efficiency of the powertrains, enables a cruising range of about 680 miles  with the Duramax 6.6L. That's the equivalent of a trip from Houston to Oklahoma City and back to Dallas on a single tank.

Finally, all 2011 Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD trucks work under the best warranty coverage in America five-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, plus roadside assistance, courtesy transportation and other features that provide assurance that Chevrolet backs its trucks confidently.

For more information on the 2011 Chevy Silverado HD contact Bergey's Chevrolet.