Jones Chevrolet - How much can the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 really tow, and which configuration do I need in Sumter, SC?
Drivers in and around Sumter, SC ask practical questions about towing power, weekend versatility, and daily drivability. The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 answers decisively with up to 13,300 lbs. of available trailering, up to 2,260 lbs. of available payload, and the confidence that comes from advanced trailering technology. At Jones Chevrolet, our team helps match tow goals to the right engine, cab, and trailering features so your Silverado 1500 works as hard as your life demands — whether that’s launching a boat on Lake Marion, hauling equipment across job sites near Columbia, or pulling a camper toward the coast.
Before we get into configurations, it helps to understand how the Silverado 1500 achieves those numbers. Four available engines — each paired with smart transmissions and proven chassis tuning — give you the flexibility to prioritize torque, highway efficiency, or V8 power. The TurboMax™ engine delivers best-in-class standard 430 lb.-ft. of torque and makes light-to-moderate trailer duty feel easy. The 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 adds traditional V8 muscle and a 10-speed automatic for confident passing with a loaded trailer. The 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 is the performance pick for strong acceleration and high-capacity pulling. For long-haul stability and efficiency, the Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel brings 495 lb.-ft. of torque and best-in-class highway fuel economy — an appealing combination for frequent towing on I-95 or SC-378.
Capability is only part of the story. The 2026 Silverado 1500 is designed to make towing feel simpler with up to 14 available camera views, Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert, and an In-Vehicle Trailering App that stores custom trailer profiles and walks you through pre-departure checklists. Available HD Surround Vision helps you set up confidently in tight spaces, while the available Trailering App can run a trailer light test from the cab. On High Country, available Super Cruise® connected by OnStar® even enables hands-free driver assistance on compatible roads — impressively, it is engineered to work while towing, helping you manage speed and steering as you remain attentive.
To help you narrow choices, here is how our team typically aligns common towing needs around Sumter with Silverado 1500 setups. Actual capacity depends on exact configuration, so consider this a starting point, and plan to verify with our advisors based on your cab, bed, drive type, axle ratio, and trailering equipment.
- Utility trailers and small boats (up to roughly 5,000 lbs.): TurboMax™ on WT, Custom, LT, RST, or LT Trail Boss provides confident torque and easy drivability around town.
- Mid-size campers and equipment (about 7,000–9,000 lbs.): 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 with the appropriate trailering equipment balances power, smooth 10-speed control, and everyday comfort.
- Heavier enclosed haulers and larger boats (targeting 10,000–13,300 lbs. when properly equipped): 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 or Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel — confirm the exact configuration and trailering package to access higher ratings.
- Frequent highway towing from Sumter to the coast or mountains: Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel for stellar torque and best-in-class highway fuel economy, plus long-range composure.
- Occasional off-road towing to hunt camps or job sites: LT Trail Boss or ZR2 for added ground clearance and capability — with diesel standard on ZR2 for confident low-speed pulling.
Towing well also means loading smart. Silverado’s Durabed brings more standard cargo volume than any competitor, 12 standard tie-downs rated at 500 lbs. per corner, and available 120-volt power for tools and accessories. The available Multi-Flex Tailgate adds six functions — from a full-width step rated up to 375 lbs. to a work surface and load stops — so staging gear for a weekend at Lake Wateree or a day’s work in Manning is more efficient.
When you are ready to lock in the right build, use this simple plan to confirm the capacity you need and the configuration that fits your routine.
- Define your heaviest trailer: Look at the trailer’s GVWR, not just its empty weight, and include cargo like water, fuel, and gear.
- Decide your typical route: Flat local roads, frequent I-95 trips, or hilly backroads each point toward different engine strengths.
- Choose cab, bed, and drive type: Crew Cab comfort, bed length, 2WD or 4x4 — each can influence tow ratings and payload.
- Select trailering technologies: Up to 14 camera views, the In-Vehicle Trailering App, and integrated brake controller improve confidence and convenience.
- Verify with our team: We will cross-check the exact VIN build, axle ratio, and trailering package to confirm published ratings for your truck.
Our product specialists at Jones Chevrolet will walk you through engines, trims, and packages — from WT and Custom to LTZ, High Country, and ZR2 — and help you experience the differences on a real-world test drive. We can also review how Chevy Safety Assist complements towing days with standard driver assistance features for added peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can Super Cruise® be used while towing near Sumter, SC?
Yes. On High Country, available Super Cruise® connected by OnStar® offers hands-free driver assistance on compatible roads, and it is engineered to work while towing. It can manage speed and steering to help reduce fatigue on longer routes as you remain attentive and ready to take control.
Is the In-Vehicle Trailering App helpful if I only tow a few times a year?
Absolutely. The app’s checklists, light test, and custom trailer profiles make occasional towing easier and help reduce missed steps. It is one of those features you appreciate most during the first hookup of the season.
Diesel or 6.2L V8 — which feels better for mixed work and weekend towing?
For frequent highway towing and long distances, the Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel shines with strong torque and excellent highway efficiency. If you prefer gas-power punch and responsive acceleration, the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 is compelling — and it offers an available sport mode-enabled active exhaust on select trims for added character. We recommend driving both back-to-back at our dealership.
How does Durabed and the Multi-Flex Tailgate help on tow days?
Durabed’s 12 standard tie-downs and generous bed volume secure coolers, cords, chocks, and tools without encroaching on trailer space. The available Multi-Flex Tailgate adds load stops for longer items, a sturdy full-width step rated up to 375 lbs., and a handy work surface for hitch hardware and checklists — small touches that save time every trip.
Ready to tailor a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 to your towing plans in Sumter? Visit Jones Chevrolet at 1230 Broad Street. Our team will confirm the right configuration, demo available cameras and trailering features, and explain how our exclusive 20-Year / 200,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty on most new Chevrolet vehicles adds long-term confidence well beyond factory coverage. From first hookup to your hundredth haul, we are here to help you tow smart.