The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD III (K2XX) Crew Cab Long Box, equipped with the 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo Diesel V8 engine producing 397 horsepower and paired with a 4WD Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) automatic transmission, represents a significant iteration in Chevrolet’s heavy-duty truck lineage. Produced from 2015 to 2017, this variant occupied a premium position within the Silverado 3500 HD lineup, targeting buyers requiring substantial towing and hauling capabilities alongside a comfortable, well-equipped cabin. It was part of the third generation of the K2XX platform, known for its enhanced strength, refinement, and technology compared to its predecessors.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Silverado 3500 HD |
| Generation | Silverado 3500 HD III (K2XX) Crew Cab Long Box |
| Type (Engine) | 6.6 Duramax TD V8 (397 Hp) 4WD DRW Automatic |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.1 kg/Hp, 109.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.5 kg/Nm, 285.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 397 Hp @ 3000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 60.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 1037 Nm @ 1600 rpm (764.85 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | Duramax LML |
| Engine displacement | 6599 cm3 (402.7 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 103 mm (4.06 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 99 mm (3.9 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity | 9.5 l (10.04 US qt | 8.36 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 29.7 l (31.38 US qt | 26.13 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 3627 kg (7996.17 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 5908 kg (13024.91 lbs.) |
| Max load | 2281 kg (5028.74 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2162 l (76.35 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 136 l (35.93 US gal | 29.92 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 9072 kg (20000.34 lbs.) |
| Length | 6563 mm (258.39 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2438 mm (95.98 in.) |
| Height | 1976 mm (77.8 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 4259 mm (167.68 in.) |
| Front track | 1748 mm (68.82 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1906 mm (75.04 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 210 mm (8.27 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 17 m (55.77 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4). ICE drives rear wheels, front wheels engaged via clutch. |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission Allison |
| Front suspension | Independent torsion bar, double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 355×40 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 355×40 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Tires size | 235/80 R17; 265/70 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 17; 8J x 18 |
INTRODUCTION
The 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Crew Cab Long Box with the 6.6L Duramax diesel and Allison automatic transmission was designed to be a workhorse. It built upon the foundation laid by the K2XX platform, introduced in 2014, offering increased payload and towing capacity compared to previous generations. The Crew Cab configuration provided ample passenger space, making it suitable for both work and family use. The Long Box further enhanced its practicality, offering a generous cargo bed for hauling materials. This particular configuration, with the Duramax engine and DRW setup, was aimed at professionals and enthusiasts who regularly tow heavy trailers, such as construction equipment, livestock, or large recreational vehicles.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of this Silverado 3500 HD lies the Duramax LML 6.6-liter turbocharged diesel V8 engine. This engine is a testament to diesel engineering, featuring a cast iron block, aluminum cylinder heads, and a robust crankshaft. The LML iteration of the Duramax introduced a revised turbocharger, improved fuel injection system, and enhanced exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for increased efficiency and reduced emissions. The engine utilizes a common-rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures for optimal combustion. The overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain, while seemingly traditional, is known for its durability and reliability. The Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission is specifically designed to handle the immense torque output of the Duramax engine. It features a lock-up torque converter for improved fuel economy and a heavy-duty cooling system to prevent overheating under demanding conditions. The DRW configuration (Dual Rear Wheels) further enhances stability and load-carrying capacity.
Driving Characteristics
The Silverado 3500 HD with the Duramax and Allison transmission delivers a driving experience focused on capability rather than outright speed. While 397 horsepower is respectable, the true strength of this powertrain lies in its 765 lb-ft of torque. This torque is readily available from low RPMs, providing effortless acceleration even when towing heavy loads. The Allison transmission shifts smoothly and decisively, providing ample power for merging onto highways and climbing steep grades. Compared to the 6.0L gasoline V8 offered in the Silverado 3500 HD, the Duramax provides significantly more torque and better fuel economy, especially when towing. However, it lacks the responsiveness of the gasoline engine. Compared to the 1.9L TDI versions, this engine is in a different league, offering far greater towing capacity and overall power.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Silverado 3500 HD III in this configuration typically came standard with a well-equipped interior. Features included cloth upholstery, air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic infotainment system with a touchscreen display, and a rearview camera. The Crew Cab configuration offered generous legroom for all passengers. Optional extras included leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a premium Bose audio system, navigation, and advanced safety features such as lane departure warning and forward collision alert. Trim levels like LTZ and High Country added even more luxury features, such as chrome exterior accents, power-adjustable pedals, and a sunroof.
Chassis & Braking
The K2XX platform features a fully boxed frame constructed from high-strength steel, providing a solid foundation for the truck. The front suspension utilizes an independent torsion bar setup with double wishbone control arms, offering a comfortable ride and precise handling. The rear suspension employs a traditional leaf spring design, optimized for heavy-duty hauling. The DRW configuration significantly increases the truck’s stability and load-carrying capacity. Braking duties are handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power even when towing. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard, enhancing safety and control during emergency braking situations.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2015-2017 Silverado 3500 HD with the Duramax diesel received generally positive reviews from automotive critics. It was praised for its powerful engine, smooth transmission, comfortable ride, and impressive towing and hauling capabilities. Fuel economy was considered good for a heavy-duty truck, although it still lagged behind smaller, lighter-duty pickups. Compared to the Ford Super Duty and Ram 3500, the Silverado 3500 HD was often seen as offering a good balance of capability, comfort, and value. The Duramax engine was consistently ranked among the best diesel engines in the heavy-duty truck segment.
Legacy
The Duramax LML engine paired with the Allison transmission has proven to be a remarkably reliable powertrain. With proper maintenance, these engines can easily exceed 200,000 miles. On the used car market, the 2015-2017 Silverado 3500 HD with this powertrain holds its value well, reflecting its reputation for durability and capability. These trucks remain popular among those who need a powerful and reliable workhorse for demanding tasks. The K2XX platform established a new benchmark for heavy-duty truck refinement and capability, and the Duramax/Allison combination continues to be a sought-after powertrain in the used truck market.
