The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD III (K2XX) Double Cab Standard Box, equipped with the 6.6-liter Duramax TD V8 engine producing 445 horsepower, represents a significant iteration in Chevrolet’s heavy-duty truck lineage. Produced from 2017 to 2019, this variant occupied a premium position within the K2XX Silverado HD lineup, targeting buyers requiring substantial towing capacity and diesel-powered performance. It was a key offering in the North American full-size pickup truck market, competing directly with Ford’s Super Duty and Ram’s heavy-duty models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Silverado 2500 HD |
| Generation | Silverado 2500 HD III (K2XX) Double Cab Standard Box |
| Type (Engine) | 6.6 Duramax TD V8 (445 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2017 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.5 kg/Hp, 134.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.7 kg/Nm, 372 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 445 Hp @ 2800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 67.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 1234 Nm @ 1600 rpm (910.15 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | Duramax L5P |
| Engine displacement | 6604 cm3 (403 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 | 3317 kg (7312.73 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 4536 kg (10000.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 1219 kg (2687.43 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1728 l (61.02 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 136 l (35.93 US gal | 29.92 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 5897 kg (13000.66 lbs.) |
| Length | 5841 mm (229.96 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2045 mm (80.51 in.) |
| Height | 1983 mm (78.07 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3662 mm (144.17 in.) |
| Front track | 1748 mm (68.82 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1709 mm (67.28 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 216 mm (8.5 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 15 m (49.21 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels permanently, and the front wheels are driven through an electrically or mechanically operated clutch if necessary. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| 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, 350×40 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 360×34 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Tires size | 245/75 R17; 265/70 R17; 265/70 R18; 265/60 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 17; 8J x 18; 8.5J x 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Silverado 2500 HD variant is the Duramax L5P 6.6-liter turbocharged diesel V8 engine. This engine represents a significant evolution of the Duramax design, incorporating a robust cast iron block, aluminum cylinder heads, and a sophisticated fuel injection system. The L5P utilizes a common-rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures for optimized combustion and reduced emissions. The turbocharger, coupled with an intercooler, provides increased air intake, boosting power and torque output. The engine’s OHV valvetrain contributes to its durability and low-end torque characteristics. The Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission is paired with the Duramax engine, specifically tuned to handle the engine’s substantial torque output. This transmission features a lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency and a heavy-duty cooling system to manage the heat generated during demanding towing applications.
Driving Characteristics
The 445 horsepower and 1234 Nm (910 lb-ft) of torque delivered by the Duramax engine and Allison transmission combination provide exceptional towing and hauling capabilities. While not designed for outright speed, this Silverado variant offers strong acceleration, particularly when unloaded. The Allison transmission’s gear ratios are optimized for both work and highway cruising. Compared to the gasoline-powered Silverado 2500 HD models, the Duramax diesel provides significantly more low-end torque, making it ideal for towing heavy loads. Compared to other Duramax configurations, the 445 hp version offered a noticeable performance increase over earlier iterations, providing a more responsive driving experience. The automatic transmission, while convenient, doesn’t offer the same level of control as a manual transmission, but it simplifies operation for drivers primarily focused on towing and hauling.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Silverado 2500 HD Double Cab Standard Box with the Duramax engine typically came equipped with a substantial list of standard features. These included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic infotainment system with a touchscreen display, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels, such as the LTZ and High Country, added features like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a premium audio system, and advanced safety technologies like lane departure warning and forward collision alert. Optional extras included a sunroof, navigation system, and various towing packages designed to enhance the truck’s capabilities.
Chassis & Braking
The K2XX Silverado 2500 HD chassis is built around a fully boxed frame, providing a solid foundation for heavy-duty use. The front suspension utilizes an independent torsion bar setup with double wishbone components, while the rear suspension employs a traditional leaf spring design. This configuration balances ride comfort with load-carrying capacity. Braking duties are handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power even when towing heavy loads. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard. The rear axle ratios were often selected based on intended use, with options available to optimize either fuel economy or towing performance.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Silverado 2500 HD with the 6.6-liter Duramax engine was generally well-received by critics and consumers alike. It was praised for its powerful engine, robust construction, and impressive towing capacity. Fuel economy, while not a primary concern for heavy-duty truck buyers, was considered competitive within its segment. Compared to the gasoline-powered Silverado 2500 HD models, the Duramax diesel offered superior fuel efficiency when towing heavy loads. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) system. Compared to Ford’s Super Duty and Ram’s heavy-duty trucks, the Silverado 2500 HD was often seen as a strong contender, offering a compelling combination of performance, features, and value.
Legacy
The Duramax L5P engine has proven to be a durable and reliable powerplant, and the 2017-2019 Silverado 2500 HD models equipped with this engine continue to hold their value in the used car market. The Allison transmission is also known for its longevity and ability to withstand heavy use. While maintenance costs for diesel engines are typically higher than those for gasoline engines, the Duramax L5P has a reputation for requiring relatively infrequent repairs. These trucks remain popular choices for owners who need a capable and dependable heavy-duty pickup for work or recreational purposes. The combination of power, towing capacity, and relative reliability has cemented this variant’s place as a respected performer in the heavy-duty truck segment.
