2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 And Trail Boss Towing Capacities Compared

[Dragoon]

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The refreshed 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 introduces a long list of changes and updates over the preceding 2021 model year and pre-refresh 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 Limited. Among these changes is a revised exterior design, an overhauled cabin space, new technology, and the introduction of the 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2. Now, we’re taking a closer look at the ZR2 as it compares to the Trail Boss model in terms of towing capacities.

The 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 slots in above the 2022 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss with regard to the nameplate’s trim level cadence, offering greater capability when off-roading. However, for those customers also interested in using their pickup for towing, there are significant differences to consider between the two models.

One of the most important factors in a vehicle’s tow rating is the engine, so let’s start there. The 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 is available with four engine options, including the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine, rated at 310 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, with that latter figure representing a 20-percent increase as compared to models prior. The other three engines include the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L84 gasoline engine, rated at 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87, rated at 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and the 3.0L I6 LM2 turbodiesel Duramax, rated 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B connects to an eight-speed automatic transmission, whereas the other three connect to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Of these four engines, the 2022 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss is available with three options, namely the 5.3L V8 L84, the 6.2L V8 L87, and the 3.0L I6 LM2. Meanwhile, the 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 is only available with the 6.2L V8 L87.

With that covered, let’s check out the max towing capacities for the 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 and 2022 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss:

Refreshed 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Max Towing Capacities - ZR2 vs. Trail Boss (Pounds)

RPO Code	Engine	Crew Cab 2WD/4WD	Trail Boss Crew Cab	ZR2 Crew Cab
L3B	2.7L I4 Turbo	9,200 / 9,000	-	-
L84	5.3L V8 DFM	11,200 / 11,000	9,200	-
LM2	3.0L I6 Turbo-Diesel	13,200 / 12,900	9,000	-
L87	6.2L V8 DFM	- / 13,200	9,100	8,900

As we can see, the Trail Boss offers slightly more towing capacity than the Chevy Silverado ZR2, even when equipped with the less-powerful 5.3L V8 L84 gasoline engine. To note, neither the Chevy Silverado Trail Boss or Chevy Silverado ZR2 are available with the Max Trailering Package (RPO code NHT).

The difference comes down to the suspension spec, with the ZR2’s DSSV dampers tuned specifically for off-roading, which affects towing capacity. Both models are also lifted, which can also affect towing, but the components are different for the Chevy Silverado ZR2.

As a reminder, all trim levels of the refreshed 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 continue to ride on the GM T1 platform, with production taking place at the GM Fort Wayne plant in Indiana and GM Silao plant in Mexico. Production will also take place at the GM Oshawa plant in Canada once renovations have been completed.

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[supersix]

The ZR2 will be well worth losing 200 pounds in towing capacity over the Trailboss. I'm actually really impressed with these numbers. Also, the ZR2 will out tow the Raptor and the TRX.

 

[Dragoon]

The towing is pretty good, but I'm more concerned with the payload. My F150 has a 1,500 lb payload and I think anything lower than that makes it tricky to haul a decent size cargo trailer or RV.

 

[M0J0]

There are always trade-offs with an off-road suspension. 95% of these ZR2s will rarely see real off-road just like Rebels, Tremors, Raptors, etc.

 

[BrianA]

Agreed, there's always trade-offs... I don't expect to be towing very often, but the payload in the bed is a big deal for me. I've got a standard size bed now, and I've always been leery of downgrading to a short bed (I don't think I've ever gotten a 2x4 that would lay flat in a short bed!). Maybe I'll end up getting a trailer since the bed's so short .

Also to M0J0 - that's so sad to think that so few of these will see any real off-road time. Why on Earth would you spend that kind of money if you're not going to use it the way it was meant to be used??? I don't understand all the peacocks in the world.