Chevy Silverado Cargo Capacity: Numbers & Dimensions (Per Model)  

Chevy offers drivers a lot of variation, with the Silverado as one of the most popular full-size pickups in the world.

This also means variation on how much cargo they can carry.

In this article, we dive deep into the numbers around cargo capacity and

How Much Cargo Space Do Chevy Silverados Have?

The box’s volume range from 49.75 to 89.1 cubic feet, while the interior ranges from a single row to a full crew cab. The weight capacity is split into three main ranges – the 1500 offers between 1,288 and 2,377 pounds of payload, the 2500 between 2,434 to 4,014, and the 3500 between 4,353 and 7,442.

First Generation: 1999 – 2006

Dimensions

The Chevrolet debuted with two variations – a 1500 and a 2500. A redesigned, heavy-duty 3500 truck was released in 2001.

Each variation had the option of a 2-door regular cab or a 3-door extended cab. These, in turn, had two different bed options; 78.7 inches was the standard, and a longer 97.6-inch bed was also available.

In 2004, a 4-door crew cab was added to the Silverado lineup. The main benefit of the crew cab is a roomier back seat, with an extra inch of rear headroom and an extra 5 of rear legroom, bringing the totals up to 39 inches each.

The rear seats can fold down in both two-row cabs, allowing for maximum cargo space.

In the 1500 and 2500 models, the crew cab is available only with a shorter bed length measuring 68.5 to 69.2 inches.

Payload Capacity

Payload capacity can vary significantly within model years based on trim, engine choice, and drivetrain.

The chart below shows each first-generation model’s payload range in pounds.

Second Generation: 2007 – 2013

Dimensions

The second-generation Chevy Silverado was introduced in 2007 and featured several significant changes, including an updated exterior design, a stronger frame, and a range of new engines.

The Silverado was available in various body styles, including a regular, extended, and crew cab. It was also offered with either a short or long bed.

In terms of dimensions, the second-generation Silverado was slightly larger than its predecessor. It had a length of 231.7 inches, a width of 80.0 inches, and a height of 74.4 inches.

The wheelbase was also increased to 144.1 inches. Regarding engine options, buyers could choose from a 4.3-liter V6, a 5.3-liter V8, or a 6.0-liter V8.

All of the engines were mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

Payload Capacity

The payload capacity is closely linked to the engine size. We have an overview here of the engine sizes for each Silverado model.

The chart below shows the pound payload range for each second-generation model year.

The payload can vary according to:

• engine size,
• drivetrain,
• and trim options.

Third Generation: 2013 – 2018

Dimensions

The 3rd-generation Chevy Silverado trucks were produced from 2013 – 2018 and came in various configurations.

The base model was a 1500 double-cab short-box truck with a 4.3-liter V6 engine that produced 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque. It had a six-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.

Additionally, it had 17-inch aluminum wheels, power windows and door locks, air conditioning, and a four-speaker stereo system.

The Silverado 1500 had a 5.3-liter V8 engine that produced355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque.

It came standard with the LTZ trim features and added 20-inch aluminum wheels, fog lights, and a spray-in bed liner.

Lastly, the range-topping High Country trim featured all of the above features plus leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, HD radio, wireless phone charging, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and front and rear park assist.

Payload Capacity

The chart below shows the payload range in pounds for each third-generation model year.

Fourth Generation: 2019 – Current

Dimensions

For the short bed, the length measures 69.92 inches long and 71.4 inches wide and is about 20 inches narrower at the wheel housings.

With a depth of 22.4 inches, the total volume is 69 cubic feet.

The width and depth of the standard and long beds are the same, while their respective lengths are 79.44 inches and 98.18 cubic feet. The total volumes are 71.7 and 89.1 cubic feet.

Payload Capacity

The chart below shows each fourth-generation model’s payload range in pounds.

You should also be able to determine your payload capacity from your owner’s manual – subtract the vehicle’s curb weight, or weight when empty, from the gross vehicle weight rating or GVWR.

The result is your payload.

We also have a good overview of the towing capacity for each Silverado model.

How Much Cargo Space Do Similar Full-Size Pickup Trucks Have?

• Ford F-150: The payload capacity runs from 1,310 to 2,238 pounds.
• Ram 1500: 1,238 to 2,335 pounds
• GMC Sierra: 1,360 to 2270
• Toyota Tundra: with a payload of 1,575 to 1,940

Chevy, Ford, and Ram, the famous big three truck manufacturers, are pretty neck-and-neck regarding the payload of their light-duty pickups, with the 2019 Silverado 1500 edging out the others by a small amount.

The Tundra lags just slightly – hence its nickname as a “three-quarter” rather than a full-on pickup.

How Much Cargo Can A Chevy Silverado Carry In The Bed?

The maximum payload capacity for the first-grade Silverados, the 1500s, will top off at about 2,300 pounds.

The highest payloads for the 1500 model tend to occur in the first and most recent generations.

The 2500HD and 3500HD can reach up to 4,058 and 7,153 pounds of payload, respectively.

That’s a pretty hefty amount and gears these trucks toward professionals who frequently carry heavy loads.

How Big Is The Cabin Space On Silverados?

The space in a Silverado cabin varies based on the size you choose as well as the year.

The standard cab is a three-seater, two-door cabin that typically offers more than 40 inches of legroom.

The extended cab can seat up to six, but it doesn’t have the roominess of the crew cab.

How Much Weight Can A Chevy Silverado Carry?

Chevy Silverado can carry at least 1,300 pounds in their bed and may be able to carry almost 8,000.

How much weight you can load up in your truck depends on various factors, from engine size, construction, model, and year.

How Big A Trailer Can A Chevy Silverado Pull?

The Chevy Silverado is a versatile truck that can handle various towing needs. When properly equipped, the Silverado can reportedly tow up to 12,500 pounds.

However, it’s important to note that the Silverado’s towing capacity will vary on the model and trim level.

For example, the Silverado 1500 has a maximum towing capacity of 7,900 pounds, while the Silverado 2500HD can tow up to 18,100 pounds.

So before you hit the road with your trailer in tow, check your Silverado’s spec sheet to see how much weight it can handle.

Can You Mount A Rooftop Box On A Silverado?

A rooftop box or supertop is a great option if you require extra protected cargo space.

Rooftop boxes can be mounted on the cab of your truck, and supertops are made to enclose the bed and turn it into a storage space similar to a van.

Rooftop boxes can provide anywhere between 10 and 25 extra cubic feet of storage.

At the same time, truck toppers can nearly double the interior volume of your bed while keeping it protected from the outside elements.

Which Silverado Model Has The Most Cargo Space?

A crew cab will likely be your best bet if you’re looking for interior cargo space.

As far as the bed length of your truck, Chevy has kept its offerings fairly consistent through the generations, with a 5’10” bed, a 6’8″ bed, and an 8″ bed.

While the bed length can be affected by the cab you choose, the 8-foot bed will give you the most space.

Was this article helpful?