The first order of business was a demonstration of the Trailer App, which allows you to set specific profiles for each trailer. This helps with precise mileage tracking, reminders for scheduled maintenance, and all-important tire sensors. The 2500 HD series first gets down to business by swapping out a 6.2-liter gas V8 for the monstrous and menacing 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8, which cranks out 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque. The independent front suspension allows each wheel on the same axle to move independently from others, which helps to take on the challenges of the road and offer more traction, and stability.
It's a unique powerhouse that was designed to take the stress out of large haul scenarios, with the HD wearing a cutthroat and sought-after industry badge of a 20-ton hauling ability. Even the exterior is expertly configured for maximum practicality, with its extra split-level side mirrors, different door shapes, and slightly lower height. The LTZ premium trim line adds the river-fording goodness of the Z71 off-road suspension package, sprucing things up with two inches of extra ground clearance, a 13.5-inch infotainment display, and very attractive high-quality leather.
One of the most ingenious additions to a truck is the 14 HD camera views that cover a 360-degree area around the Silverado and are a huge help with preparing loads and difficult parking jobs. This is quite an enormous hunk of steel to be at the helm of on narrow and muddy trails, even with the very competent AWD system that handles power delivery duty. After hunkering down and getting used to everything, all these hard-working and efficient components made the testing crew immediately remark: “Oh, what a machine it is!”
Adaptive cruise control is now standard on the HD and it shows up with its sleeves rolled up and ready for work with its' trailer load sensor. The entire HD line also saw a few other updates for 2024 with C-shaped running lights on the upper trim levels. You can also opt for the All-Star Edition, which takes the coolest of the premium cabin elements and stuffs them into a 100% rig-approved package. It includes dual-zone climate control as well as three extra 3-prong 120 Volt outlets throughout the truck to help power all the big stuff for the troupe.
The much beefier 12.0-inch rear axle helps with handling the mammoth payloads, and the Motor1.com staff claimed that all the new goodies “make it even more appealing as an everyday HD truck.” With the gooseneck option, you’ll be towing up to 22,500 lbs, and the U.S. News team loved the HD’s flexible tailgate that could be used as load stops, steps, or even a way-above-par makeshift work surface. With Ford rolling out the new Super Duty at the same time, we know that the Silverado HD has a few lofty aspirations to make good on. Even though this is excellent and incredibly hard-working machinery, it now caters to the segment that puts as high a priority on comfort as anything else!