2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 comes out swinging, boasting max payload and conventional towing numbers of 7153 lbs and 20,000 lbs, respectively. Enabling the one-ton to achieve these numbers is the optional 6.6L Duramax engine, Chevrolet's turbo diesel workhorse that produces 397 horsepower and 735 lb-ft of torque. The base engine for the 2016 3500HD truck line is a 6.0L gas V8, producing 360 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. Trucks using the gas Vortec don't have the same towing abilities as the diesel, but at 14,500 lbs conventional towing, it is still plenty powerful. New features for the 2016 model year include a 7" MyLink infotainment system that now supports Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto, three new paint colors, a remote locking tailgate and a digital assist hydraulic steering system.

Better Visibility While Trailering

If not already equipped with a set of extendable tow mirrors, adding a pair to your 2016 Silverado 3500 can greatly improve side and rearward visibility when towing a large trailer. At the easy end of the spectrum are removable tow mirror extensions, which are essentially another mirrored piece that attach to the factory mirror with a strap and increases the field of view. Simply and inexpensive, these removable extensions are easily put away when no longer towing. That said, they are unsightly, and given their portable nature, they may vibrate or shimmy with inconsistencies in the road. A more permanent alternative is to replace the factory mirror assemblies with a power extending unit. This is a complete assembly replacement that bolts on in place of the existing mirrors. The new power extending mirrors rely on a sliding rail system to move them in and out as necessary. Heated glass, integrated turn signals and even power folding are all other options that can be had with new extendable tow mirrors. Further, if you want something more flashy, many of these mirrors are available with a chrome housing as opposed to the regular black plastic.

Easier Entry and Exit

As the biggest truck in the Silverado lineup, the 2016 3500HD does stand pretty tall, making getting in and out of it laborious for some more than others. A quality pair side steps or running boards will solve this entry and exit problem handily, in addition to adding some flair to the side profile. The main difference between side steps and running boards is there appearance. Side steps are generally tubular in nature and don't always run the full length of the cab, sometimes running just underneath the door itself. Running boards, on the other hand, are usually flat and rectangular in appearance, running full length of the cab. In terms of construction, mild steel is the favored material for both types of steps. It is plenty strong, inexpensive and easily protected from rust through an epoxy or powder coat sealant. Of course, more upscale options are available, such as chrome and stainless steel. The latter is the most expensive option, but is also the most durable and least likely to tarnish and lose its polished look (provided it is periodically washed and maintained).

Heavy Duty Braking

Given the weight of the 2016 Silverado 3500 and the amount it can tow, bringing a fully loaded truck to a stop puts a lot of heat and stress on the braking system. The brake pads play an instrumental role in this and it is critical that the pads are both of the right material and wear level in order to suffer the abuse. Brake pads must be able to:

• Effectively slow the rotor
• Withstand associated friction heat to avoid fading
• Provide durability and longevity

For rigs that are constantly towing and hauling, metallic brake pads are the pad of choice. This type of pad will give an excellent blend between thermal management, rotor bite and overall durability. Their only downside is they may dust a little and can produce noise, particularly if any sort of contaminant gets embedded. For those that are after a sportier style of brake pad, consider a ceramic-synthetic blend. These do not have the same durability and longevity of a metallic pad, but do provide a very aggressive bite.