Thielen Motors – Which engine should you choose for the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD for towing near Cass Lake, MN?
Shoppers comparing the 6.6-liter gas V-8 and the Duramax diesel 6.6-liter V-8 on the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD are usually chasing one outcome: the best configuration for towing. If your priority is confident control with heavy trailers, the diesel’s combination of 470 horsepower, 975 pound-feet of torque, and the Allison 10-speed automatic is tough to beat. The transmission’s gearing keeps the engine right in its torque band on grades, while the integrated trailering tech—14-camera views with Transparent Trailer View and adaptive cruise control optimized for towing—adds meaningful confidence on busy highways and tight campsites.
That does not mean the gas engine is a compromise. Rated at 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet, the 6.6-liter gas V-8 is stout, proven, and can tow up to 17,400 pounds when properly equipped. For owners who tow moderately sized trailers a few times a year and want a straightforward, lower-complexity setup, the gas engine makes sense. The key is matching your engine choice to the heaviest trailer you expect to pull, how often you tow, and the terrain you drive around Cass Lake, MN and beyond.
- Choose diesel for frequent heavy towing
- Choose gas for moderate, occasional towing
- Pick dual rear wheels for large fifth-wheel and gooseneck stability
- Add the 14-camera system for easier hitching and lane changes
- Use trailer profiles to track maintenance and settings
The diesel’s headline number—up to 36,000 pounds of towing—tells only part of the story. What stands out is how composed the truck feels with a load on. Throttle response remains smooth, the Allison 10-speed resists hunting between gears, and the chassis tuning helps the Silverado 3500 HD track straight with fewer steering corrections. If you often tow in crosswinds or rolling terrain, the diesel’s torque and the transmission’s smart control reduce fatigue and improve pace. For large fifth-wheel campers, horse trailers, and heavy equipment haulers, pairing the diesel with dual rear wheels delivers another level of lateral stability and braking confidence.
For gas-engine buyers, setup becomes even more important. Consider four-wheel drive if you launch boats on unpaved ramps, drive in winter, or regularly pull across less-than-ideal surfaces. Evaluate your hitch type—gooseneck and fifth-wheel setups are supported—and confirm your trailer’s loaded weight against the truck’s configuration. Regardless of engine, the 14-camera system with Transparent Trailer View is one of the most valuable upgrades you can make, transforming tight maneuvering and highway lane changes from guesswork into a predictable routine.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which engine to choose if I tow a heavy fifth-wheel several times a month?
Go with the Duramax diesel 6.6-liter V-8. Its 975 lb-ft of torque and Allison 10-speed automatic provide the headroom and control you want under load, and the truck can tow up to 36,000 pounds when properly configured.
Is the gas 6.6-liter V-8 enough for a 10,000-pound travel trailer?
Yes. The gas engine is rated at 401 hp and 464 lb-ft and can tow up to 17,400 pounds when properly equipped. If you only tow a few times per year and want a simpler setup, the gas engine is a solid match.
What trailering tech is worth adding for either engine?
The 14-camera system with Transparent Trailer View is a standout for hitching, backing, and lane changes. Adaptive cruise control that is optimized for trailering also helps reduce fatigue on long interstate stretches.
No matter how you spec it, the 2026 Silverado 3500 HD is built to handle the serious stuff. If you are still weighing your options, Thielen Motors can help you compare builds side by side and align your engine, axle, and trailering packages with your real-world needs. Our team is serving Bemidji, Wadena, and Cass Lake with clear guidance and hands-on demos so you can tow with confidence the first time you hook up.
Request more 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD information
Connect with us
