Chevy Express 3500 Towing Capacity Guide

When it comes to cargo vans and 15-passenger vans, you simply can’t beat the Chevy Express. It’s a true workhorse and comes with modern interior features, despite its boxy exterior.

The Chevy Express 3500 has a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds, making it a great choice for those who need to tow heavy loads.

With its powerful engine and sturdy frame, the Express 3500 can handle even the most challenging towing jobs. If you’re looking for a van that can help you get the job done, the Chevy Express 3500 is a great option.

chevy express 3500 towing capacity
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Chevy Express 3500 Towing Capacity (Year Guide)

The Chevy Express 3500 is a full-size van that has been in production since 1996. It is the heavier duty version of the Chevy Express 1500 and is available in both cargo and passenger versions.

The Express 3500 passenger version can seat up to 15 passengers and has a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds.

The payload of the Express cargo version is 4,209 pounds with 239.7 cubic feet of interior cargo space, which is plenty of room for hauling large loads.

The Chevy Express 3500 is a great choice for those who need to tow heavy loads on a regular basis. It has a powerful engine and a sturdy frame that can handle even the most challenging towing jobs.

The Express 3500 is powered by a Vortec 6.0L V8 engine that produces 297 horsepower and 372 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission.

This is pretty impressive, but necessary considering its size. It doesn’t feel sluggish, but rather quite peppy for a large van.

For the cargo version, the Express 3500 is available in three different roof heights and two different wheelbases. The passenger version is only available in the regular roof height and the 136-inch wheelbase.

However, the towing capacity varies by year, so here’s a quick breakdown of how it has changed over time.

Year/ModelTowing Capacity
2005 Chevy Express 35003900-8400 pounds
2013 Chevy Express 35006400-9700 pounds
2014 Chevy Express 35006400-9700 pounds
2015 Chevy Express 35009700-10,000 pounds
2017 Chevy Express 35007900 pounds
2018 Chevy Express 35006300 pounds
2019 Chevy Express 35006300 pounds
2020 Chevy Express 35006300 pounds

Do The 2500 And 3500 Models Have The Same Towing Capacity?

The answer is no. The Chevy Express 2500 has a maximum towing capacity of 7,400 pounds while the 3500 can tow up to 10,000 pounds.

This difference in towing capacity is due to the fact that the 3500 is a heavier-duty version of the 2500 and has a stronger engine.

However, the Chevy Express 2500 still offers cargo and passenger options with plenty of space and impressive towing power for its class. If you don’t need the heavy-duty towing capacity of the 3500, the 2500 is a great option.

It comes equipped with the same Vortec 6.0L V8 engine as the 3500, but it produces slightly less power at 277 horsepower and 372 lb-ft of torque.

The Express 2500 is available in three different roof heights and two different wheelbase, just like the 3500. It also has a maximum payload capacity of 4,209 pounds and a maximum interior cargo space of 239.7 cubic feet.

Other Models To Consider With A Good Towing Capacity

If you’re looking for a vehicle with excellent towing capacity, the Chevy Express isn’t your only option.

There are plenty of vehicles on the market that can tow just as much or more than the Chevy Express.

GMC Savana

The GMC Savana is comparable to the Chevy Express. In fact, it’s nearly identical. Both are available in cargo and passenger versions and the 2022 GMC Savana has a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds.

Neither model has really seen any drastic changes since the late 1990s, but they’re great options if you need a lot of cargo space, room for up to 15 passengers, and a hefty towing capacity.

Gas mileage isn’t great, but you can’t really expect it to be in a monster vehicle like this one. Newer versions have plenty of updated safety features, though, so you can feel confident when driving.

Ram ProMaster

The Ram ProMaster is a popular choice for those who need a lot of cargo space and a good towing capacity. The 2021 model has a towing capacity of up to 6,400 pounds and can seat up to 12 passengers.

That’s not quite as much as the Chevy Express or GMC Savana, but it’s still a decent amount of space.

The ProMaster is a great choice if you’re looking for something that’s a little smaller and more maneuverable than the Express or Savana.

It’s also a good option if you don’t need to tow quite as much weight and it has a more modern design.

Ford Transit

The Ford Transit is another popular option for those who need a lot of space and a good towing capacity.

It’s available in cargo, passenger, and cutaway versions and has a towing capacity of 6,900 pounds depending on the model year and configuration.

The Transit is a great choice if you need a lot of space but don’t necessarily need the towing power of something like the Express or Savana.

It’s also more fuel-efficient than either of those two options, so it may not be as powerful, but that’s something to keep in mind if gas mileage is a concern.

You may also find that the Ford Transit offers the most comfortable riding experience when it comes to interior finishes, acceleration, and agility.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter sounds luxurious, but it’s just another workhorse of a van. It’s available in cargo, passenger, and cutaway versions and has a towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds.

Sprinter isn’t code for how fast it can go though. It’s actually more sluggish than many of the other models on our list.

However, it does have a more luxurious feel and all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a Mercedes-Benz.

Toyota Sienna

While the Sienna isn’t a large passenger van, it’s a reliable minivan and one of the most popular models on the road today.

It’s comfortable, comes with plenty of safety features, and even has a 4×4 option.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, which is less than the Chevy Express, but it’s still a solid option if you’re looking for a minivan for your family.

You can tow a small popup camper or a utility trailer with the upgraded towing package.

Honda Odyssey

The Honda Odyssey is another popular minivan option. It’s comfortable, has a lot of features, and gets great gas mileage for a van. It’s more affordable than the Toyota, but the resale value isn’t quite as high.

The 2021 model can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is the same as the Toyota Sienna. If you’re looking for a minivan that’s a little more fuel-efficient but still has plenty of space and features, the Odyssey is a great choice.

Related: Dodge Ram 1500 Towing Capacity.

What Van Can Tow 10,000 Pounds?

There are a few vans on the market that can tow 10,000 pounds. The Chevy Express and GMC Savana are both available in cargo and passenger versions and have a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds, depending on the model year and the configuration.

Even with a minimum towing capacity of 5,700 pounds, these vans are great options for a lot of towing capacity and plenty of cargo or passenger space.

These vans are large and can be difficult to maneuver, so they’re not for everyone, but they can tow as much as many of the trucks on the road today.

What Van Has The Highest Towing Capacity?

The Chevy Express 3500 has a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds, making it the highest-capacity van on our list. If you need to tow a lot of weight, this is the van for you.

However, if you’re looking for something other than the Chevy Express, the GMC Savana is the option with the highest towing capacity. The cargo version can tow 9,600 pounds, which far exceeds most other models.

The GMC Savana is a great choice if you need a lot of towing power but don’t necessarily need the space of the Express. It’s also more affordable than the Express, so it’s a good option if you’re on a budget.

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Conclusion

There are a lot of great vans out there, but the one you choose will depend on your needs. If you need a lot of space, the Chevy Express or GMC Savana are great choices. If you need to tow a lot of weight, the Express 3500 or Savana 2500 are your best bet.

For something smaller and more maneuverable, the Ford Transit is a great option. If you’re looking for a minivan, the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey are both excellent choices.

No matter what your needs are, there’s a van out there that’s perfect for you. Just do your research and find the one that has the features and capacity you need.

Madeline Cooper