2017 Silverado 1500: Match the Cab, Bed and Powertrain

The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has five cab-and-bed combinations, with bed floor lengths of 69.33, 78.87 or 97.77 inches. Its three main gasoline engines are the 4.3L V6, 5.3L V8 and 6.2L V8. Chevrolet advertised up to 12,500 lb of conventional towing, but only specific 6.2L, 2WD trucks with the Max Trailering Package reach that rating—not every V8 Silverado. Sources: Chevrolet’s 2017 order guide and 2017 brochure.

For a used purchase, identify the cab, bed, engine, transmission, axle ratio and trailering equipment before comparing capability. These specifications apply to the U.S.-market 1500, not the 2500HD or 3500HD.

Cab, bed and overall dimensions

Bed lengths below are measured inside the box at the floor, rather than along the outside body. Overall length includes the truck’s bumpers.

Cab and factory bed	Bed floor length	Cargo volume	Wheelbase	Overall length
Regular Cab, Standard Box	78.87 in	61.0 cu ft	119.00 in	205.57 in
Regular Cab, Long Box	97.77 in	76.3 cu ft	133.00 in	224.43 in
Double Cab, Standard Box	78.87 in	61.0 cu ft	143.50 in	230.03 in
Crew Cab, Short Box	69.33 in	53.4 cu ft	143.50 in	230.03 in
Crew Cab, Standard Box	78.87 in	61.0 cu ft	153.00 in	239.57 in

Source: Chevrolet’s 2017 Silverado 1500 order guide, dimensions and capacity tables.

There is no factory Crew Cab long bed or Double Cab short bed in this lineup. Chevrolet’s nominal bed names are 5-foot-8, 6-foot-6 and 8-foot; use the measured lengths for cargo fit. Source: 2017 brochure.

All five configurations list 51.03 inches between the wheel housings. A nominal 48-by-96-inch plywood sheet therefore fits between them, but only the long bed provides enough floor length to contain it with the tailgate closed. Measure any liner or added equipment and secure the load appropriately. Source: 2017 order guide.

Passenger space versus cargo space

The Double Cab and Crew Cab short bed are the same overall length, but divide that space differently. Rear legroom is 34.63 inches in the Double Cab versus 40.93 inches in the Crew Cab. Regular Cabs seat three; Double and Crew Cabs seat up to six, or five with front bucket seats. For frequent rear-seat passengers, start with the Crew Cab; for occasional passengers and a longer bed without a longer truck, consider the Double Cab. Source: 2017 order guide.

For garage fit, the longest version is just under 20 feet overall. Listed body width is 80 inches, which is not the mirror-to-mirror clearance. Measure the actual truck, including mirrors, hitch accessories and any lift, against the garage opening and usable interior space. Source: 2017 order guide.

Engines and transmissions

Main engine	Horsepower	Torque	Automatic transmission
4.3L EcoTec3 V6	285 hp	305 lb-ft	6-speed
5.3L EcoTec3 V8	355 hp	383 lb-ft	6- or 8-speed, depending on build
6.2L EcoTec3 V8	420 hp	460 lb-ft	8-speed

Source: Chevrolet’s 2017 brochure, engine specifications and equipment table.

The 5.3L badge does not identify the transmission. Confirm the factory equipment record before buying or ordering service supplies. Chevrolet listed the 6.2L as available on LTZ, LTZ Z71 and High Country; those trims came standard with the 5.3L, so a High Country badge does not guarantee a 6.2L. Source: 2017 brochure.

The order guide also lists a 5.3L eAssist variant, engine code L8B, with the LT eAssist Package. If that appears on the equipment record, use its separate specifications rather than treating it as the conventional L83 5.3L. Source: 2017 order guide.

Towing: use the configuration, not the headline

Chevrolet’s maximum conventional ratings by engine were:

• 4.3L: 7,600 lb, with a Regular Cab Standard Box 4x4 and 3.42 axle.
• 5.3L: 11,100 lb, with a Double Cab Standard Box 2WD, 6-speed automatic, 3.73 axle and Max Trailering Package.
• 6.2L: 12,500 lb, with a Double Cab Standard Box LTZ 2WD or Crew Cab Short Box LTZ 2WD, 3.42 axle and Max Trailering Package.

Sources: 2017 brochure and Chevrolet’s 2017 Trailering Guide, page 9.

The difference within one engine can be substantial: a conventional 5.3L Crew Cab Short Box 4x4 is listed at 6,100 lb with a 3.08 axle, 9,100 lb with a 3.42 axle, or 10,800 lb with the applicable Max Trailering setup. A hitch receiver alone does not establish the higher rating. Source: 2017 Trailering Guide.

Also check the truck’s driver-door-jamb carrying-capacity label. Passengers, cargo, added accessories and trailer tongue weight consume that allowance. Chevrolet’s advertised 2,250-lb maximum payload applies to a specific 5.3L Double Cab 2WD with Max Trailering, not every truck. Stay within GVWR, axle, hitch and gross combination limits. The trailering guide specifies conventional tongue weight of 10–15% of loaded trailer weight, up to 1,250 lb; that limit also matters when evaluating a heavy trailer. Sources: 2017 Trailering Guide and brochure.

Trim differences worth checking

The lineup included WT, LS, Custom, LT, LT Z71, LTZ, LTZ Z71 and High Country. LT brought an 8-inch MyLink display and standard rear camera; LTZ added heated leather-appointed seating and dual-zone climate control. High Country added features including heated and ventilated front buckets, navigation and Bose audio. Z71 versions included off-road equipment such as Rancho shocks and Hill Descent Control. Z71 is not the Max Trailering Package. Source: 2017 brochure.

Check the actual equipment rather than assuming every option came with the trim badge.

Before buying a used 2017 Silverado

Check recall status by VIN. Recall 19V-645 / GM N192268490 covered certain 2014–2018 Silverado 1500s for reduced vacuum-pump output, potentially causing a hard brake pedal and increased stopping distance. The recall remedy was an electronic brake-control-module recalibration—not automatic pump replacement. A truck with braking symptoms still needs diagnosis even if its recall is marked complete. Source: GM’s recall filing.

Use the NHTSA VIN recall lookup and ask a Chevrolet dealer for completed-campaign records. NHTSA’s VIN results do not show recalls already repaired or non-safety customer-service campaigns.

Evaluate an 8-speed truck fully warmed up. GM bulletin 18-NA-355 describes torque-converter-clutch shudder under light throttle at steady speeds between 25 and 80 mph, when the transmission is not actively shifting. It can resemble rumble strips. The bulletin covers specified 2015–2018 Silverado engine/transmission combinations and prescribes a particular fluid-exchange procedure. It is a service bulletin, not a recall or proof that every vibration has that cause. Ask for service invoices and have any shudder diagnosed before purchase. Source: GM service bulletin.

Finally, arrange an independent inspection covering cold-start behavior, leaks, diagnostic codes, frame and body corrosion, suspension, tires, brakes and evidence of previous towing or modifications. If comparing adjacent model years, use our 2018 Silverado 1500 guide rather than carrying a rating from one year to another.