Tailored and Optimized

Huw Evans

Big and bold, Chevrolet’s Medium Duty HD Chassis Cabs are replacements for the old Kodiak and GMC TopKick trucks. @PHOTO CREDIT : General Motors

Both 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains are offered, the latter highly suited for rougher environments like building sites. @PHOTO CREDIT : General Motor

Flat frame rails maximize flexibility for upfitting use, for everything from stake beds to dump bodies. @PHOTO CREDIT : General Motor

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Chevrolet’s line of medium duty HD U.S. chassis cabs fill a niche beyond your typical ¾ and 1-ton trucks.

For commercial fleets looking at trucks beyond your typical ½ ton, ¾ ton and 1-ton full-size pickups and chassis cabs, such as in the Class 4-6 categories and for specialized needs, including trans-border operations, one option that might be worth considering are Chevrolet’s range of medium duty chassis cabs from the U.S.

Launched in 2018 as 2019 model year vehicles, these essentially, are successors to the old Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC TopKick trucks (though it is noted that the 4500, 5500 and 6500 HD are only offered as Chevrolets and have no GMC equivalent).

Maximum customization

From the outset, these medium-duty chassis cabs were designed to offer maximum customization, ensuring they can be easily tailored to specific fleet requirements. A key part of this was providing single piece frame rails from front to back. These are true single piece items with no rivets or welds and feature a top surface that is flat and smooth all the way to the tail. This was designed for ease of upfitting, ensuring that a variety of bodies and configurations can be added with minimal fuss. The frames on these trucks are also fully painted from the factory to minimize corrosion and the brake and fuel lines, as well as the fuel tank, are tucked up inside the frame to minimize the risk of damage.

Unlike the smaller Silverado HD which offers both gasoline and diesel powerplants, the 4500, 5500 and 6500 come exclusively with diesel power, in this case the GM Duramax 6.6-litre turbodiesel V-8, rated at 350 horsepower 700 lb-ft of torque. It’s teamed with a range of six-speed Allison automatic transmissions, a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 drivelines and an available power take-off feature enables the operating of various upfitting equipment such as dump bodies or cranes.

Functional and comfortable

From the outset, the goal was to make these trucks both functional and comfortable. Key features include a forward tilting clamshell hood, that can be opened and closed with one hand, enabling easy engine access without having to resort to removing the grille or front bumper assembly and/or climbing up on ladders to get under the hood. This will enable fleets to save significant time when it comes to repairs and maintenance—a big bonus for many commercial operators. Sound ergonomics are also a key part of the Silverado 4500/5500/6500 HD models, with good exterior visibility, aided by the sloping hood design, plus well laid out controls and a driving position designed for comfort. Sound deadening is also enhanced with triple sealing, while even though these are work trucks, they incorporate a range of modern convenience features. These include OnStar connectivity, as well as 4G LTE WiFi with hot spot capability, plus inductive cell phone charging, and Apple Car Play and Android Auto smart phone connectivity.

Adding to the comfort factor are optional air springs for the rear suspension which serve as a supplement to the traditional leaf springs and dampers.

Multiple options

In order to address the needs of a wide range of fleet customers, Chevrolet offers these trucks with multiple options, including regular or crew cabs, plus five different overall length configurations, wheelbases that range from 165 inches (4191 mm) to 243 inches (6172 mm) and cab-to-axle lengths that cover the gamut from 60 inches (1524 mm) up to 162 inches (41114 mm).

Other features designed for ease of operation include an easily accessible battery box and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) fill unit. Located behind the right front fender, this enables the fluid to be quickly topped up and prevents any mixing of fluids by accident.

Chevrolet 4500/5500/6500 HD models also come with GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control system that includes traction control, as well as Hill Start Assist and Electronic Trailer Sway Control. Operating range was also a key consideration on these trucks, which feature fuel tank capacity of up to 246-litres (65 U.S. gallons) to help operators go further between fill ups.

Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR) on these trucks range from 14,001 to 16,500 lbs for the 4500 HD, through 17,500-19,500 lbs for the 5500 HD—up to 21,000 to 23,500 lbs for the heavier duty 6500 HD.

While commercial fleet operators do have a range of choices from several vehicle manufacturers in the medium-duty Class 4 through Class 6 categories, the variety of configurations and extra features such as optional air suspension, single piece frame rails and clamshell hood design, make the Chevrolet 4500/5500/6500 an interesting and worthy consideration within these vehicle segments.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 4500/5500/6500 HD