2021 Chevy Silverado 5500

Since the 2021 Chevy Silverado 5500 chassis cab is so customizable, it can be hard to cover all of the amazing features that this vehicle can be equipped with. With that in mind, we can go over some of the most notable changes made to this new production run. Let's take a look at the mechanical updates. 

Electronic Upgrades

First, we will discuss new features that are now standard on all models. StabiliTrak is a good one to start things off with. This will help keep these trucks more controllable in bad weather and off the road. Next, Neutral-at-Stop is also standard. This new feature allows the automatic transmission to shift into neutral any time the service brake is pressed and keep the truck in neutral until the service brake is released.

More Efficient and Flexible

The transmission also offers another bit of new software with the FuelSense 2.0 shift calibration. This system replaces set shift points with an advanced algorithm that monitors a large number of environmental and vehicle conditions for optimum fuel economy. With a vehicle as large and robust as this one, every small advancement in fuel-saving technology goes a long way towards reducing your operating costs.

Another interesting new feature that now comes standard is the upfitter switch kit. This was previously only offered with the Emergency Service Package and provides you with six upfit switches on the headliner for controlling any equipment that you add to the truck. Another addition that makes adding powered upfits is the new left-hand power take-off, which now gives you a power take-off port on both sides of the 2021 Silverado 5500.

Mechanical Changes

The last few mechanical changes for the 2021 Chevy Silverado 5500 are a standard exhaust brake and an open rear axle. For greater traction, a Dana Spicer limited-slip axle is also available. These features both work to give you more control and more freedom at the same time. If you thought those standard upgrades were cool, just wait until you read about the new optional upgrades!

Unlike the smaller Chevy Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500, the 2021 Silverado 5500 chassis cab is only available with one powertrain. We tend to think that this helps because you don't have to worry about picking the right engine for your needs. The engineers at Chevrolet went ahead and did that for you. So, let's pop the hood and see what's inside!

Duramax Power

The engine in the 2021 Silverado 5500 is a turbocharged 6.6-liter Duramax L5D V8 diesel. This beast pumps out 350 hp and a staggering 700 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 6-speed automatic Allison transmission and your choice of RWD or 4WD, this robust powertrain does not disappoint. It can tow between 17,500 lbs and 19,500 lbs, depending on the configuration, making this a true heavy-duty vehicle. 

Go Further With the 5500

The standard fuel tank can hold up to 40 gallons of diesel fuel, and its Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank is located behind the front wheel on the right front fender. This allows for easy access to fill up the tank. However, if you need more range out of your vehicles, a wide variety of additional tanks and larger tanks are also available. With the 2021 Silverado 5500, you can work all day long without stopping to refuel, no matter how tough the job is.

Since the 2021 Chevy Silverado 5500 chassis cab is a cutaway style truck, it looks a lot different on the outside than its smaller Silverado siblings. However, the durability of this ride is out of this world. Built on a single-piece frame rail with a wide range of axle options, you can customize the exterior of this truck to be exactly how you want it. For upfitting, the Silverado 5500 features a clean top-of-rail design with a painted chassis to make the upfitting process easier and to protect the vehicle from corrosion. A factory-installed rear air suspension is also available to help stabilize heavy loads. 

Body Styles

Developed by engineers from Navistar and General Motors, the 2021 Chevy Silverado 5500 is offered in two body styles known as Regular Cab and Crew Cab. Both feature a conventional truck cabin with an engine-forward design, and both body styles are dual rear wheel configurations and can be equipped with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The differences come in with the cab configuration and the box, with the Regular Cab seating 2 or 3 passengers, while the Crew Cab seats 5 or 6 passengers.

Exterior Features

An exterior styling element that is both practical and cosmetic is the forward-tilting engine cover and 50-degree wheel cut. Not only does this feature help set the Silverado 5500 apart from its smaller siblings, but this feature also makes it quicker to gain access to the engine bay for various vehicle maintenance services, especially in cramped garages or at crowded job sites.

Another helpful maintenance feature is the easily accessible battery box, now located on the left side of the truck below the cab. You can also opt for an auxiliary jump-start stud on the battery box to make jump-starting dead batteries even quicker. Altogether, the 2021 Silverado 5500 is built to keep down-time to a minimum so you can concentrate on getting the job done.

As a customizable chassis cab model, the 2021 Chevy Silverado 5500 interior can be hard to describe. Available in two trims, you can pick between the Work Truck or the LT trims. Let's take a look at what you can expect to find inside both versions of this powerful truck. 

The WT

The standard infotainment system on the base model is displayed on a 4.2-inch color screen and comes with a USB and an auxiliary jack. It operates with AM/FM radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 4-speaker stereo. This system can be upgraded to include a 7-inch touchscreen with a 6-speaker sound system and a CD player.

The standard vinyl upholstery makes it very easy to clean up any spills, and the option of remote keyless entry is a convenience that you'll love on days when you're running behind. As for safety, the base model comes with cruise control and a rearview camera. 

The LT

On the other hand, the LT trim adds a lot of nice features that will make your life a lot easier. This is the trim that we also recommend to our shoppers due to so many enhancements. First, the infotainment interface is displayed on a standard 8-inch touchscreen, and you can add navigation into the mix as well. Satellite radio is standard on this trim, as well as a 6-speaker sound system. This multimedia center even comes with OnStar telematics and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot to keep you safe and connected everywhere your job takes you.

The vinyl upholstery has been removed and replaced with a more comfortable cloth, while the standard leather-wrapped steering wheel adds a touch of sophistication to the cabin and even includes control buttons for added convenience. Illuminated vanity mirrors have been added to the otherwise blank sun visors, and power-adjustable windows and side mirrors are also standard.

Further Options

As for available features, both trim levels can get a few additional systems installed. A rear window defogger is optional, as well as a 110-volt power outlet. If you don't like the standard black seatbelts, you can opt for either orange or red. An emergency roadside tool kit is another available option that you can take advantage of, and a wireless charging pad is optional for LT models only.