Up until now, almost all of the stories about the all-new 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD have centered on the impressive new towing numbers for the Duramax diesel. However, there are several other new features that may be even more tempting when you are shopping for new wheels.
It is easy to see why nearly all of the early stories on the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD focused on the 52-percent increase in maximum towing capability to 35,500 pounds. The new numbers for the Duramax 6.6L Turbo-diesel are staggering but several other new features are also impressive.
Electric Tailgate
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD has a new tailgate feature that is such to draw attention. The tailgate will lower with just the touch of a button. There are several ways to control the new tailgate. There is a button for it on the key fob. There is also a control button for it on the interior dash board. There is also a button on the tailgate itself.
The really cool part of this new feature is that it also provides electric raise-assist for the tailgate. In other words, it can close on its own. Or you can raise it from the key fob, or while you are inside the vehicle. Obviously, this is not as stunning as the GMC Sierra MultiPro Tailgate, but the feature can really help if you need help loading or unloading the bed of the pickup. It would also come in handy for delivering or dropping items off in construction or similar situations.
Up to 15 Camera Views
The all-new 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD has up to 15 camera views available to help the driver better maneuver the vehicle, whether you are towing a trailer or camper, or carrying items in the truck bed. The new camera system has more views than any other truck in its class.
One of the most impressive camera views is the bird’s-eye or HD Surround Vision. This view allows the driver to see exactly what is around the vehicle, making it easier to park or avoid potential obstacles. The Bed View camera lets the driver know exactly what is going on with the cargo.
The real highlight of the new camera system, I think is the industry-first transparent trailer view camera. According to Chevy, “The transparent trailer view helps with visibility through the trailer as if the trailer was not there providing added confidence when towing. The transparent trailer helps with navigating parking lots, merging into traffic or when making tight turns. It uses two cameras — one tailgate-mounted camera and an available accessory camera (installation required) mounted on the rear of the trailer — to provide a wide display that helps the driver to virtually see through and alongside the trailer.”
Other cameras let the driver see both sides of the truck, as well as the front and rear of the vehicle. There are even views that help the driver see how close they are to better line up and hook up to their trailer or camper.
Better Storage
There is much better in-cabin storage in the all-new 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD. There are more places to stash your phone and even a wireless-charging station. There is even a little secret storage compartment built in to the back seat. It won’t hold a lot but it should hold valuables and wallets out of sight. There is also a large compartment under the back seat. Obviously, Ram has kind of cornered the market on clever in-cabin storage compartments, but Chevrolet is making steady improvements. Chevrolet has been criticized for not improving the interiors of its trucks fast enough to compete with Ram, but there are a number of significant advancements on this truck.
I could go on and on about the new USB ports that are plentiful and the electric outlet in the truck bed that will make life so much easier when out on locations. There are also bed steps to make it a lot easier to get in and out of the truck bed. There is more legroom for passengers in the backseat as well as USB ports so there is comfort and connectivity.
One last new perk I want to mention are the really cool side mirrors. With just the touch of a button, you can easily extend or widen the mirrors for towing. You no longer have to order specific mirrors for use with towing. These mirrors can be easily adjusted for any situation, giving the driver better coverage and more confidence for handling their new 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD.
Follow Mary Conway at @maryconwaymedia and send her car news tips for future stories.