The Chevy Kodiak name is no more. Chevrolet introduces the all-new 2019 Chevy Silverado 4500, 5500, and 6500 series medium duty trucks to the world at the 2018 Work Truck Show.
The new class 4, 5, and 6 trucks have been redesigned from the ground up in collaboration with Navistar. A new factory-painted frame come in seven cab-to-axle lengths (or wheelbase options). There are also five unique axle-to-back-of-frame (AF) length options to accommodate long up-fit options, such large moving/van box trucks.
The frame is stiffer than some other trucks in this segment, and Chevrolet paid special attention to cab mounts to ensure comfort and durability.
Under the hood is the latest version of the 6.6L Duramax V8 turbo-diesel engine. This is the only engine available. It’s not the identical L5P engine that you will find under the hood of consumer-grade Silverado HD 2500 and 3500 trucks. In this case, the medium duty engine is rated at 350 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque. Why doesn’t the bigger trucks get the full 910 lb-ft of torque? It has to do with a engine dyno (not chassis dyno) power rating and more stringent emissions requirements for this class of truck. The medium-duty Duramax V8 has unique injectors, tuning, and ability to power additional accessories such as an air compressor.
The Duramax is paired to either an Allison-1000 or Allison-2000 6-speed automatic transmissions, depending on the class and weight rating. A Power Take Off (PTO) unit is optional.
Both regular two-door and four-door crew cab options will be available. The new big boy trucks will be offered in 2WD and 4×4. The 4WD trucks are nearly three inches higher than their 2WD counterparts.
The trucks have front-hinged clamshell hood and front steering system that offers up to 50-degrees of wheel cut. This makes for easier access to the engine bay and better maneuverability.
The 2019 Silverado medium duty trucks will also offer factory-installed rear air suspension option. This is unique in the segment. The trucks roll on 19.5-inch wheels, which is the same as competitive Class 4 and 5 trucks.
How do these trucks compare against competition? We do not have all of the specifications yet, such as the GVWR, payload, and towing ratings.
Ford offers F-450/F-550 medium duty trucks (6.7L Power Stroke diesel V8 with 330 hp and 750 lb-ft of torque), and distinct much bigger F-650 and F-750 trucks (with 6.7L diesel V8 or 6.8L gas V10 engine options).
Ram offers 4500 and 5500 trucks with the 6.7L Cummins diesel I6 or 6.4L HEMI V8 options.
Order guides will be available in the spring 2018. Pricing will be available in the summer, and trucks will begin production in late 2018.
Please join us on our TFLnow Youtube channel for a live debut of the new 2019 medium duty Chevy Silverado trucks.
