• The Chevy 3500 is a powerful workhorse with many safety features.Paul Avis/Stockbyte/Getty Images
  
  Chevy 3500s, Chevy's one-ton pick-up series, have long been known as workhorses that can easily pull the family trailer or the work tractor. This model has been around for a long time and has undergone many changes along the way. The most noteworthy changes have been in safety, engine size and performance. Chevy offered the C3500 and K3500 models from 1988 until 2000, then the Silverado 3500 model from 2001 until 2007, and finally the 3500HD--HD being a "heavy duty" model, with more horsepower and torque.
  
  

Engine

• The 3500 HD comes standard with a 6.0L V8 gas engine, with 322 horsepower and 380 foot-pounds of torque. It is capable of towing 14,500 pounds. Upgrade to the optional 6.6L Turbo-Diesel and you have the most powerful HD Chevy has ever made, with 397 horsepower and 765 foot-pounds of torque. It is capable of towing 21,700 pounds. The 3500's fuel economy was increased by 11 percent over the previous year, allowing for up to 680 highway miles on a single tank. The Turbo-Diesel can run on a mixture of bio-diesel.
  
  

Safety

• Standard on all models of the 3500HD are driver and passenger air bags.The 3500HD has a wide array of safety features specifically for towing a heavy load. Standard on all models is four-wheel anti-lock braking and larger, stronger, four-wheel-disc brakes. Hill Start Assist senses when the vehicle is on an incline of more than five percent and prevents it from rolling back upon acceleration. The new Exhaust Braking System creates back pressure to slow the vehicle down, which is not only safer, but also prolongs the life of the brakes. The Trailer Sway Control feature senses when the trailer is swaying and automatically applies the brakes to maintain control.
  
  

Suspension

• The new independent front suspension allows for greater handling and a smoother ride on rough terrain. The Silverado's signature suspension has increased the front axle weight rating to 6,000 pounds, which makes the four-wheel-drive 3500HD more efficient and powerful when it comes to plowing snow. The real-leaf rear suspension allows for heavier payloads. The 6.0L V8 is capable of hauling a payload of 6,635 pounds, while the 6.6L Turbo-Diesel can haul a maximum payload of 5,724 pounds.