The name doesn’t lie. When you add the Trail Boss Package to the Chevy Silverado, you’ll have an off-road truck capable of tackling the toughest trails. This package is optional for the Custom and LT trims with different features at each level. Let’s dive in and see what comes in a Chevy Silverado Trail Boss.

What does the Trail Boss Package do for the Chevy Silverado Custom trim?

Typically, Chevrolet only offers the Custom trim with one powertrain and two body styles. Consumers that select the Trail Boss Package have a Crew Cab 4WD pickup truck that offers:

• Two-inch lift kit
• Z71 off-roading package
  • Skid plates
  • Hill descent control
  • Off-road suspension
• Autotrac 2-speed transfer case
• Trailer Package
• Red recovery hooks
• Heavy-duty air filter
• Automatic locking rear differential

Does the Custom Trail Boss offer any powertrain options?

Yes, selecting this package opens the door to the 5.3-liter V8 and 3.0-liter Duramax diesel powertrains. This means you could have a truck with one of the three following powertrains.

2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, 8-speed automatic transmission

310 horsepower, 420 lb-ft of torque

19 city/22 hwy mpg (RWD), 17 city/20 hwy mpg (4WD)

5.3-liter V8, 10-speed automatic transmission

355 horsepower, 383 lb-ft of torque

15 city/19 hwy mpg

3.0-liter turbocharged Duramax diesel 6-cylinder, 10-speed automatic transmission

305 horsepower, 495 lb-ft of torque

22 city/26 hwy mpg

Does the Chevy Silverado LT Trail Boss add anything extra?

Yes, the LT Trail Boss version of this Chevy truck does mirror that of the Custom Trail Boss but adds a few more items to the mix. These features are:

• Leather upholstery
• Power tailgate
• Convenience Package II
  • Rearview camera over the hitch
  • Trailer brake control
  • Trailering app
• Safety Package
  • HD Surround Vision camera
  • Rear emergency braking
  •  Blind-spot monitoring that covers a trailer
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Perimeter lighting

Are there any powertrain differences between the Custom and LT Trail Boss Packages?

Yes, the LT Trail Boss is eligible for the largest V8 engine. This powertrain is:

6.2-liter V8, 10-speed automatic transmission

420 horsepower, 460 lb-ft of torque

14 city/18 hwy mpg

How much can you tow with a Silverado Trail Boss?

Like most 4WD and off-road trucks, the towing numbers for the Chevy Silverado Trail Boss trucks are lower than if you have a standard trim. The Custom Trail Boss offers up to 9,300 pounds of towing capacity, while the LT Trail Boss can pull 13,300 pounds when powered by the 6.2-liter V8 engine.

How much does a Chevy Silverado Trail Boss cost?

Adding the Trail Boss package to the Custom or LT trims increases the price. The base price for the Custom trim is $42,600, and with the Trail Boss Package, that price increases to $50,500. The Chevy Silverado LT customs $46,700 to start with but adding the Trail Boss Packages raises this price to $56,300.

Should you buy one of the Silverado Trail Boss pickup trucks?

If you’re looking for a half-ton truck that’s a good off-road machine, the Trail Boss Package is worth the increased price to be the truck you want to drive. Of course, the Chevy Silverado 1500 ZR2 could be the right answer for you when you’re searching for a true, hardcore off-road truck.

Next, check out a Toyota Tacoma turned into a full-time camper, or watch The Fast Lane Trucks team put some GM trucks to the test in the video below: