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Big blow for GM? 2023 Chevy Silverado 3.0L LZ0 Duramax Diesel max towing limited

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The new 2023 Chevy Silverado has been catching a lot of attention — especially with the 3.0-liter LZ0 Duramax diesel max towing package, yet you can’t get it.

This maximum towing package, otherwise know as NHT for GM insiders, provides benefits for the Silverado 1500 LZ0 3.0-liter Duramax diesel that many owners want.

What is the LZ0 Duramax diesel max towing package? 

For the 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500, the maximum towing package adds several key items:

  • Increased towing and GCWR
  • Automatic locking rear differential
  • Handling/Trailering Suspension Package
  • Enhanced cooling radiator
  • Revised shock tuning
  • Heavier duty rear springs and increased RGAWR
  • 9.76″ rear axle
  • 3.42 axle ratio (gas engine), 3.73 axle ratio (diesel engine)
  • Trailer brake controller

Interestingly, the package is available for gasoline engines, just not the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel.

Why can’t you get it?

We reached out to GM for a comment on why this package isn’t available to be ordered.

“Due to supply-chain shortages, there is limited availability for the Max Tow Package when ordering a 2023 Silverado with the 3.0L Duramax turbodiesel engine,” said Sean Szymkowski, senior manager for Chevrolet Trucks Communications.

Both prospective buyers and GMAuthority.com are reporting on the problem of getting an order placed with the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel max towing package.

One of these buyers shared what he found on our YouTube channel.

“I’ve spoken to two GMC dealers and one Chevy dealer this week (March 2023),” said Toby Wells. “They all say that they have received written notification from GM that they will no longer build NHT/LZ0 for the 2023 model year. Nobody knows why, and they don’t know if the constraint will be removed for the 2024 model year.”

The bottom line

This is pretty frustrating for owners who want to make sure they buy a truck to fit their needs now and in the future for towing. Our long-term Silverado 3.0-liter Duramax diesel has both the new LZ0 engine and the max towing package. We are glad we got it and feel quite lucky now we got it before orders were shut off.

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Tim Esterdahl

Automotive Journalist Tim Esterdahl has been a lover of trucks and SUVs for years. He has covered the industry since 2011 and has pieces in many national magazines and newspapers. In his spare time, he is often found tinkering on his '62 C10 pickup, playing golf, going hunting and hanging out with his wife and kids in Nebraska.

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9 Comments

  1. Glenn March 8, 2023

    I’d also alert you to the fact you cannot order Super Cruise currently on a GMC 1500 Denali or Denali Ultimate. I am told this is a pause until April from my local dealer. However, I am not overly confident of the April date obviously with all these supply chain issues as mentioned above. Frankly, the supply chain excuse has about run its useful life.

    Reply
  2. Anonymous March 9, 2023

    GM is trying to tell customers that need to tow heavy to get a HD truck and V8 diesel. The 1500 with the 6 cyl diesel is really good for fuel economy and light towing IMHO.

    Reply
  3. Keith March 9, 2023

    Do you know if previously ordered trucks will still be built in this configuration? I’ve ordered my truck in September with the LZ0 and NHT. Hoping my order won’t be cancelled as those are basically the only 2 options I added onto the truck.

    Reply
    1. Tim Esterdahl March 16, 2023

      Sorry, I don’t.

      Reply
    2. Anonymous March 17, 2023

      I ordered my 3.0 High Country on Dec. 22, 2023. I got a call yesterday, 3-16-2023, from my dealer saying they cannot make it. I have bought numerous Chevy and GM products in the past and I am rethinking my loyalty now. I currently have a 2021 RST 3.0, love the truck, no problems at all with 45k on it. I want the extra towing capacity for my camper. I’m not happy I had to wait 3 months for a truck to be built only to find out now they will not build it.

      Reply
      1. Anonymous March 17, 2023

        Dec. 22, 2022

        Reply
  4. Jim R March 10, 2023

    Since the only difference is the rear spring pack and rear diff and gear ratio, what’s the real issue. Differentials and springs should not be an issue.

    Reply
  5. O R March 14, 2023

    There’s no shortage of Silverado’s with Tow packages.
    There’s no shortage of Silverado’s with Deisel engines.
    How is there a supply chain issues for Silverado’s with both? Smells more like GM realized that the new engine isn’t quite up to that much load????

    Reply
  6. David Alan Murray March 14, 2023

    The 3.0 Duramax Diesel has been problematic from the start. A local auto repair shop in Durango, Colorado informed me that the new 3.0 baby Duramax has been blowing up. The local GM dealer in Durango, Colorado, Morehart-Murphy Chevrolet will not work on a GM dealer 10 or more years old. This is diverting local GM owners to independent repair shops in the Durango area.

    Reply

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