Chevy Silverado’s new Durabed tops 1/2-ton segment in size, versatility

Updated Jul 28, 2018
The short-box’s volume is up to 20 percent more than any compe
The short-box’s volume is up to 20 percent more than any competitor’s short-box.

Chevy announced today that its new Durabed is larger and more functional than any other ½-ton truck bed on the market.

The Durabed, which will come standard on the 2019 Silverado 1500, has best-in-class cargo volume, box depth, box length at floor, plus a segment-leading 12 fixed tie-downs and exclusive power up/down tailgate.

“The bed is the heart and soul of any pickup, so we made several improvements to the bed of the all-new Silverado to give our customers an even better hauling experience,” said Tim Herrick, executive chief engineer for GM’s full-size trucks. “We’ve added so many features and benefits that it deserves its own name – Durabed.”

Every Silverado bed size has increased significantly in volume for the 2019 model year:

Screen Shot 2018 07 26 At 9 10 58 Pm

 

The short-box’s volume is up to 20 percent more than any competitor’s short-box. Most of that increase came from widening the maximum width of the bed floor nearly ten percent (seven inches), which is implemented across all three bed sizes.

For model year 2019, a higher-grade steel is being used in the construction of Durabed. The quality of the bed floor materials has improved as well, from 340 megapascals to 500 megapascals:

Screen Shot 2018 07 26 At 9 11 09 Pm

 

Some of the other dimensions in which Silverado now leads the class include:

Screen Shot 2018 07 26 At 9 11 23 Pm

 

Silverado now has 12 fixed tie-downs, and the strength of each of these has doubled from 250 lbs. to 500 lbs. of force before bending. An additional nine moveable tie-down points are available as well for even more cargo flexibility. Together, these 21-total tie-downs are the most of any full-size pickup.

The accessibility of the tie-downs has also been improved. Tie-downs are now located at varying heights to offer customers greater versatility in what they can secure and haul.

The Durabed truck bed, standard on all 2019 Silverado 1500 models, also includes larger cutouts in the GM-exclusive CornerStep bumpers to better accommodate steel-toed boots.

Durabed is also available with integrated, in-bed LED lighting and a 110/120-volt power outlet. A light at the top of the rear cab comes standard on all Silverado models

The 2019 Silverado 1500 will also be available with four tailgate variants:

  • Standard gate: a manual gate with no lift assist; manually lockable (with key)
  • Standard Gate with Lift Assist: a stamped gate that includes lift assist; manually lockable (with key)
  • Power Lock/Release: includes lift assist and automatic release; power lockable
  • Industry-exclusive power up/down: available on the LTZ and standard on High Country, the tailgate raises or lowers using the key fob, touchpads on the gate or button in the cabin. Includes lift assist, automatic release and power closing; power lockable

The 2019 Silverado goes on sale this fall.

The Durabed features 12 fixed tie-downs, and the strength of each of these has doubled from 250 lbs. to 500 lbs. of force before bending.The Durabed features 12 fixed tie-downs, and the strength of each of these has doubled from 250 lbs. to 500 lbs. of force before bending. The quality of Durabed’s high-strength steel floor has improved, from 340 megapascals to 500 megapascals.The quality of Durabed’s high-strength steel floor has improved, from 340 megapascals to 500 megapascals. The Durabed is available with a 110/120-volt power outlet.The Durabed is available with a 110/120-volt power outlet. The Durabed is available with integrated in-bed LED lighting.The Durabed is available with integrated in-bed LED lighting. The Durabed is available with integrated in-bed LED lighting. A light at the top of the rear cab comes standard on all Silverado models.The Durabed is available with integrated in-bed LED lighting. A light at the top of the rear cab comes standard on all Silverado models. The Durabed truck bed, standard on all 2019 Silverado 1500 models, includes larger cutouts in the GM-exclusive CornerStep bumpers to better accommodate steel-toed boots.The Durabed truck bed, standard on all 2019 Silverado 1500 models, includes larger cutouts in the GM-exclusive CornerStep bumpers to better accommodate steel-toed boots.