there seems to be two types of replies to this question. some are speculating what is holding gm back, such as the allison. the others are basically saying that gm is too nice to brag and want to protect us from towing too much. i have no doubt, zero, that gm would publish numbers better than 32,000 if they could.
i am looking to get the most capable one ton truck that i can. i like silverados, have owned 5. but i am not blind. just wondering what part is not up to a higher tow rating. i am sure in a year or two when they raise the ratings they will tell us what was beefed up to increase the ratings. and they will brag about their improved capacity.
ram has jumped their ratings up about 8 or 9,000 lbs over the last few years. they attribute that to the aisin transmission being better than the 68rfe, and tuning the cummins to take advantage of it. you can still get a 68rfe, but it is rated about 8000 less than the aisin. one is obviously better to tow heavy.
that is the type of answer i was wondering about on the gm.
