Chevy's smallest Heavy-Duty came online for the 2001 model year
and was called the 1500HD. Why stick a model in between the
incredibly varied 1500 series of light trucks and the work-
oriented 2500 (and dualie 3500) models? Simple. Customers
clamored for more towing capacity than the 1500s could provide,
but were unwilling to step up to the rougher-riding 3/4-ton
2500HD. The 1500 HD's closest competitor would be Ford's F-150,
when equipped with the Max Trailer Tow Package.  Is the truck
capable? You bet. The HD has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of
8600 pounds versus the standard 1500 crew cab's 6800. Ideally
equipped, the 1500HD can tow up to 10,200 pounds, which is a
boost of 1600 pounds. What's more, Chevy didn't even offer the
crew cab in the basic 1500 until midway through the 2004 model
year; with that move, the HD name disappeared for 2004 only to
return the next year. There are some 2007 models around, which
GM rechristened as the 1500HD Classic. These were sold while
Chevy brought production of the all