It’s not for everybody, but the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD full-size pickup has traditionally kept up its end of the work ethic. For 2013, this 3- to 6-passenger draft animal again totes payload and trailer without breaking a sweat, and despite a slightly dated exterior, looks good doing it, especially with the optional Z71 Appearance Package. A worthy opponent for Ford’s popular F-250 Super Duty and Ram’s well-wrought 2500 trims, the 2013 Silverado 2500HD, like the others, targets those who need a lot of heavy work done on a nearly full-time basis. Be aware that sheer size, overwrought power and the traditional heavy-duty chassis and suspension components make this beefy brute more than just a bit unwieldy for the office commute, mall-hopping or the family vacation.

Anyhow, three cab configurations, the 2-door, 3-passenger Regular cab, as well as the 4-door, 6-passenger Extended (rear-opening back doors) and Crew cabs (four independently opening doors), are once more available to this hefty hauler.

Again this year, Chevy’s big pickup is offered in three trims, the base Work Truck, the midlevel LT and the high-end LTZ, with the latter available only in Extended and Crew cab variations. Regular cab trims carry only the 8.2-foot-long bed, with Regular and Extended cab versions carrying the standard 6.6-foot bed. Each of the latter is additionally available in long-bed variations. Finally, all Silverado 2500HDs are delivered with standard front-wheel drive (FWD), but all are, of course, again eligible for part-time 4-wheel drive (4WD).

Standard power for the 2013 Silverado 2500HD lineup is an E85-capable (FFV) 360-hp 6.0-liter V8 engine. This hefty powerplant mates with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission that allows 380 lb-ft of torque and, therefore, a maximum towing capacity of 13,000 pounds with the proper equipment installed. Gas mileage is unavailable for this potent V8, but it’s most assuredly not going to be pretty.

Should a considerable uptick in torque and efficiency be needed, a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 is available to all 2500HD trims. This monster combines with the 6-speed shiftable automatic to put out 397 hp and an incredible 765 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, trims with the turbodiesel can haul some 17,800 pounds on the accompanying heavy-duty trailer hitch and wiring, while fifth-wheel-equipped versions are touted to tow up to 23,000 pounds. Again, gas mileage is unavailable, but the turbodiesel is reputed to be noticeably more fuel-miserly than its gas/flex-fuel counterpart.

By the way, those trims equipped with 4WD boast a mechanical center differential, manual or electronic hi-lo gear selection and, of course, auto-locking hubs.

The base Work Truck is indeed basic, with 17-inch steel wheels, vinyl upholstery, cruise control and air conditioning all standard, with Crew-cab variations additionally flaunting remote power door locks. Entertainment, meantime, consists of an AM/FM stereo with 4 speakers in Regular cab versions and 6 speakers in Extended and Crew cab editions.

The 2500HD LT trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, including heated outside mirrors, premium cloth upholstery, simulated alloy cabin trim accessories and a leather and simulated chrome steering wheel. The standard single-CD player is once again bolstered by satellite radio and OnStar telecommunications service.

Moving up to the top-shelf LTZ gains owners standard 18-inch polished alloy wheels and a heavy-duty trailer hitch and wiring, along with a rear window defogger, heated power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery and wood-grain interior accents. Dual-zone climate control also comes standard, as do reverse-tilt exterior mirrors, 7 Bose premium speakers, a USB port and enhanced Bluetooth hands-free communications.

As is traditional, lower trims can be delivered with many features found standard on higher priced editions, while all variations are eligible for beefed-up axle ratios, an integrated trailer brake controller and a locking rear differential. Noteworthy available packages for all trims include the Off-Road Package, with heftier suspension components, skid plates and all-terrain tires, and the Z71 Appearance Package, sporting added exterior chrome, as well as unique badging and body-color mirrors and door handles. The LT’s unique Custom Sport Truck Package, meanwhile, offers a power-adjustable driver’s seat, 20-inch alloy wheels, a heavy-duty auto-locking rear differential (4WD versions), auto-dimming rear-view mirror and dual-zone climate control. Then for the two higher trim levels, there’s the Convenience Package, boasting power-adjustable pedals, a universal remote garage door opener, remote engine start and rear parking sensors.

The LTZ, finally, can be delivered with available voice-activated, touchscreen hard-drive-based navigation with an integrated DVD player.

A number of packaged features can be added as standalone options, while further notable standalones include the EZ-Lift tailgate, a power sliding rear window and a rear-view camera, each available to selected trims.

Size and heft are the 2013 Silverado 2500HD’s main safety equipment, but expect standard 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, dusk-sensing headlights and daytime running lights across the lineup. LT and LTZ editions additionally boast a remote antitheft alarm (standard on Work Truck Extended and Crew cab variants) and a post-collision safety system. Finally, the LTZ sports standard front fog/driving lights and turn-signal-integrated mirrors, each of which is available to selected LT packages, while front, and in Extended and Crew cabs, rear head curtain airbags are optional for all three trims.