Chevrolet Silverado popular conversion

Load a dual-cab Toyota Hilux in the back of the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD and the US-built  pick-up will cope with another 400kg of tools.

Grab a trailer and the big Chevy will tow three of the most popular 4WD utes sold in Australia. Keep the Silverado unladen and the 296kW/1037Nm 6.6-litre V8 turbodiesel will hit 100km/h in eight seconds.

It is this mix of grunt and go that has made the Silverado the second best-selling car in the 'States, behind the ever popular --and just as big -- Ford F Series.

Australians may be horrified to see such super-sized trucks leading the US sales race, but they are an in-demand vehicle in the country and for those who tow big loads.

Queensland-based conversion specialists Performax recognised that market existed here and have been selling right-hand drive models since 2001. The company also imports exoticars like the Corvette and Ford Mustang but pick-ups are the mainstay.

The Silverado starts at $117,500 and owners can then personalise their vehicles with a huge options list. The fit and finish on the modified Silverado is first rate.

Performax makes its own dash moulds to ensure consistency and you have to start poking around under the dash to see where the conversion has been done.

The company imports a range of Silverado models, with the turbodiesel 2500HD crew cab its most popular vehicle.The 2500HD has a modest towing capacity of seven tonnes, down from the 10 tonnes on the 3500HD, meaning you can shift apartments rather than houses with it.

Melbourne-based Performax dealer Grant Harrison says there is a niche market that wants vehicles like the Silverado purely for their towing capacity and durability. "They're a proven thing and they're a bit cheaper than a converted F Series but have all the Ford has and more," Harrison says of the Silverado.

"Big boats, horse floats . this thing doesn't feel them." The Melton-based car dealer practises what he preaches and will use one of the Chevys to haul his world championship-winning grand prix hydroplane around the country this year.

Chevrolet Silverado 2500D crew cab

Price: from $117,500
Warranty: Four years/120,000km
Resale: N/A
Safety rating: Not rated
Spare: Full size
Engine: 6.6-litre V8 turbodiesel, 296kW/1037Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Body: 6.1m (L), 2.0m (WD), 1.9m (H)
Weight: 3252kg
Thirst: 14L/100km (as tested) 413g/km CO2