If you’re shopping around for a reliable medium-duty workhorse for your business, the 2009 Chevrolet C6500 Box Truck 13’6” cargo box deserves your attention. Whether you’re in the moving industry, delivery business, event logistics, or construction, this truck brings a winning combination of power, durability, and practicality.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything that makes the C6500 a smart buy even more than a decade after its release. Think of this as friendly advice from someone who’s spent time around trucks and knows what it means to get a good return on investment.
Quick Overview: What’s the 2009 Chevy C6500 All About?
Part of the Chevrolet Kodiak (also branded GMC TopKick) series, the C6500 is built tough for medium-duty commercial use. The 13-foot-6-inch box model strikes the perfect balance between cargo capacity and city maneuverability. That’s why you’ll find it in fleets ranging from delivery startups to seasoned logistics companies.
What really sets it apart? A dependable build, strong diesel engine options, customizable features, and a box size that works great even in tight urban spaces.
Engine and Performance: Power That Delivers
Under the hood, the 2009 C6500 doesn’t mess around. You get two solid diesel engine options—both known for longevity and performance:
6.6L Duramax V8 Turbo Diesel
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Horsepower: Around 300 HP
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Torque: Approx. 520 lb-ft
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Why it’s great: Excellent fuel economy, cold-weather reliability, and consistent power.
7.8L Duramax Inline-6 Diesel
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Horsepower: Up to 260 HP
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Torque: Up to 660 lb-ft
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Why it’s awesome: More torque at lower RPMs—perfect for hauling up hills or carrying heavy loads.
Both engines are typically paired with Allison 2000 or 2400 series automatic transmissions, which are respected for their smooth shifts and rugged dependability.
Cargo Box and Dimensions: Roomy but Maneuverable
The 13’6” box is really where this truck shines for medium-duty business needs.
Key Highlights:
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Interior Height: Great for upright storage and multiple pallet stacking.
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Payload Capacity: Typically supports 10,000+ lbs.
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Materials: Usually aluminum or reinforced fiberglass plywood—durable and lightweight.
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Rear Access: Choose between roll-up or swing-out doors.
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Liftgate Ready: Hydraulic liftgates can be added to make loading easier.
This box size hits the sweet spot—big enough for volume, but not so large it’s a pain to drive in the city.
Chassis and Suspension: Built to Carry Heavy Loads
The 2009 C6500 sits on a solid steel frame designed for commercial abuse. Whether you’re loading pallets, machinery, or delicate cargo, the structure holds strong.
Specs You Should Know:
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Front Axle Rating: 8,000 to 10,000 lbs
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Rear Axle Rating: 15,000 to 19,000 lbs
Suspension Options:
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Spring Suspension: Budget-friendly and reliable.
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Air Suspension: Smoother ride and better cargo protection—ideal for delicate goods.
Interior Comfort: Designed for Long Workdays
Don’t overlook driver comfort—this is where fatigue and safety come into play.
Why drivers like it:
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Supportive, ergonomic seats for long hauls.
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Simple, visible gauges for quick monitoring.
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Climate control for all-weather operation.
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Smart storage for tools, paperwork, and electronics.
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Excellent visibility from large mirrors and windshield.
Safety Features: Keeping You in Control
Safety is critical when you’re behind the wheel of a medium-duty vehicle.
The C6500 offers:
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Hydraulic or air brakes, depending on configuration.
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ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) to prevent skids.
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Optional stability control systems for added road safety.
Many units are retrofitted with backup cameras, parking sensors, and LED lighting systems to boost safety during nighttime or tight maneuvering.
Maintenance and Reliability: Built to Go the Distance
Let’s be honest—downtime is money lost. Luckily, the C6500 is known for its staying power.
Why it’s easy to maintain:
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Accessible engine bay for easier repairs and inspections.
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OBD compatibility for quick diagnostics.
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Widespread parts availability thanks to GM’s extensive network.
Many well-maintained C6500s have easily passed 200,000 miles—and some go even further with regular care.
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Ideal Use Cases: What Kind of Businesses Use This Truck?
Thanks to its flexibility, the 2009 Chevy C6500 serves a wide range of industries. If you’ve got things to move—this truck likely fits the bill.
Common industries include:
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Moving companies: Furniture, appliances, household goods.
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Logistics and delivery: Packages, freight, last-mile delivery.
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Construction: Tools, materials, site supplies.
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Event planning: Booths, equipment, audio-visual setups.
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Wholesale and retail: Stock distribution between warehouses and outlets.
Resale Value and Availability: Still Worth It?
Even though it’s over 15 years old, the 2009 C6500 holds decent resale value. That’s because demand for dependable medium-duty trucks remains strong.
Typical Price Range:
$15,000 to $35,000 (depending on condition, mileage, and configuration)
Where to find one:
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Commercial Truck Trader
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TruckPaper.com
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Craigslist
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Facebook Marketplace
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Local dealers and auctions
Look for trucks with a clean service record, reasonable mileage, and well-maintained systems like liftgates and brakes.
Final Thoughts: Is the 2009 Chevy C6500 Box Truck 13’6” Worth It?
Absolutely. If you’re looking for a medium-duty truck that works hard, lasts long, and doesn’t cost a fortune, the 2009 Chevrolet C6500 13’6” box truck is a smart choice.
It’s more than just a truck—it’s a long-term investment in your business’s efficiency, reliability, and bottom line.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the load capacity of the 2009 Chevrolet C6500 13’6″?
Most configurations can handle over 10,000 lbs, depending on how it’s built.
2. What engine options are available?
The two main options are the 6.6L Duramax V8 Turbo Diesel and the 7.8L Duramax Inline-6 Diesel.
3. Is the 13’6” box good for city deliveries?
Yes, it offers a great balance between size and maneuverability for urban areas.
4. Which businesses commonly use this truck?
It’s popular with movers, delivery services, event companies, and construction businesses.
5. How does it perform in the long run?
With consistent maintenance, many of these trucks run well past 200,000 miles.
