Kenworth C500 Overview
The Kenworth C500 is one of the sturdiest vocational trucks ever built. Designed for the industry’s most demanding tasks, the C500 was made to handle the roughest off-road terrain and heaviest cargo with ease.
Although Kenworth ended C500 production in 2026, this model remains sought after by fleets and owner-operators who prioritize strength, durability, and capability on the job.
Kenworth C500 Specs
Engine, Horsepower & Torque
- PACCAR MX-13 or MX-11 engine options
- Up to 565 horsepower
- 10.8 – 12.9 liter engine displacement
- Up to 1,850 lb-ft of torque
Transmission Options
- Eaton Fuller 18-Speed Manual Transmission
- Allison Automatic Transmission
- Eaton UltraShift Plus Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
- Gross Combination Weight (GCW) up to 200,000 lbs. without special application approval
- Specialty heavy-haul configurations capable of up to 1,000,000 lbs. GCW for approved applications
Configuration Capability
The C500 offers a wide range of configurations designed for specialized vocational applications where maximum strength and durability are required.
- Available in configurations with up to 600 horsepower
- Built for heavy-haul, off-road, and severe-service applications
- Designed to support custom chassis requirements for specialized industries
Kenworth C500 Features
Extra-Duty Frame
One standout feature of the Kenworth C500 is its incredibly strong frame. For severe-duty applications, the C500 could be configured with:
- Double-bolted double frame rails
- Full-length heavy-duty frame reinforcement
- Triple-frame rail option
- Reinforced chassis
These heavy-duty configurations provide the structural integrity needed for extreme GCW applications, all while maintaining long-term reliability.
Axle Capacities
The C500 was built to move cargo that few commercial trucks can handle. Available axle configurations included:
- Heavy-duty steer axles rated up to 25,000 lbs.
- Tandem drive axles
- Tridem drive axles
- Quad drive axle configurations
- Rear axle capacities exceeding 100,000 lbs. (depending on configuration)
These heavy-duty options provide exceptional traction and low-speed pulling power in difficult terrain like mud, rock, and sand.
Kenworth C500 Cab Options
- Standard Day Cab
- Extended Day Cab
- 38-Inch AeroCab Flat Top Sleeper
- 42-Inch Flat Top Sleeper
Best Jobs for the Kenworth C500
Unlike highway tractors designed primarily for long-distance freight, the Kenworth C500 was built for applications where traction, structural strength, and load capacity matter most. The C500 excels in industries including:
- Extreme Off-Road Applications
- Heavy Haul Transportation
- Oil & Gas Operations
- Mining
- Logging
- Construction
- Pipeline Projects
- Crane & Rig Moving
- Wind Energy
- Military Support
C500
Unlike Kenworth’s on-road models, the C500 is a workhorse that can easily handle specialty heavy-haul applications, operating in locations and conditions where few other commercial vehicles can. Since its introduction, the Kenworth C500 has been – and always will be – one of the toughest vocational trucks in the industry.
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Download Kenworth C500 Truck Brochure
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