Today’s small and big trucks are comfortable, luxurious, and feature many fancy technologies to improve overall performance and safety. One of the most critical factors people look for when purchasing a truck is its towing capacity. Generally, the higher the capacity, the better. If you’re planning to buy a truck that tows heavy loads across steep grades, you may want to check the truck’s towing capacity, engine size, drive system, power output, and curb weight.
What Is Towing Capacity and How Is It Measured?
Towing capacity is the maximum weight a truck can pull while towing. To determine your vehicle’s towing capacity, you need to know the vehicle manufacturer’s weight rating and compare it to the weight of your trailer. You can check this on your vehicle’s manual, the door jam on the driver’s side, or on the company website.
Things To Consider When Choosing The Best Towing Capacity Truck
Apart from the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), you need to check the following when choosing the best truck for maximum towing capacity.
- Towing intentions: Weigh your options and determine whether you need a truck for commercial towing purposes or personal use.
- Gas engine vs. diesel engine: Diesel engines are powerful and efficient. However, they weigh more and reduce the vehicle’s payload capacity. Gas engines are also efficient and more affordable.
- Automatic transmission vs. manual transmission: Most old trucks feature a manual transmission, but if you don’t know how to drive a manual truck, consider investing in a truck with an automatic transmission.
- Single rear wheels vs. dual rear wheels: While you can find powerful single rear wheel trucks, dual rear wheels spread the weight better between the tires, giving your vehicle a smoother, more stable towing experience.
- Special towing features: Apart from the horsepower and torque, manufacturers today treat modern pickup trucks with unique features to boost towing. They include trailer sway control, four-wheel steering, backup camera, and electronic transfer cases.
- Comfort and other luxury features: Older trucks were functional, minimalist, and utilitarian cabins that could become uncomfortable during long rides. Today’s interior features are more comfortable and luxurious. Compare different features and choose a truck that provides you with the comfort you need depending on your towing activities.
- Value: Determine if the truck you want provides value for money. Consider fuel efficiency, maintenance, insurance, warranty, and other things that could affect the truck’s value.
The 8 Best Towing Capacity Trucks
8. GMC Sierra 1500
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 13,000 pounds
- Maximum payload capacity: 5,380 pounds
The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 features a powerful engine and spacious interior. It’s the perfect combination of efficiency and power. The V-8 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission can take any load and terrain. It also lets you enjoy longer trips without sacrificing comfort or spending too much on fuel.
7. 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 13,300 pounds
- Maximum payload capacity: 2,385 pounds
Chevrolet equipped the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with a potent powertrain consisting of a 6.2-liter V-8 with ten-speed automatic transmission and a Max Trailering Package that lets you tow a whopping 13,300 pounds. It also allows you to get up to 33 mpg which easily translates to 725 miles per tank. You can choose from eight trim levels, each with a distinct wheel design and grille.
6. 2022 Ford F-150
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 14,000 pounds
- Maximum payload capacity: 3,325 pounds
The famous Ford F-150 is one of the most powerful and competent towing trucks currently on the market. It has a 400-horsepower Ecoboost engine, a standard six-speed transmission, and a quick-shifting 10-speed transmission for the top trims. Safety features include pre-collision assist, lane-keep assist, automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control.
5. RAM 2500
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 20,000 pounds
- Maximum payload capacity: 4,380 pounds
Made of a sturdy frame and an impressive engine, the 2022 Ram 2500 is one of the most advanced pickup trucks in its class. Whether you’re towing a trailer for hauling materials or products, this truck can help deliver your load anytime. It can withstand long trips on rough roads, and the comfortable heated seats ensure that you’re comfortable on the roads.
4. GMC Sierra 2500 Heavy Duty
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 36,000 pounds
- Maximum payload capacity: 7,442 pounds
Featuring an advanced 6.6l Duramax turbo-diesel engine, the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD has an impressive towing capacity of up to 36,000 pounds. It comes with all the features you need to remain comfortable in rugged terrain. You will enjoy the luxurious, comfortable interior that has plenty of space for your passengers and cargo.
3. Ford Super Duty F-450 Platinum
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 37,000 pounds
- Maximum payload capacity: 6,210 pounds
Featuring a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbo diesel engine, the Super Duty F-450 Platinum delivers the best power and torque in its class. It is a high-performing truck with sophisticated and redesigned interior features. Like most Ford trucks, it features luxurious, high-tech features designed to keep you safe and comfortable. Additionally, it has an upgraded frame chassis and suspension for more pulling power and improved durability.
2. Ford Super Duty F-350 XL
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 37,000 pounds
- Maximum payload capacity: 7,850 pounds
The Ford Super Duty F-350 XL is a heavy-duty truck that’s perfect for everyday commercial use. It has a strong, durable frame with a potent engine and rigid suspension. The truck is also equipped with high-tech features such as pre-collision assist, blind-spot detection, emergency braking backup alarm, lane keeps assist, and trailer reverses guidance.
1. RAM 3500 Tradesman
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 37,090 pounds
- Maximum payload capacity: 7,680 pounds
The RAM 3500 Tradesman is one of the most powerful pickup trucks you will find on the market today. It comes with a 6.7 Cummins Turbo I-6 engine that produces 420 horsepower and churns out an incredible 1,000 pound-feet of torque. The 360-degree surround-view camera with cargo view and rearview camera allows you to watch your goods during the trips.
Methodology
Our selection involved focusing on several factors that drivers check when buying towing trucks. Apart from towing capacity, we evaluated the overall performance, safety, engine size and power, fuel economy, cargo space, and storage and style features.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best towing capacity truck doesn’t have to be complicated if you know the features you want. We hope this list helps you find the right towing truck for your personal and commercial needs.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
