What Are The Best Trucks For Towing?

Depending on what type of towing you're looking to do, different trucks might be better suited for the task. There is no one-fitted answer, there are a lot of trucks that would be best for your particular towing purpose.

We will take a closer look at a few of the most popular ones and find the best truck for you for hauling.

What Are The Best Trucks For Towing?

If you're looking for a pickup with plenty of power, a full-size truck is a way to go. With maximum towing capacities ranging from 9,740 to 13,200 pounds, these trucks are designed for hauling heavy loads. Usually, such trucks have larger and more powerful engines than smaller models and can be equipped with features like an integrated trailer brake controller and a rearview camera. When towing a travel trailer, you'll also need a truck that has enough space to store all of your gear. That's why most full-size trucks have a spacious crew cab or an extended cab.

If you're looking to buy a truck, be sure to study the specifications. The engine, gearing, length, cab style, bed style and other factors all play into the maximum weight it can tow. For example: A RAM 3500 properly configured could haul up to 30k pounds but without certain features & options, that number plummets 11 thousand pounds.

Here we will take a look not only at the full-size trucks but also at 3 other types.

Compact or Mid-size trucks

A compact or mid-size truck is a good choice if you're towing a smaller trailer, like a pop-up camper. With towing capacities ranging from 4,850 to 7,700 pounds, these trucks are more maneuverable and easier on gas than their full-size counterparts. When shopping for a compact or mid-size truck, be sure to pay attention to the payload capacity.

This number indicates how much weight the truck can carry in its bed and cab. A higher payload capacity means that the truck can haul more gear, which is important if you're planning on using your truck for other purposes, like hauling lumber or dirt bikes. The best truck brands are Honda Ridgeline, Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger.

Heavy-Duty trucks

Three-quarter-ton trucks, also known as heavy-duty trucks, are the best option if you own a large fifth wheel trailer or travel trailer. With gooseneck and fifth-wheel hitch options that place your load directly over the axle, these types of vehicles offer greater towing capacities than any other segment. The added weight of the truck will also help reduce sway and provide a safer towing experience.

Thus, a driver of a three-quarter-ton truck can tow up to 14,000 pounds with confidence. When shopping for a three-quarter-ton truck, be sure to look for one that has the payload capacity and engine size that you need. The best truck brands are Chevrolet Silverado, Nissan Titan XD and Ford Super Duty F-250.

Ultra-Duty trucks

Extra-large fifth wheels place excessive demand on normal trucks, so you will likely need an ultra-duty truck if you own one. Their maximum towing capacity is significantly higher than average, ranging from 20,000 to 32,000 pounds. However, keep in mind that they won't ride as smoothly as lighter trucks would.

They are equipped with a powerful diesel engine and feature a reinforced frame that can handle the added weight. When shopping for an ultra-duty truck, be sure to pay attention to the payload capacity and towing capacity. The best truck brands are RAM 3500 and Ford Super Duty F-350.

Why Is Towing Capacity So Significant?

Whenever you want to buy a truck, towing capacity is one of the most critical factors that you should consider. It indicates how much weight your truck can tow safely. If you choose a truck with too small of a towing capacity, you risk damaging your vehicle. If you choose one with too large of a towing capacity, you'll be wasting money on a truck that's more powerful than you need.

The most vital aspect to think about when picking a truck for towing is its capacity. However, oppositions in torque and strength between different truck models by various automakers can make comparisons difficult. All these companies are striving to give a higher towing capacity without destroying the fuel economy numbers. Just because an automaker calls their product 'the top-notch in the niche', it doesn't mean it will be the best for you — or that the truck can perform to its claims. There is a wide range of towing capabilities among different models of trucks.

If you're looking to buy a truck, the best way to understand its capabilities is by checking the driver's side door jamb sticker. This should contain information about payload capacity and tires—two critical details for towing. You can also ask the dealership about other trim levels of that same model to get an idea of how the payload varies between them.

Other characteristics like GVWR or payload capacity are vital to think about before making your decision. The GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the total weight of the truck, including the passengers, cargo, and fluids. The payload is the maximum amount of weight that the truck can carry safely.

You should also take into account how you will be using your truck. If you're just going to use it for light hauling or towing a small trailer occasionally, then you don't need to get a heavy-duty truck. On the other hand, if you're planning on using it for more substantial tasks, like construction work or towing a large RV, then you'll need something with more power.

Final Words

So, the best trucks for towing are the Chevrolet Silverado, Nissan Titan XD and Ford Super Duty F-250 for three-quarter-ton trucks and the RAM 3500 and Ford Super Duty F-350 for ultra-duty trucks. Keep in mind that towing capacity is a vital factor to consider when picking a truck and that you should also think about how you will be using your truck before making your decision.

Happy truck shopping!