For most people, a truck is a tool. Whether you’re hauling or towing or simply moving passengers or grocery shopping, it’s probably the most useful item in your arsenal. Today, though, we’re going to focus on one of those aspects — towing. If you’re looking for a new pickup, here are the best options for towing.
1. Ford F-150
This is one of those trucks that are synonymous with towing power, but you should bypass the classic V-8. Instead, choose the twin-turbo V-6, which cranks out 440 pound-feet of torque and has a towing capacity of up to 13,200 pounds. Make sure you select the trailer tow package when building your F-150. Without it, you’re only towing up to 7,000 pounds, no matter which engine you choose.
2. Toyota Tundra
Toyota’s trucks are making a name for themselves, especially in recent years when it comes to towing. Its 5.7-liter V-8 engine cranks out 401 pound-feet of torque, putting it in the same class as some of the other large trucks on our list. With a maximum towing capacity of 10,200 pounds, it’s well above what most people need. If you’re hauling a boat, the Tundra’s capabilities are more than sufficient for your needs. The only downside of this Toyota truck is the gas mileage — it’s got the worst fuel economy in its class.
3. GMC Sierra 2500HD
If you need some serious towing capacity, look no further than the GMC Sierra 2500HD. With its 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V-8, the Sierra 2500 cranks out 464 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 RPMs and is capable of towing up to 18,500 pounds, with a max payload of 3,979 pounds. That’s usually more than most people need, but if you need more towing power, take a step up to the Sierra 3500HD. It has a maximum towing capacity of 35,500 pounds.
4. Dodge Ram 1500
A truck’s torque rating is more important than its towing capacity when you’re picking a vehicle for hauling things. When towing your boat, you need something that will reach peak torque at lower RPMs, giving you more power and control at lower speeds. When you’re dealing with boat ramps, this will become essential. For the Dodge Ram 1500, choose the V-6 EcoDiesel engine that is coming out in 2020. You’ve got a solid 480 pound-feet of torque, and with diesel engines, you’re always getting max torque at lower RPMs than you will with gasoline engines.
5. Chevy Silverado 2500HD
If you don’t want to worry about fighting with a diesel engine or paying for it at the pump, you can still secure some serious towing power with the Silverado 2500HD and its 6.6-liter V-8 gas-powered engine. It cranks out 464 pound-feet of torque and maxes out at 17,400 pounds maximum towing capacity. It’s not as powerful as a diesel engine, but you don’t need it to tow your boat or trailer from point A to point B.
Which Is Your Favorite?
Which truck is your favorite for towing? Did we miss one of the best options for the 2019 or 2020 model years? Let us know in the comments below. If you need an alternative to towing your boat yourself, look into a Florida boat transport company. These services make it easy for you to transport your boat across the nation, and they are fully insured for peace of mind.