Which Trucks Have the Most Towing Capacity? [By Class]

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Michael Collado

Michael Collado

Michael Collado is a car buying expert and has been a professional automotive writer since 2009.  He’s written about dealership sales, vehicle reviews and comparisons, and service and maintenance for over 100 national automotive dealerships.  Previously, Collado was a copywriter at the ad agency TBWA/Chiat/Day where he worked on brand campaigns for Nissan, ABC Television, Sony PlayStation, and Energizer. His recognition in the ad industry includes awards from Communication Arts and The Clios.

Collado has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida, with a major in Psychology and a minor in Marketing.

There are a variety of trucks on the market with impressive towing capacities, but which ones are the best?

We've done the research and will explore the top trucks with the most towing capacity, broken down by size/class.

Whether you're a commercial contractor or an avid outdoor enthusiast, finding the right truck to fit your towing needs is vital, and we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and take a closer look at the trucks that reign supreme in the towing game.

Read about how we rank our trucks >>

What Factors to Consider When Choosing a Truck for Towing

When choosing a truck for towing, there are several important factors to consider, including:

1. Towing Capacity: The most important factor to consider when choosing a truck for towing is its towing capacity. The truck's towing capacity should be sufficient to handle the weight of the trailer, cargo, and any passengers.
2. Payload Capacity: The payload capacity of the truck is also important to consider, as it determines how much weight the truck can carry in addition to the trailer. This includes the weight of any passengers, equipment, and cargo in the truck's bed.
3. Engine Size and Power: The engine size and power of the truck can impact its towing capacity and overall performance when towing. A larger engine with more horsepower and torque can provide better towing performance, but may also be less fuel efficient.
4. Transmission Type: The transmission type of the truck can also affect its towing capacity and performance. Trucks with automatic transmissions are generally better for towing, as they can provide smoother shifts and better control over the load.
5. Axle Ratio: The axle ratio of the truck can also impact its towing capacity and fuel efficiency. A higher axle ratio can provide more towing power but may reduce fuel efficiency.
6. Suspension: The suspension of the truck can also affect its towing performance, as a well-designed suspension can help to improve stability and handling when towing.
7. Brakes: The brakes of the truck are also important to consider when towing, as they should be able to handle the additional weight of the trailer and cargo. Upgraded brakes may be necessary for heavier loads.
8. Weight Distribution: The weight distribution of the trailer and cargo can also impact the truck's towing performance and stability. Proper weight distribution can help to prevent swaying and improve overall control when towing.

Compact Trucks with the Most Towing Capacity

1. Toyota Tacoma - The Toyota Tacoma is one of the best compact trucks on the market and has a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 lbs. This truck comes with a V6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, making it easy to tow heavy loads.
2. Ford Ranger - The Ford Ranger has a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 lbs, making it one of the best options for those who need a compact truck with towing capabilities. The Ranger comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a ten-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive as standard.

Midsize Trucks with the Most Towing Capacity

1. Toyota Tundra - The Toyota Tundra has a maximum towing capacity of 10,200 lbs, making it the best midsize truck for towing. This truck comes with a 5.7-liter V8 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, making it perfect for hauling heavy loads.

1. Ford F-150 - The Ford F-150 has a maximum towing capacity of 13,200 lbs, making it the best full-size truck for towing. This truck comes with a turbocharged V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, making it powerful enough to handle any towing job.

Check out the full list of compact and midsize trucks with the highest towing capacity >>

½ Ton or Full-Size Trucks with the Most Towing Capacity

1. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 lbs, making it the best ½ ton or full-size truck for towing. This truck comes with a turbocharged diesel engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, making it a great option for those who need to tow heavy loads.
2. Ram 1500 - The Ram 1500 has a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 lbs, making it a close competitor to the Silverado 1500. This truck comes with a V8 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, making it a powerful and reliable option for towing.

Check out the full list of half-ton or full-size trucks with the highest towing capacity >>

¾ Ton Heavy Duty Trucks with the Most Towing Capacity

1. Ram 2500 - The Ram 2500 has a maximum towing capacity of 19,680 lbs, making it the best ¾ ton heavy duty truck for towing. This truck comes with a turbocharged diesel engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, making it a great option for those who need to tow heavy loads. The Ram 2500 also comes with various advanced safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and rear parking sensors, making it a safe choice for drivers.
2. Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD - The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD has a maximum towing capacity of 18,510 lbs, making it another great option for those who need a ¾ ton heavy duty truck for towing. This truck comes with a turbocharged diesel engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, making it a powerful option for towing. The Silverado 2500HD also comes with various features such as trailer sway control, hill descent control, and a rearview camera, making it easy to tow and maneuver.

1-Ton Heavy Duty Trucks with the Most Towing Capacity

1. Ford F-350 Super Duty - The Ford F-350 Super Duty has a maximum towing capacity of 37,000 lbs, making it the best 1-ton heavy duty truck for towing. This truck comes with a turbocharged diesel engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, making it a powerful and efficient option for towing. The F-350 Super Duty also comes with features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, making it a safe and reliable choice for drivers.
2. Ram 3500 - The Ram 3500 has a maximum towing capacity of 35,100 lbs, making it another great option for those who need a 1-ton heavy duty truck for towing. This truck comes with a turbocharged diesel engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, making it a powerful and reliable option for towing. The Ram 3500 also comes with features such as a rearview camera, trailer sway control, and a tire pressure monitoring system, making it easy and safe to tow heavy loads.

Check out the full list of heavy-duty trucks with the highest towing capacity >>

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some factors that affect a truck's towing capacity?

Several factors can affect a truck's towing capacity, including the engine size and power, transmission type, axle ratio, suspension, brakes, and weight distribution. It's important to choose a truck that has the appropriate towing capacity for your specific needs.

Are there any trucks with a towing capacity over 30,000 pounds?

Yes, some heavy-duty trucks have a maximum towing capacity over 30,000 pounds. For example, the Ford F-450 Super Duty has a maximum towing capacity of up to 37,000 pounds.

Can a truck with a high towing capacity also have good fuel efficiency?

Generally, trucks with high towing capacity are less fuel-efficient than those with lower towing capacity. However, some newer trucks are designed with fuel efficiency in mind, and may still have a high towing capacity. It's important to consider fuel efficiency when choosing a truck for towing, especially if you plan to do a lot of towing or long-distance hauling.

Is it necessary to have a truck with a high towing capacity if I don't plan to tow heavy loads?

No, it's not necessary to have a truck with a high towing capacity if you don't plan to tow heavy loads. In fact, trucks with high towing capacity often have a higher price tag and may be less fuel-efficient. It's important to choose a truck with the appropriate towing capacity for your specific needs to ensure safety and efficiency.