Best Trucks for Towing of 2023

Characteristics of Pickup Trucks for Towing

Taking a closer look at the best towing trucks, it becomes apparent that there are specific qualities that set them apart from the run-of-the-mill trucks on the road:

• Performance: You can’t expect to move tens of thousands of pounds without a great deal of power on tap. Enormous displacement V6 and V8 engines are the norm in this segment, whether they be gas or diesel. Most come paired with an automatic transmission to maintain the optimal power band, with many including a low-speed transfer case.
• Construction: How a truck is built dramatically affects how much it can tow. It takes a highly durable frame to withstand the forces involved in pulling trailers or something heavier like boats. The suspension, too, must be able to adapt to the added weight while still dealing with bumps on or off the road. In some cases, double rear wheels are equipped to handle the enormous strain put on the back of trucks pulling extreme weight.
• Fuel economy: This is a necessary sacrifice when it comes to heavy-duty trucks. Even in comparison to other gas-guzzling trucks, these are the greediest. Their huge engines may deliver immense power, but they need to burn through fuel to do so. The immense weight of the vehicles doesn’t help either, as it takes more effort to get them moving and a herculean amount when pulling a heavy load.
• Price: While you can get a reliable towing truck at a reasonable price, the best and most capable models will cost you a bit more. When you take into account your monthly fuel bills, too, it quickly becomes apparent that owning one of these brutes doesn’t come as cheap as the sticker price may suggest.

Pickup Truck Towing Capacity

Knowing what it takes to create a pickup truck with the highest towing capacity, it only stands to reason that buyers would want to know which can handle the biggest loads. Whether in standard configuration or fifth-wheel/gooseneck setup, these are the trucks with the highest capacities:

What to Consider Before Buying a Truck for Towing

Many trucks can tow reasonable loads, but if you want one that can move small mountains, you have to be willing to accept a few extra compromises. Luckily, most of these are in areas that don’t matter to buyers looking to get a job done.

Pros

• Unparalleled towing capacities
• Potent powertrain options in diesel or gasoline
• Highly versatile and able to go off-road with ease
• Can double as an everyday driver in a pinch
• Sturdy construction makes them extremely safe

Cons

• Moderate sticker price is offset by huge fuel bills
• ‘Dually’s’ stack up maintenance expenses due to the outlay of replacing tires
• More frequent services
• Less plush than sedans or luxury-oriented cars

FAQs