An SUV can perform the basic towing functions. But for heavier loads or for certain specific types of towing, a pickup truck is a much more suitable option. Pickup trucks are extremely sturdy and heavily-built vehicles. So they can tow boats, trailers, and similar heavy objects without any problem.
In fact, towing capacity is one of the primary reasons why many people go for pickups. These rugged vehicles make the job of towing look really easy. For smaller camper trailers or objects like motorbikes, jet-skis, etc. a midsize pickup can do the job comfortably. But to tow large campers, bigger trailers, or for industrial-grade heavy-duty material, a large truck is necessary.
On what does the towing capacity depend on?
The towing capacity or tow rating of the truck depends on the weight of the truck. The maximum tow rating = the truck’s Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR or GCWR) – (the weight of the truck + that of the passengers and cargo). GCVWR is the maximum permissible weight of the truck and the trailer. What is means in a simpler language is – the more passengers and/or cargo you carry, the less weight the truck will be able to tow.
Also, in certain countries, if the GCVWR exceeds a certain level, then you might need specific permission to drive that vehicle. E.g. in the U.S. if the GCVWR exceeds 26,000 pounds, then you would a commercial driver’s license to drive that vehicle even if you are using it for non-commercial purposes.
Features of towing trucks
Nowadays, towing trucks of every shape and size come with many advanced features. A standard one among them is tailgate-mounted rearview cameras. These provide an undisturbed view of the area behind the vehicle during reversing it. Many pickups have multi-angle trailer cameras that provide a top-down view of the hitch area. This helps in easier connection.
To aid the connection at night, many pickups have lights in the hitch area. Chevrolet & GMC trucks have side-view cameras that aid in monitoring the trailer’s connection. Ram pickups come with a load-leveling air suspension.
Advantages of towing trucks
Safety – All vehicles come with standard safety equipment today. But a towing truck still scores higher on this aspect – simply because of their rugged build and the higher seating position of the driver that allows greater visibility.
Versatility – Towing trucks can be used for a variety of purposes apart from the basic towing functions. It is the ideal vehicle to go camping or for weekend adventures. You can pack your family and all the equipment in it – and still have an enjoyable drive.
Spacious – Today, pickup trucks are fairly luxurious by themselves. The cab space allows for ample seating and leg spaces, thereby not compromising on comfort. Getting in and out is also simple. Pack in a lot of stuff in the cab – and still you won’t feel compressed for space.
Take a look at the 10 best trucks for towing in 2020:
2020 Ford F-450 Super Duty
This powerhouse from Ford comes is armed with a 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8 engine that helps to generate 475 hp and an eye-popping 1,050 pound-feet of torque. And with all that power, the Ford F-450 can tow a staggering 37,000 pounds!
2020 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado and the identical GMC Sierra are just a notch higher when it comes to the towing capacity. The 6.6-liter V-8 diesel engine facilitates a strong 445 hp and 910 pound-feet torque. The vehicles can tow up to an impressive 35,500 pounds. The GMC Sierra comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission facility.
2020 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty
The 2020 Ram Heavy Duty is adept at towing with a fifth wheel or a gooseneck hitch. Its 6.7-liter diesel engine helps generate 400 hp and 1000 pound-feet of torque. The Ram can tow a trailer weighing up to 35,100 pounds. It also comes with a high-resolution in-bed camera and other advanced features.
2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty
Going a few notches down from the F-450, the F-250 also packs a nice punch. It comes with several bed and cab variants. The 7.3-liter engine produces 430 hp and 475 pound-feet of torque. And at a towing capacity of 20,000 pounds, this beauty is a total value for money.
2020 Ram 2500
One of the main features of this vehicle is unmatched ride comfort, thanks to the rear coil springs. It also helps to generate a more stable towing performance by helping the vehicle to maintain stability. The trick suspension and the payload capacities make this vehicle a great choice in its category. It can comfortably tow almost 19,700 pounds.
2020 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500HD
The 3-quarter-ton 2500HD is a fairly imposing and deft vehicle at its range. You can go for the 6.6-liter gasoline engine that produces 401 hp and 464 pound-feet or the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V-8 engine that will generate 445 hp and 910 pound-feet. The 10-speed automatic transmission variants can easily tow 18,500 pounds. It comes with one camera on the tailgate and another on the trailer. They provide unhindered views of the rear without bothering what you are towing.
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
This one is among the best in the light-duty towing truck segment. The 6.2-liter V8 engine ensures 420 hp and the 20-inch wheels and the four-wheel-drive guarantee a safe driving experience amidst any inclement weather. The trailer camera will provide you with close to 15 camera angles, and you can the road behind you through whatever you might be towing.
2020 Ford F-150
The ever-reliable and versatile Ford F-150 runs neck-to-neck with the Silverado 1500 in terms of performance. It has a range of engine options that generate anything between 290-450 hp and 265-510 pound-feet of torque. There is one very handy feature – the Pro Trailer Back-Up Assist – that helps to reverse much easily when you’re backing up the car while towing. The F-150 tows up to 13,200 pounds.
2020 Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is a great combination of power and comfort. The high-quality cabin and excellent engineering allows for a very comfortable ride, while it does a great job of the towing bit. The Trailer Tow package comes with extendable mirrors, trailer brake control, and Class IV hitch. The V8 engine delivers close to 400 hp. The max towing is 12,750 pounds.
2020 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500
The Silverado and its counterpart, the GMC Sierra 1500 are highly favorable options for tow trucks in their segments. There is a wide variety of engines that help to produce anything between 285 hp to 420 hp and 305 pound-feet to 460 pound-feet of torque. The engine also facilitates a fast acceleration even when it is towing a substantial weight. These vehicles can tow anything up to 12,100 pounds.
Best Trucks for Towing
| Sl. No | Name | HP | Torque
(pound-feet ) |
Towing capacity
(pounds) |
| 1 | 2020 Ford F-450 Super Duty | 475 | 1,050 | 37,000 |
| 2 | 2020 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra | 445 | 910 | 35,500 |
| 3 | 2020 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty | 400 | 1000 | 35,100 |
| 4 | 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty | 430 | 475 | 20,000 |
| 5 | 2020 Ram 2500 | 410 | 429 | 19,700 |
| 6 | 2020 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500HD | 401/445 | 464/910 | 18,500 |
| 7 | 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 420 | N/A | N/A |
| 8 | 2020 Ford F-150 | 290-450 | 265-510 | 13,200 |
| 9 | 2020 Ram 1500 | 400 | N/A | 12,750 |
| 10 | 2020 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 | 285 to 420 | 305 to 460 | 12,100 |
