truck on rock
Buying and Selling Cars

8 of the Best Trucks for Towing You Can Buy in the USA This Year

American drivers want power and capability when they’re buying a pickup truck. And when it comes to towing strength, American pickup trucks surpass the rest.

Towing puts pressure and demand on a vehicle’s drivetrain and chassis. And U.S. auto manufacturers work hard to deliver a wide variety of stable towing options.

Towing options vary, ranging from heavy-duty (tow your house through the streets) hauling designs to full size and midsize truck models.

If you have the need for towing, no matter how large or small, there’s a personalized road option for nearly every load whether you want to tow: a boat, car, trailer or even a home.

Every year American pickup automakers compete for the lead spot churning out rugged models with enhanced towing capacity. They want to claim the crown for the number one truck.

It’s exciting to watch the changing top spots from year to year because the weight capabilities keep getting better, for the most part.

Want to know the best trucks for towing you can get in the U.S.? Want to see how the rivals measure up?

The Best Trucks For Towing

1. 2017 Ford F-450 Super Duty – 32,500 lbs

The reigning spot is a 2017 model. Now in the top spot, after being second place for years, the 2017 Ford F-450 Super Duty deserves some respect. With 32,500 pounds of towing power, this powerhouse doesn’t mess around.

This pickup truck is a no-nonsense hauler moving from a towing capacity of 31,200 to a magnanimous 32,500. It’s the winner to date.

If you own this model, you’ll enjoy an optional 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 engine that delivers 440 horsepower. Then there’s 925 pound-feet of torque. Booyah!

There’s nothing heavier unless you invest in a semi-truck. It’s the highest capacity truck in a pickup.

2. 2017 Ram 3500 HD – 31,210 lbs

In second place is the 2017 RAM 3500 HD updated from its 2016 model. This monster comes in a variety of body styles, including crew cab models for drivers who want to transport more than three riders at once, the mega and regular.

What’s special about the 2017 Ram 3500 HD is it’s dual rear wheels, expanding its towing capacity to surpass the 2016 Ford (by 10 pounds) GMC, Chevy’s and other Rams pickups vying for competition.

Built within its solid and tough frame and suspension system lies a 6.7-liter turbodiesel 6-cylinder engine constructed by Cummings.

This truck generates 385 horsepower and has 865 lb-ft of torque. With 31,210 pounds of towing capacity, it’s the second best pickup truck for towing on the market.

3. 2016 Ford F-450 Super Duty – 31,200 lbs

Not as much gusto as the 2017 Ford F-450 Super Duty, but it’s still rugged. The 2016 Ford F-450 Super Duty model pickup is a more than able tow rig in a pickup that’s meeting the qualifications of a commercial truck.

This Ford model comes in crew cab, making it large enough for plenty of passengers to fit comfortably inside.

Its dual rear wheels up its towing strength of 31,200 pounds just 10 pounds less than the 2017 RAM 3500. It beats the RAM in horsepower with 55 more units.

The Ford-450 comes with a 6.7-Liter turbodiesel V8 engine and stirs up 860 lb-ft of torque. This makes this model easier to make it up a steep climb when it’s hitched to a trailer that’s fully loaded.

4. 2016 GMC Sierra 3500HD – 23,300 lbs

The toughest edition GM has ever made in a full-size pickup truck. The GMC 3500 HD makes it easy to tow big loads with 23,300 pounds of towing capacity.

This pickup model boasts dual rear wheels to strengthen its towing ability, helping balance the weight of a bed-mounted hitch. It also offers additional straight line security and support.

The 2016 GMC Sierra 3500 HD comes in three body styles: crew cab for a large number of passengers, extended and regular. Its believed to tow up to 23,300 pounds of weight with a 5th wheel trailer hitch.

With a 6.6-liter V8 turbodiesel engine that revs up 397 horsepower and 765 lb-ft of torque, it’s not just a pickup truck. It’s a hauling machine.

5. 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD – 23,200 lbs

This model used to be mainly sold to the fleet industry. But now it’s accessible (and popular) with consumer drivers looking for kick butt towing capacity.

Similar to GMC’s 3500 HD, it comes with a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8. The truck puts out 397 horsepower and 765 lb-ft of torque.

Touting 23,200 pounds of trailer weight capacity, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD is a superb pickup truck. It’s available to properly outfitted Chevy Silverado models as well as a large number of various pickup truck configurations.

6. 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty – 18,000 lbs

A step above the popular F-150, Ford’s smallest Super Duty pickup truck model goes tow-to-tow with the larger F-350 because it houses the same 6.7-liter diesel V8 engine.

The F-250  Super Duty features a towing capacity at a staggering 18,000 pounds, making it ideal for heavy hauls and serious trailer loads.

7. 2018 Ford F-150- 13,200 lbs

When you’re looking for a powerful, rugged truck in the full-size pickup class, there’s no need for you to look any further. The 2018 Ford F-150 with hauling capacities of 13,200 makes a serious hauling statement.

The F-150 is equipped with spacious seating, the best in technology and gives you a stable haul. With gas mileage stats of 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, this truck not only outperforms many others, but it’s also economical.

One of the best in its class, the F-150 provides high-performance efficiency, exceptional quality and a purchase for the long haul.

8. 2019 RAM 1500 – 12,750 lbs

With style and grit, the 2019 RAM 1500 is an exceptional pickup truck. Featuring comfortable seating, a luxurious cabin, it’s a pleasant and comfortable ride in a refined style.

With one of the best towing and hauling capacity in a RAM 1500 and off the road capability, this pickup is ready to take on the road. This model features a 305 horsepower V6 engine and can tow hauls up to 12,750 pounds.

Whether you’re pulling a small, medium or large load, don’t forget to weigh it with a Walz Scale.

The Final Ride: the 8 Best Trucks for Towing

Now you know the eight best trucks for towing. And you can get these rugged powerful pickup trucks in the U.S.A. Whether you’re planning a weekend of off-the-road fun or hauling a heavy load, these pickups make a great choice.

Motor Era provides educational automotive content on a variety of topics.

Looking for a maintenance or repair manual? Want to learn about classic cars? Explore our site today.