The Best Truck for Towing Heavy Loads in 2024

Last Updated on July 25, 2024

If you’re after the best truck for towing heavy loads in 2024, we’ve got you covered. Hauling is an essential for those traveling with family and hoping to take a trailer along for the trip. Hauling is also important for businesses looking to transport goods and personnel from one location to another. Whether you need a compact truck for lighter loads or one of the heavy-duty models for something more serious, keep reading to find out how we break down towing ability and key features.

Best Compact Truck for Towing: 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The best compact truck that excels in towing is none other than the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz. It features a unibody design and combines the practicality of a pickup truck with the versatility of an SUV. The Santa Cruz is perfect for anyone wanting a vehicle that tows without the bulk of full-size trucks.

Under the hood of the XRT trim, you can find a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that churns out an impressive 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine gives the truck a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, making it great for moving moderate loads such as small boats, ATVs, and light-duty cargo boxes. If that’s more weight than you want, the SEL trim’s towing capacity drops to 3,500 pounds, which is still respectable for a compact truck.

The Santa Cruz also distinguishes itself with advanced features that support towing such as an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, trailer sway control, hill-descent control, and more. The towing ability plus all of these features make it the best truck for towing in its class.

Best Midsize Truck for Towing: 2024 Chevrolet Colorado

If you’re looking for the leading midsize truck for towing, then you need to hear about the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado. This vehicle is known for its robust performance and reliability, offering a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The Colorado’s towing prowess lies in its turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Even better, the engine is available in several configurations, with the 2.7-liter TurboMax variant delivering the full 7,700-pound towing rating. For those who choose the base 237-hp engine, the standard towing capacity is 3,500 pounds, which is adequate for lighter loads. However, the Z71 and Trail Boss trims can match the high-output variant’s towing capacity. On the other hand, the Colorado ZR2 trims are limited to 6,000 pounds.

From a technology standpoint, the Colorado is adept at handling towing tasks because of features like a trailer hitch, integrated trailer brake controller, and stability control systems. All of this ensures that even heavy loads are managed safely and efficiently. It’s no doubt a powerful towing vehicle and a smart choice for anyone hauling medium-sized travel trailers, small boats, and larger recreational vehicles. 

Best Half-Ton Truck for Towing: 2024 Ford F-150

Among half-ton trucks, the 2024 Ford F-150 takes the top spot. Renowned for its versatility and power, the F-150 offers a maximum towing capacity of 13,500 pounds, making it a great truck for moving large loads. That incredible towing capacity is in part the result of their Max Trailer Tow Package, but also because of a 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, which is just one of the engine options available. There are five more, each with varying degrees of towing capability.

With advanced features and robust engine options, Ford has made the F-150 capable of towing everything from large trailers to heavy-duty equipment. No wonder it continues to be a top choice among pickup trucks for those with serious towing needs.

Best Three-Quarter-Ton Truck: 2024 Ford F-250 Super Duty

Speaking of heavy-duty, the 2024 Ford F-250 Super Duty holds the crown among three-quarter-ton trucks. With a maximum towing capacity of 22,000 pounds, Ford has built this truck with peak torque in mind, designing it to handle some of the toughest towing jobs out there. There are a few different trim levels and four engine options available. The latter includes a 6.8L gas V8, 7.3L gas V8, 6.7L Power Stroke turbo diesel V8, and a high-output 6.7L Power Stroke turbo diesel V8. Depending on your engine choice, maximum towing capacity can vary from 14,100 pounds to the full 22,000 pounds. All of these engines are paired with a TorqShift 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift, ensuring a smooth and powerful drive.

For those needing to tow something even heavier, the F-250’s 5th Wheel Gooseneck Hitch Prep Package raises towing up to 23,000 pounds!

The F-250 also includes advanced towing features like trailer sway control, hill start assist, and a 360-degree camera system, making long hauls more safe and comfortable while less stressful. All of this and more is why the Ford F-250 Super Duty stands out as a reliable top choice.

Best One-Ton Truck for Towing: 2024 Ford F-450 Super Duty

There’s a lot that makes the 2024 Ford F-450 Super Duty stand out as the greatest one-ton heavy duty truck. To start, it features a 6.7L High Output Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel engine, delivering an astounding 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb.-ft. of torque. The F-450’s towing capabilities are equally impressive, with a maximum towing power of 40,000 pounds when equipped with a gooseneck trailer.

Whether for personal use or if you’re hoping to pull something heavy for a business, this truck is for any driver who wants to tackle the heaviest loads. The F-450 is perfect for hauling the heaviest fifth wheel trailers, large travel trailers, and even commercial equipment.

Diesel vs. Gas Trucks for Towing

Before you get behind the steering wheel and start towing, you should know the difference between diesel and gas trucks. One may be better suited to your driving needs, and could even save you some money.

Diesel

Diesel engines are known for their superior fuel economy under heavy loads. That’s thanks to their higher energy density and efficiency. They also produce more torque, which is crucial for towing heavy loads over long distances. Also great, diesel trucks generally have a longer engine lifespan, often exceeding 200,000 miles, and they tend to hold their value better over time. If you plan on frequently towing large trailers and need the extra power and fuel efficiency, then diesel trucks make an excellent choice.

Gas

On the other hand, gas trucks often come with lower upfront costs, saving buyers money in the long run. They will require an oil change every 3,500 to 5,000 miles unlike diesel trucks which can reach 7,500 miles. However, garages tend to charge more for oil changes on diesel engines. Sometimes double the cost. They are also easier and cheaper to maintain, with simpler engine systems and lower costs for parts and repairs. This makes a gas truck the more economical choice for those who don’t tow heavy loads regularly or for long distances.

Essential Towing Accessories

As you outfit your truck for satisfactory safety and performance, you have take into account towing accessories. Doing so and equipping yourself correctly will only enhance your towing ability.

Hitches

Trailer hitches transfer the trailer’s weight to the towing vehicle, making them the backbone of any towing setup. Common types include:

Bumper hitches, which attach to a bumper pull trailer and are suitable for lighter loads.

Receiver hitches that bolt onto the vehicle’s structure for heavier loads

Weight distribution hitches are particularly useful for preventing trailer sway and improving stability, as they evenly distribute the trailer’s weight across the vehicle.

For those towing heavy-duty loads, gooseneck or fifth wheel hitches are indispensable. These get mounted in the bed of the truck and are capable of towing up to 30,000 pounds, providing better weight distribution and stability. 

Note that hitch classes also vary by capacity.

Other Towing Essentials

Some other essential accessories for towing include:

Tow bar, which is used for connecting the trailer to the tow vehicle for heavier loads.

Brake controllers help with managing the trailer’s brakes and preventing the trailer from pushing the tow vehicle during stops

Towing mirrors, which extend the driver’s view and make it safer to see vehicles approaching from behind, enhancing overall safety.

Choosing the Right Bed Configuration

Another significant factor when choosing a truck for towing is selecting the appropriate bed configuration. Bed length impacts your truck’s payload capacity, stability, and overall maneuverability. 

Long Bed Trucks

Long bed trucks generally offer higher payload capacity due to their larger surface area. This additional space not only allows for more cargo, but provides greater stability when towing larger trailers. As a drawback, however, long bed trucks typically require more space for parking and maneuvering, which can be a issue in tight spaces.

Short Bed Trucks

Short bed trucks tend to be lighter and more maneuverable. This can slightly improve fuel efficiency and make them easier to handle in urban environments. That being said, the trade-off is a reduced amount of cargo space and potentially less stability when towing larger loads.

Cab Size Considerations

In addition to picking the right bed length, you also want to choose a suitable cab size. Generally, automotive manufacturers offer various cab sizes categorized as regular cab, extended cab, and crew cab.

Regular Cabs

Regular cabs are the smallest option, typically providing seating for two or three people. They offer less interior storage space and are not ideal for groups or families. However, they can be a good choice for those who prioritize towing capacity and payload over passenger space.

Extended cabs

Extended cabs offer seating behind the first row, either accessed by moving the main seats forward or through smaller rear doors. While they offer more passenger space than regular cabs, the rear seats are usually uncomfortable, especially for long journeys. This configuration can be a good compromise for those who need occasional extra seating, but still want a relatively compact truck with dual rear wheels.

Crew Cabs

Crew cabs are the largest and most spacious, featuring four full-size doors and ample room for up to five or six people. This makes them ideal for anyone who frequently travels with passengers. If you run a business that transports personnel, having the extra seating will definitely prove useful. Crew cabs also offer extra space behind the second row, providing additional storage or simply room for more comfortable seating. 

Aftermarket Enhancements for Towing

If you’re interested in towing, but already own a truck, don’t fret. Aftermarket modifications can notably enhance your vehicle’s towing capability. Popular upgrades include suspension enhancements and engine tuners.

Suspension Enhancements

Suspension enhancements, such as those that distinguish an F-250 from an F-350, are critical for improving towing stability and load-bearing capacity. These upgrades help your truck handle heavier loads more effectively by reducing road shock and giving the driver more control.

Engine Tuners

Engine tuners are another popular upgrade. They optimize your engine’s performance for towing, improving both power and fuel efficiency.

Buying A Used Truck

Now that you know more about towing you might be ready to enter the market and purchase a vehicle. Going after a 2024 model could be out of the budget right now, and if so, we have something better. If you’re in the market for a used truck, know that you can find them at a lower price tag while still getting the towing capabilities needed for heavy loads. This makes them an attractive option if you want to maximize value without compromising on performance. Government auctions are a great place to search and with a vehicle guide, you can’t go wrong.

All of the vehicles on this 2024 towing list have older model years that have been used by municipalities for landscaping, transportation, and other means. You can bid on one today and eventually convert it into something that suits your personal use.

Evaluating Used Trucks

Naturally, we recommend evaluating a used truck the same way you would a new one. You should check its maintenance history, mileage, and any previous towing usage. It’s crucial to ensure that the truck has been well-maintained and that the engine and transmission are in good condition. Additionally, looking for models with factory-installed towing packages can provide added peace of mind, as these trucks are built to handle heavy loads more effectively.

One great aspect about buying trucks formerly employed by the government is that most have received great upkeep. Moreover, extensive records have been kept on their maintenance. That gives you peace of mind when you’re ready to bid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between diesel and gas trucks for towing?

Diesel trucks provide better fuel economy and more torque for towing heavy loads, while gas trucks have lower upfront costs and are easier to maintain.

What are some of the best trucks for towing travel trailers?

When selecting a truck for hauling travel trailers, both the towing capacity and the interior features that enhance long journeys should be considered. Models like the Ford F-150 offer a mix of high towing capabilities, advanced safety features, and a luxurious interior. 

How does bed length impact a truck’s towing capabilities?

A longer bed truck tends to have higher towing capabilities due to its higher payload capacity and greater stability. Conversely, a short bed truck is more maneuverable and may offer slightly better fuel efficiency, but will have less cargo space.

What are some essential towing accessories?

Some essential towing accessories you should consider are trailer hitches, tow bars, brake controllers, and towing mirrors. They all contribute to better performance.

What are the benefits of aftermarket enhancements for towing?

Aftermarket enhancements like suspension upgrades and engine tuners can improve a truck’s towing performance by enhancing stability, power, and fuel efficiency, making the experience safer and more efficient.

Conclusion

What exactly are you waiting for? The key to successful towing lies in matching the right truck to your specific needs. With the information provided in this guide, you’re now equipped to make an informed decision and choose the best truck for your towing adventures. Starting your search for a used truck today!