If you’ve looked at the pricing on a new truck lately, you will see it’s well over $70,000 to purchase a model with both state-of-the-art tech and sufficient towing abilities.
Luckily, plenty of used trucks work well for towing and hauling. In fact, buying used could be the answer to finding the towing capacity and power you need (at a significantly reduced price).
If you’re on the hunt for the best used truck models for towing a travel trailer (or even a boat), check out our list of the best used trucks with the highest towing capacities.
Best Used Trucks with High Towing Capacity
Looking for the best used truck for towing on the market? Turn to trusted (and top-rated) truck brands like Ford, Toyota, Chevrolet, and Ram. Be sure to pay close attention to the towing capacity of each truck and understand that the specific model and engine will impact this number considerably.
Ford F-150
- Towing Capacity: Up to 11,300 lbs (varies based on the model).
- Used Price Range: Approximately $20,000 – $35,000.
Image Courtesy of Ford Motor Company
The Ford F-150 stands out for its versatility and range of engine options, making it a preferred choice for both daily use and towing needs. The great thing about Ford F150 pickup trucks is the ability to upgrade the trim level to meet your exact needs.
Toyota Tundra
- Towing Capacity: Up to 10,400 lbs (Used model with the 5.7L V8 engine).
- Used Price Range: Approximately $18,000 – $30,000.
Image Courtesy of Doral Toyota
The Toyota Tundra is recognized for its reliability, consistent performance and longevity, especially with the 5.7L V8 engine, making it a solid option for towing boats and trailers. Many Toyota drivers enjoy interior upgrades and luxury benefits like a built-in GPS, premium leather, and cameras for longer towing trips.
Ford F-450
- Towing Capacity: Up to 40,000 lbs (specific configurations like the 2022 model with a 6.7L HO diesel engine).
- Used Price Range: Varies widely; could range from $30,000 to $70,000 depending on the model year and condition.
Image Courtesy of Motor Trend
A heavy-duty truck designed for the most challenging tasks, the Ford F-450 is known for its exceptional towing capacity and advanced towing features like hitch guidance.
This one gets the big jobs done, like towing a 5th wheel or toy hauler.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
- Towing Capacity: Up to 14,500 lbs.
- Used Price Range: Approximately $35,000 – $55,000.
Image Courtesy of Chevrolet
The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is known for its engine variations and substantial towing capacity. Compared to other models like the Ford F-150, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is best suited for taller drivers and those who want more legroom. As powerful as this truck is, it’s still a popular choice for daily driving.
RAM 3500 HD
- Towing Capacity: Capable of towing up to 35,100 pounds
- Used Price Range: Approximately $40,000 – $60,000.
Image Courtesy of Jeep Dodge Chrysler Ram
The RAM 3500 HD easily tows the heaviest loads thanks to its immense power and durable construction. The refined interior is tough enough to handle days out on the job (as well as family vacations). The RAM 3500 HD is also considered more comfortable than other trucks like the Toyota Tundra. If you want a relaxing ride while still benefiting from efficient towing, this is one to keep on the list.
Essential Features of a Truck for Towing
Selecting the optimal tow rig involves more than simply aligning your trailer’s weight with a truck’s towing capacity. It’s about diving deeper into the vehicle’s core features – those that ensure it can pull off the task, quite literally, with efficiency and ease.
High Towing Capacity
Towing capacity signifies the heaviest load a truck can pull without undue risk.
It’s non-negotiable when choosing a truck for towing, whether it’s a crew or a standard cab.
To determine the truck’s towing capacity, you take the truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and subtract the curb and tongue weight from it.
| Towed Item | Typical Towing Capacity Needed |
| Small Utility Trailer | 1,000 – 3,000 lbs |
| Large Utility Trailer | 3,000 – 7,000 lbs |
| Medium Travel Trailer | 5,000 – 8,000 lbs |
| Large Travel Trailer | 8,000 – 10,000 lbs |
| Small Boat (e.g., Bass Boat) | 2,000 – 3,500 lbs |
| Medium Boat (e.g., Cabin Cruiser) | 5,000 – 8,000 lbs |
| Large Boat (e.g., Sailboat) | 8,000 – 15,000 lbs (or more) |
| Horse Trailer (2 horses) | 2,000 – 5,000 lbs |
| Fifth-Wheel Trailer | 12,000 – 20,000 lbs (or more) |
Engine Power and Torque
The engine’s power and torque determine its ability to tow heavy loads. Diesel engines are particularly effective, offering high torque from the start, vital for heavy-duty towing. Diesel engines are considered a good choice for heavy-duty towing of travel trailers and larger boats.
Torque is the main force that enables a vehicle to start moving and keep momentum, particularly in tough towing conditions like mud, sand, and poor weather.
Importance of Transmission in Towing
The transmission plays a crucial role in towing by transferring engine power to the wheels. Gear ratios, especially axle ratios, are vital in determining a truck’s towing capacity. A higher axle ratio indicates more power or torque for handling heavier loads.
Specialized Towing Features: Enhancing Efficiency and Safety
Some vehicles come equipped with specialized towing features like Tow/Haul mode. This feature aids in smoother gear shifting, utilizes lower gears for better downhill braking, and maintains optimal transmission fluid viscosity–all of which contribute to a more efficient and safe towing experience.
Evaluating Truck Condition and History
Once you’ve shortlisted your options, it’s time to assess the condition and history of the used truck you’re considering. Look for signs of heavy towing, such as broken or disconnected tow hitches, damaged or misaligned towbars, and worn or damaged receivers.
Take the time to check the following when inspecting a used car:
- Service records
- Visible oil leaks, coolant leaks, or low oil level
- Warning lights, including the check engine light
- Rust, especially in the engine area
- Signs of flood damage, such as silt under the carpeting and rusting floorboard screw heads
Inspect under the hood and check for any issues before making a purchase. Consider fuel economy in choosing a truck for towing, as it will impact your cost to own.
Where to Find the Best Used Trucks for Towing
Once you clearly understand your towing needs and what to look for in a used truck, the next step is to search for the best used trucks for towing. There are many places to start your search, including:
- Dealerships
- Online listings
- Local classifieds
- Websites like Motor Trend, AutoNation USA, and Kelley Blue Book offer reliable options for used trucks.
You can also use websites like:
Use online price quotes as a reference, and contact local dealers to see if they’ll match or beat those prices.
Summary
If you’ve opted to buy a used truck for towing (over a brand-new truck), it’s likely that saving money and cutting costs are two top priorities.
After you’ve bought your towing vehicle, you’ll need to account for costs outside of the initial purchase price. To start, budget for the fuel and maintenance costs associated with your towing vehicle. Next, you’ll need to factor in the cost of storing the vehicles being towed.
If you’re looking for cheaper storage options closer to home, check out Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace that offers budget-friendly covered or enclosed storage spaces for your recreational vehicles (as well as storage options for the towing vehicle itself, if your towing vehicle won’t double as your daily driver).
By renting storage space for your boat, trailer, motorcycle, etc., that is close to your home, you can reduce overall costs incurred while towing (gas, mileage, maintenance).
If you are looking for better recreational vehicle storage options closer to home, check out Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace. Here, you’ll find plenty of options for RV storage, boat storage, and car storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Older Trucks Good for Towing?
Yes, older trucks are good for towing as long as they have been appropriately maintained and meet the towing capacity requirements.
Which Used Truck Has the Best Towing Capacity?
As far as towing capacity goes, the best used truck option is the Ford F450, but it’s not the best truck for everyday driving. The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD strikes the best of both worlds, meeting your towing capacity requirements while still operating seamlessly as a daily driver.
What Is the Best Used Truck for Towing Under $30K?
If you’re working under a tight budget, you can find Ford F-150s priced at less than $30k.
What Size Truck Do I Need to Pull 8000 Lbs?
A full-size pickup truck is required to pull 8000 lbs. A Ford F-150 is a good option.
