What’s The Best Truck For Towing?

Choosing a truck for towing your boat, ATVs or camper is a complex process.

It’s hard to recommend one specific truck for towing, because everyone has different driving and towing habits. You must evaluate what you’re primarily going to use the truck for and how often you will need it to take on a heavy load.

Ask yourself these questions to narrow down your purchasing options before you visit a dealer. 

Photo By: Little island

Do You Need Heavy or Light Duty?

Need a powerhouse truck for towing only the heaviest loads? A heavy-duty vehicle delivers. Heavy-duty trucks, such as a Ford F-350 or GMC Sierra HD, will give you a clear advantage when you have a hefty horse trailer you need to transport across the state. The towing capacities on each of these vehicles allow you to safely pull over 10,000 pounds.

A light-duty truck is ideal if you only tow cargo on occasion, and when you do you’re not too concerned about the weight. Maybe you take your jet skis to the lake a few times a month or tow your small camper when you’re traveling a few times per year.

The bottom line: Don’t pay more than you have to for a truck with a towing capacity you will never fully utilize. If you don’t tow often, focus more on how the truck handles and what you like about it for daily driving. Find a truck that fits your lifestyle. 

What Type of Fuel Is Best?

Though there are exceptions, heavy-duty pickup trucks typically have diesel engines. These are efficient for towing, allowing you to haul much heavier loads than you could with a gas engine, but you can expect a higher sticker price.

While diesel gives you a torque advantage and provides better fuel efficiency, gas is cheaper, and gas engines are more affordable to buy and maintain.

Is Four-Wheel Drive Necessary?

You don’t absolutely need a four-wheel drive on your truck. Of course, a four-wheel-drive gives you that extra confidence you might want if you plan to tow off-road. But if you’re not towing off-road, you can survive with a two-wheel-drive model.

Be aware that a four-wheel drive train adds additional weight to the vehicle, lowering the overall towing capacity, and also typically costs more upfront.

Making Your Decision

No matter which truck you finally decide on, make sure you order the manufacturer’s towing package. In the end, professional installation will save you money, and you can trust the integrity of the manufacturer’s parts. It also will add to your vehicle’s value.

Choosing the right truck for towing your trailer can take time, but deciding who to call for emergency towing is an easy decision — contact Stauffer’s Towing whenever you need assistance and you will receive immediate roadside help.