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Towing a trailer has never been more divisive! With this most recent update to this article, I have had to add several electric pickup trucks to the list, as their instant torque allows for some impressive feats of towing capabilities. However, this also begs the question, will their range drop too low to be a competent towing rig? Regardless, they have earned their spot on this list.
While lighter trucks and SUVs can tow many different types of trailers with no problem at all, once you get to a trailer like a loaded car trailer, larger boat, travel trailer, and more, you have to start thinking about an bigger pickup truck that can handle over 10,000 pounds (generally the starting point of larger trailers).
With that said, This is the ultimate list of every pickup truck with a tow rating of over 10,000 pounds to help you out (sorted from lowest to most capable).
Quick Note: Some of the trucks may require an upgraded engine or transmission to achieve this higher rating! Just make sure you choose the right truck for the job when looking to make your purchase.
- 1. Ford F-150 Lightning
- 2. Rivian R1T
- 3. Tesla Cybertruck
- 4. Nissan TITAN
- 5. Toyota Tundra
- 6. Ram 1500
- 7. Chevy Silverado 1500
- 8. GMC Sierra
- 9. Ford F-150
- 10. RAM 2500
- 11. GMC Sierra 2500HD
- 12. Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD
- 13. Ford Super Duty F-250
- 14. Chevy Silverado 3500 HD
- 15. GMC Sierra 3500 HD
- 16. RAM 3500 Heavy Duty
- 17. Ford Super Duty F-350
1. Ford F-150 Lightning
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- Towing Capacity: 10,000 pounds (up to)
The F-150 Lightning is an impressive pickup truck! I have had a chance to drive the highest-end version (the Platinum), which is truly a blast. It is quick, with a 0-60 of 3.8 seconds, and is incredibly luxurious. It also boasts a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds, making it the first truck on this list to reach that milestone.
That said, it has been found that towing with this EV dramatically reduces the range of the truck’s battery, and recharging the vehicle is a challenge with a trailer on the back.
2. Rivian R1T
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- Horsepower: 600 - 835
- Torque: 600 - 908
- GVWR: 8,532
- MSRP: $67,500
- Range: 314 Miles (505 km)
- 0 - 60: 3 seconds
- Towing Capacity: 11,000 pounds (up to)
While the F-150 Lightning may be positioned as a work-horse pickup, the Rivian R1T is more of a “lifestyle pickup.” That said, it also doesn’t stop it from being incredibly capable. Its suspension can give you 7.9″ of ground clearance for easy loading up to 14.4 inches for off-roading. Top that with a zero-to-sixty of 3 seconds, and you have a truck that can do it all.
The Rivian R1T has an impressive tow rating of 11,000 pounds, quickly earning a spot on this list. While I may not need that tow rating, it should also be mentioned that this truck is my favorite electric vehicle with a bed on the back. It’s capable, a smaller truck, and its tech is some of the best.
3. Tesla Cybertruck
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- Towing Capacity: 11,000 pounds (up to)
The Tesla Cybertruck is just now hitting the streets at the time of writing, so only a little can be said of its overall capabilities. However, with four years of delays, it will hold up to at least some of its promises. Regardless, this is a stainless steel, a capable pickup truck that takes a very different direction than any other on this list. It has retractable tonneau covers and up to 600, making it slouch on the drag strip.
This strange-looking pickup truck also boasts an 11,000-pound tow rating – identical to the Rivian R1T. That said, with the car being so new, no one has entirely tested it thoroughly to see how true that is and how much it affects the range of the battery pack.
4. Nissan TITAN
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- Towing Capacity: 11,033 pounds (up to)
- Gas Mileage: 15.4 MPG Combined
The Titan is Nissan’s largest pickup truck in their lineup. Its capability sits between a medium-duty and a heavy-duty pickup and offers excellent value for those who don’t have to have the more commonly known brand names on the market.
You will need the Titan XD Crew Cab to weigh over 10,000 pounds, as the standard Titan King Cab and Crew Cab can only weigh up to 9,323 pounds. The maximum towing capacity of the Titan XD Crew Cab is 11,033 pounds when equipped with the right package. So if you need a truck that can tow heavier loads, this one could be for you.
5. Toyota Tundra
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- Horsepower: 358 - 389
- Torque: 406 - 479
- GVWR: 6,990 - 7,375
- MSRP: $37,865 - $76,145
- 0 - 60: 5.7 - 7.4 seconds
- Towing Capacity: 12,000 pounds (up to)
Known for its reliability, the Toyota Tundra has recently been completely revamped with a turbo-charged V6, and the goal is to continue that reliability trend. With a new, sporty, futuristic design, the Tundra is an excellent option for those planning to keep their truck for decades.
The Toyota Tundra may be a 1500 series pickup truck, but no matter what option you choose (there is only one engine option), you know that you can easily tow over 10,000 pounds. That said, the maximum tow capacity for the Tundra is 11,175 pounds, so you might have to look elsewhere if you need something with more muscle.
6. Ram 1500
Specifications:
- External Dimensions: 232.9″ L by 88″ W by 80.9″ High
- Wheel Base: 153.5″
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 7,800 pounds
- Curb Weight: 6,443 pounds
- Towing Capacity: 12,750 pounds (up to)
The RAM 1500 is the sophisticated option of the 1500 series pickup truck wars. With a more refined appearance than the competitors and an array of engine options, this truck is tough to beat in value and appearance.
The only engine option that cannot tow over the 10,000-pound mark with the RAM 1500 is the 3.6L V6 engine option. While it is a fantastic all-around engine, it doesn’t get enough power to pull larger trailers. The 3.0L Ecodiesel, 5.7L Hemi (including torque), and 6.2L Hemi can tow well over the ten thousand pounds you are looking for.
7. Chevy Silverado 1500
Specifications:
- Towing Capacity: 13,300 pounds (up to)
The Chevrolet Silverado has undergone many iterations; the current generation is the sportiest yet. With a controversial grill and a newly updated interior, this truck is a strong contender in the pickup market.
When it comes to towing capacity, the Silverado 1500 is no slouch. Whether you opt for the 6.2L or 5.3L engine, you can easily tow over 10,000 pounds. That means you can take your boat out on the lake or haul a camper down the highway without any problems. That said, if you are looking at either the 4.3L or 2.7L engine for your truck, you might need more time, as they can only hold 7,900 and 6,800 pounds, respectively.
8. GMC Sierra
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- Towing Capacity: 13,300 pounds (up to)
As the corporate twin to the Silverado 1500, the GMC Sierra 1500 is the more upscale version of the truck. Standard with the Multi-Pro tailgate and a much more excellent interior, the Sierra 1500 is worth cross-shopping from any other truck in its class.
If you want to tow over 10,000 pounds with your new GMC Sierra 1500, ensure you have the DFM 5.3L engine or the 6.2L V8 in your truck, as those are the only ones that can get you to the 10,000-pound limit. The 4.3L, AFM 5.3L, and diesel 3.0L are all under this limit (if only a little).
9. Ford F-150
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- Horsepower: 290 - 700
- Torque: 265 to 640
- GVWR: 6,010 to 7,350
- MSRP: $33,695 - $84,910
- 0 - 60: 7.9 - 4.0 seconds
- Towing Capacity: 14,000 pounds (up to)
This pickup needs no introduction; it is the best-sold vehicle stateside for a good reason. The newest generation brings features like seats that lay back, an onboard generator, and many other stand-out features that make it an awesome truck.
The only engine option from the F-150 range that cannot tow over 10,000 pounds is the 3.3L V6 engine. Outside of that, you can be confident that your truck can pull easily over this limit and even up to 14,000 pounds with the 3.5L Ecoboost option. You might have to opt for the Super Duty ranges if you need over 14,000 pounds.
10. RAM 2500
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- Towing Capacity: 17,130 pounds (up to)
- Gas Mileage: 13.3 MPG Combined
As the larger version of the RAM 1500, the RAM 2500 offers tons of capability in a sleek and refined truck. It has plenty of engine options and lots of towing and payload capacity. If you want a great work truck with a sporty appearance, the RAM 2500 should be on your shortlist.
The RAM 2500 is the entrant into a heavy-duty truck from RAM, and with that comes plenty of towing power. Choose whatever configuration you want from their program, and you won’t have to worry about pulling around your 10,000-pound trailer.
11. GMC Sierra 2500HD
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- Towing Capacity: 18,500 pounds (up to)
- Gas Mileage: 14.2 MPG Combined
The GMC Sierra 2500 (especially the Denali) will be a great option if you are searching for a large, luxurious, heavy-duty pickup truck. It matches capability with luxury in a way that no other pickup truck in its class can reach.
As it is based on the same platform as the Silverado 2500, this truck can tow over 10,000 pounds with all engine options and configurations. Build your vehicle to your heart’s content!
12. Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD
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- Towing Capacity: 22,430 pounds (up to)
- Gas Mileage: 13.3 MPG Combined
The Silverado 2500 is built on a completely different platform from the 1500 and is meant more for work than play and general transportation. While it may not be able to tow quite as much as the Silverado 3500, it is genuinely meant for work… even if that differs from what everyone uses it for.
Every engine and application for the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 can handle over 10,000 pounds. Considering this truck was built for hauling and towing, this is no surprise. You can choose the 6.6L gas engine or the diesel 6.6L to haul your trailers.
13. Ford Super Duty F-250
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- Towing Capacity: 22,800 pounds (up to)
- Gas Mileage: 13.7 mpg Combined
If you need more than an F-150, you can jump up to the Super Duty lineup of pickups from Ford. This truck is meant to tow and work hard. It also has plenty of creature comforts to make it worth its hefty price tag.
What would an F-250 be without its towing power? This truck can tow over 10,000 and over 15,000 pounds at its lowest level.
14. Chevy Silverado 3500 HD
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- Towing Capacity: 36,000 pounds (up to)
This is the largest and most capable Chevrolet Silverado on the market today. It also maxes out the towing and payload capacity for GM products, making it the best pickup for people who work on job sites.
Much like the 2500 Silverado, the 3500 can haul well over the 10,000-pound mark with the same engines as the 2500. That said, with beefed-up components, it can even tow over 30,000 pounds with ease as well.
15. GMC Sierra 3500 HD
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- Towing Capacity: 36,000 pounds (up to)
This is the most largest pickup truck that GMC has to offer, and it is impressive. If you are looking for a luxurious work truck from GM, the GMC Sierra 3500 is the one to get. With one of the best towing and payload capacities on the market, it matches its luxury with capability.
Tow in luxury, as the GMC Sierra 3500 can tow well over 10,000 pounds with no problem whatsoever. You can choose from any engine, transmission, or trim level without sweating.
16. RAM 3500 Heavy Duty
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- External Dimensions: 261" L by 79″ W by 80″ High
- Wheel Base: 169.5″
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 11,400 pounds
- Curb Weight: 7,339 pounds
- Towing Capacity: 37,090 pounds (up to)
This truck maxes out the range of pickup trucks that RAM has to offer. It is well designed and has many features for comfort and its work truck roots. You would be hard-pressed to find a better thought-out work truck than the RAM 3500.
You can pull anything over 10,000 pounds in the RAM 3500 with any engine you want. It also i
17. Ford Super Duty F-350
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- Towing Capacity: 38,000 pounds (up to)
As Ford’s most giant consumer-based pickup truck, this truck is competent. You can choose from an array of trims, including base-level work truck trims to the luxurious Platinum trim. You will be hard-pressed to find a better all-around truck that matches features with capability.
Yep! Every engine and transmission option on the F-350 will get you to your 10,000-pound mark. It also is leading the pack at being able to tow up to 37,000 pounds if you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What trucks can tow 30,000 pounds?
You might be surprised that many big-name manufacturers offer pickup trucks that can tow over 30,000 pounds. The Ford F-350, RAM 3500, and the Silverado 3500HD can all tow over this limit if adequately equipped.
What can you tow with a 10,000-pound tow capacity?
Quite a few things that weigh over 10,000 pounds need to be towed. Some good examples are larger campers, horse trailers, construction trailers, and many other things like this.
How much weight can you pull with a 1500 truck?
The most capable 1500 series pickup is the F-150, which maxes out at 14,000 pounds of weight. That said, many of the other 1500 series trucks can handle around 11,000 – 12,000 pounds, depending on your vehicle options.
What happens if I tow too much weight?
Towing too much weight can cause your vehicle to become unstable or unsafe on the road. It also significantly strains your engine, transmission, brakes, and other components. This could lead to premature wear and tear and possible breakdowns when you least expect it. Therefore, you must select the right truck for your needs and research your model’s weight limit before you start towing heavy loads.
Does towing shorten the life of a vehicle?
Towing can hurt the lifespan of your vehicle if you don’t take the proper precautions. Be sure to always read up on towing procedures, inspect all of your equipment before each tow, and regularly service your engine and other components. Taking these steps can help extend the life of your vehicle and ensure that it can handle all of your towing needs.
Conclusion
Having the right truck for your needs is so important! If you find down the road that you have an expensive truck that isn’t capable enough to tow your trailers, you will have to sell and re-buy a car that can, costing you time and money.