Truck Towing Capacity | Head-to-Head Comparison

Being able to tow what you need is a big reason to get the truck you want. However, knowing the truck towing capacity will make your decision much easier if hauling equipment is important to you. In this blog, we want to help you understand what truck towing capacity is, what kind of truck towing capacity is capable in each class of vehicle, and what can be hauled with each truck’s towing capability.

What is a truck towing capacity?

According to Firestone, a truck’s towing capacity refers to how much weight you can safely pull behind your truck with a trailer. This weight is different than a payload weight which refers to the amount of weight your truck can safely transport without any kind of trailering attachments. To find out what your truck is capable of trailering, take a look in your owner’s manual or call your local dealership to see if they are able to assist you in understanding your truck towing capacity.

Diesel Truck Towing Capacity 

The diesel pickup truck that has the most towing capacity is the Ford F-350 Super Duty. These trucks are capable of pulling 32,000 pounds. However, this pickup truck runs on a V8 engine and uses diesel fuel. With an average mileage of 12.6 miles per gallon, these are true workhorses that can handle large loads with relatively comfortable drive cabs.

Gasoline Truck Towing Capacity

Truck towing capacity for gasoline-powered vehicles makes the Ram 2500 the top contender. This truck is able to have a maximum towing capacity of up to 15,220 pounds. While other trucks may come close to this towing capacity, this truck truly dominates this class. However, with a rating of 18 miles per gallon on the highway, it may make this truck something that is a bit less desirable when compared to other models and towing capacity.

Hybrid Truck Towing Capacity

Truck towing capacity for hybrid trucks puts the Ford F-150 Hybrid truck at the top of its list. The Ford F-150 Hybrid truck has a truck towing capacity of up to 12,400 pounds. This truck towing capacity seems a bit low in comparison to the diesel or strictly gasoline trucks available. However, the average weight of a camper is only 5,000 pounds. With a truck tow capacity over nearly triple and the average camper weight and highway milage of 24 mpg, we believe this truck is a strong contender for the weekend vacationer.

Electric Truck Towing Capacity

The truck towing capacity for the Electric truck class puts the Rivian R1T at the top. This truck style is capable of towing up to 11,000 pounds. However, the battery life will be affected by the increased demands of towing. While we agree using an electric vehicle is a really awesome idea, the price tag of over $68,000 and difficulty charging the battery in remote areas make this truck a bit difficult to recommend fully.

Truck Towing Capacity Verdict

While we are not a car dealership, we do understand the dollars and cents of these kinds of issues. After our research, and assuming you do not have a pickup truck already, we would recommend a Hybrid Pickup Truck for the average person. The truck tow capacity for these vehicles is more than adequate for the average person and will give you a full-sized pick-up to drive around when you need to do some of life’s smaller jobs. 

Additionally, if you are someone who needs a higher truck tow capacity, we would recommend diesel trucks. These trucks are going to be able to give you the maximum truck tow capacity without the need for a CDL (so long as the weight is 26,00 pounds or below).

What Is The Average Truck Towing Capacity Needed For A Boat?

The truck towing capacity you need to tow the average motorboat is about 10,000 pounds. This means that virtually any truck we discussed has the truck towing capacity to pull a motorboat. However, keep in mind not all boating sports use a fully motorized boat to enjoy the activity. Some people have found that an enclosed trailer is a great way to transport several kayaks, life jackets, and paddles.

What Is The Average Truck Towing Capacity Needed For Two Dirtbikes?

The truck towing capacity you need for towing 2 dirt bikes in a utility trailer is at least 2,000 pounds. This equates to a typical 5×8 trailer and the weight of (2) 400-pound dirt bikes, as well as some fuel and protective riding gear.  You may even find that other vehicles are capable of towing a small load like this. However, it is best to look at the owner’s manual of your vehicle to see what the vehicle is able to handle.

What Is The Average Truck Towing Capacity Needed For A Camper?

The average truck towing capacity for a camper is 5,000 pounds. However, a camper can quickly outweigh 5,000 pounds based on the items you put in it. Especially if you are someone who stores a lot of the items you need for your trip in your camper. Additionally, each camper goes up in weight depending on the length of your trailer. Some common camper lengths and weights are 

Conclusion

As you can see, understanding what truck towing capacity is and how much you can haul is important. Maybe you didn’t see your truck mentioned; if that’s the case, a great link to check out your truck’s towing capacity is right here*. If you find that you are ready to get a trailer for your towing needs, give us a call, fill out a quote, or check out our existing inventory. We look forward to helping you make the hauling in your life easier, more affordable, and just all-around better! You may also find our trailer towing guide useful!

*Multiple times throughout this blog, we mention using tools and researching your vehicle’s tow capacity. It is best to look up the owner’s manual of your vehicle to ensure that you are not going to damage your car. If you are unable to locate your owner’s manual, call your local dealership and explain your situation. Most times, they will be more than happy to assist you with the needs that you have.