Whether you’re hitching up your travel trailer for a weekend getaway, hauling materials to a worksite, or transporting snowmobiles, choosing the right truck to get the job done matters. Figuring out which truck has the best towing capacity for your needs involves several factors. Since you’ll likely need a truck with a bigger engine, cost can become a concern. Buying a used truck can still give you the towing power you need with enough savings to pay for plenty of trips and fill-ups at the gas station.

Using Your Pickup Truck for Towing

Pickup trucks are great for hauling trailers, campers, boats or other larger cargo. But if you’re hauling a horse trailer across state lines every weekend or pulling a full camper for your family, you’ll need to consider the maximum weight you’re likely to tow. The towing capacity for a truck is calculated based on the maximum weight you can safely pull. It takes into consideration your largest possible load and how it’s distributed based on the vehicle model.

Manufacturers publish an official towing capacity or rating for every vehicle capable of pulling a load from a trailer hitch. You can determine a truck’s towing capacity once you know the gross combined vehicle weight rating (GCVWR). The GCVWR estimates the total weight carried in your vehicle with the trailer attached. You’ll also need to find the curb weight, which is the total weight of the load you’re towing. To calculate a truck’s towing capacity, subtract the curb weight from the GCVWR.

Kelley Blue Book points out several factors that can impact this number, including your total passengers and if you’re carrying anything else in your bed. According to their Towing Capacity Guide, Kelley Blue Book states that if you’re carrying your family and all the gear you need for your trip, the manufacturer’s calculations may not be completely accurate. Remember, it’s safer to stay in a range that’s at least 10% less than the capacity limit when towing a load.

How Much Towing Capacity Do You Need?

To help choose the best truck for your needs, think about the type of loads you typically carry. Normal loads fall well under 10,000 pounds according to Consumer Reports. They share several popular trailer towing loads, including 5,000 pounds to tow a 20-foot boat and 7,500 pounds to pull a fully loaded travel trailer. If you’re hauling more than that on a regular basis, you should think about finding a full-sized used truck.

When you choose a used truck, you’ll also need to know a few things about the vehicle’s make and features to help you decide how much you can pull. Find out the size of the trailer hitch to get an idea of the type of loads you can pull. Trailer hitch sizes range from classes I-V, which carry increasing loads of weight. Classes III-V are generally used for trucks and can pull up to 20,000 pounds in a full-size vehicle.

Best Used Trucks for Towing in Jersey City, NJ

Here are some trucks to consider for towing your trailers or other large cargo:

2017 Ford F150

Car and Driver list the F150 as the best-selling vehicle in America. With a towing capacity of up to 8,000 pounds, this model year is perfect for pulling travel trailers and boats with ease. The F150 features a turbocharged 3.5-liter, V-6 engine.

2017 Toyota Tacoma

If you’re looking for a truck to handle smaller loads, consider the 2017 Tacoma with a V-6 engine, rear or four-wheel drive options, and a 21 mpg rating for fuel efficiency. With a towing capacity of up to 6,400 pounds, the 2-seater Tacoma makes a great choice for various trailer capabilities.

2018 Chevy Silverado 2500HD

With a 6.6 liter V-8 engine, the 2018 Heavy Duty model pulls up to 14,500 pounds to carry those heavy loads. The 2018 Silverado 2500HD also comes with six-speed auto and a longer bed at a max of 258 inches.

2019 Ram 1500

You’ll get plenty of storage space in the 2019 Ram 1500, which carries a maximum load of 12,750 pounds. The vehicle offers a smooth ride with seating for six and rear-wheel drive. Engine specifications include V-6 or V-8 powertrains with hybrid options.

2019 GMC Sierra 1500

With a tow rating of 12,200 pounds, the 2019 Sierra 1500 offers plenty of cabin room with seating for three. The 4.3-liter, V-6 cylinder engine gives plenty of power to the heavy load-bearing capacity of this model.

2020 Chevy Colorado

The 2020 Chevrolet Colorado gives drivers plenty of maneuverability on city streets and off-road tracks. It also packs a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, a hefty load for a more compact pickup truck. Engine sizes vary based on the specific model you choose.

2018 Nissan Titan

This pickup truck pulls up to 9,740 pounds with its 390.0-hp, 5.6-liter, 8-cylinder engine. With rear-wheel drive capabilities and interior seating for three, this vehicle offers plenty of towing possibles for large and small loads.

2019 Ford Ranger

Easy maneuverability and handling and a towing rate of 7,500 pounds make the 2019 Ranger a good choice for drivers wanting to pull a variety of loads. Engine specifications include a 270.0-hp, 2.3-liter, 4-cylinder engine.

2020 Jeep Gladiator

The Jeep Gladiator gives you the unique functions of the classic off-road vehicle with a removable top and doors plus the towing capacity of a pickup truck. With a 285.0-hp, 3.6-liter, V-6 cylinder engine, the Gladiator pulls up to 4,000 pounds. A spacious ride, the Jeep Gladiator also features seating for five with four doors.

2020 Toyota Tundra

Toyota’s sturdy Tundra offers plenty of safety features like automatic emergency braking combined with a towing capacity of up to 10,200 pounds. The large 381.0-hp, 5.7-liter, 8-cylinder engine powers a spacious ride with six seats.

Ready to find your perfect used truck with the right towing capacity? View our  used truck selection  online or come visit us in our store. Keep checking our blog for industry updates, local entertainment, and fun car trivia. Call or text us at ( 201)-204-9845 with any questions you have about finding a used truck or stop by 406 Sip Avenue, Jersey City, New Jersey to talk with our helpful sales team.