What Truck Works Best for Towing Trailers?
If you want to use a pickup truck for towing a trailer, there are some things to know first. Different pickup trucks can haul different sizes of trailers, but that isn't the only thing to consider. You also need to choose a truck that will fit your needs when driving the truck alone, and not hauling a trailer. Here are other things to know about different trucks that can tow trailers, and what features to look for.
Know the Towing Capacity
This may seem very obvious, but don't forget most trucks tell you right away what their towing capacity. They will give you a towing rating, which shows you how much weight you can tow with the truck. You also want to consider how often you will be towing a trailer with the truck.
If you only plan to tow a trailer a couple times a year, the rating or towing capacity might not be as important as if you are using it every weekend. If you are buying the truck from a dealership, ask them about the towing capacity and give them details on what you will tow, and how often. They can give you recommendations.
Decide Between a Light or Heavy-duty Truck
Even a light duty truck can offer a high towing capacity, so don't look at "light duty" versus "heavy duty" alone. Instead, focus on the size of the trailer you will be towing and what will be inside the trailer, when you are deciding between a light duty or heavy duty truck.
If you are going to be towing a large camper or a trailer that holds horses, you will want a heavy duty truck. On the other hand, if you are towing a small trailer holding tools, and only using it occasionally, a light duty truck with a decent towing capacity will work just fine. If you are not using the truck for towing as much as driving it, you might not want the heaviest duty model you can find.
Go for Diesel
Trucks that are going to be doing a good deal of towing will run better with a diesel engine. You can choose a gas engine, but only if your truck towing frequency is very limited. Diesel trucks are best for towing trailers and anything else, because you can drive efficiently with low-end torque, and you won't feel as much of a pull when towing heavy weights.
However, also consider most diesel trucks are of the heavy duty variety. This might not be an option or anything to worry about if you are looking at getting a light duty truck for occasional towing.
Decide on a Four-Wheel-Drive
A four-wheel-drive truck, also called a 4x4, usually has components that are heavier, so the trucks often have a lower towing capacity. If you choose a two-wheel-drive, its components are lighter, so you might be able to have a higher towing capacity. The four-wheel-drive are also less fuel efficient in general than their 2x4 counterparts.
On the other hand, 4x4 trucks are better at driving over different surfaces, such as sand and gravel, and are better are getting out of snow and mud on their own. This is another thing to consider when choosing between a two or four-wheel-drive.
This information will help you get started on your search for a pickup truck that will have towing capabilities.
