Modern pickups offer you amenities along with the customary dose of usefulness, which makes them an attractive option even for motorists who rarely haul a load. Some drivers, particularly those who tow a boat, camper or other trailers, need the full capacity of a pickup. To choose the best pickup for towing, truck shoppers should consider the factors that contribute to towing capability.
With so many versions of each truck version available -- regular cab to team cab, V6, V8 and diesel engine choices - and 4-wheel drive -- towing capacities vary widely, too. Asking a few questions will allow you to narrow your choices. What do you plan to tow? When you're not towing, how will you utilize your pickup?
If your pickup is often used by you without the trailer, you'll want to decide on a vehicle that suits those needs. You may wish to pick a more-efficient or milder pickup that is able to handle your trailer but can also be a ride which you can live with every day.
New Standards
Comparing evaluations between brands was tough before new standards for capabilities have been introduced. Automakers are adopting uniform methods for analyzing and rating pickups. The standard is named SAE J2807, and it is currently in use by Toyota and GM. Ford, RAM, and Nissan will accompany with SAE-J2807-compliant towing ratings for 2015 pickup versions.
You need a pickup that's rated to deal with the overall weight and tongue weight of your trailer. Have those amounts handy when beginning your search. If you pull your trailer a few times a year, it is okay to choose a pickup with a towing score just above the fat of your trailer. If you tow it may be a good idea to pick on a truck. Locate a truck available near you
Light-Duty vs. Heavy-Duty
Some light-duty trucks offer enormous towing capabilities in excess of 10,000 pounds, but drivers such as campers or gooseneck horse trailers, with large trailers, might be better off with a heavy-handed pickup. Frequency of use is a consideration. You don't want to pony up tens of thousands more for a huge Ford F-350 or a GMC Sierra HD if you are just towing sometimes.
If you're planning to tow a trailer that is light-utility or personal watercraft, you might not even need a full-size pickup. Consider a smaller truck, such as the Toyota Tacoma or the upcoming Chevy Colorado, if you're only pulling out a light trailer.
Diesel is great for towing. It provides plenty of torque to attain decent efficiency at speeds that are higher, also and for you moving. Options are limited to heavy-duty pickups. The notable exception is the RAM 1500 EcoDiesel, a full-size light-duty pickup with a diesel V6. GM states it will provide a diesel option in the mid-sized GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, but just gasoline engines will be available when they first come to the marketplace.
Diesel engines also add a huge number of the purchase price. They can achieve better fuel economy and can tow more, but it might not be worthwhile in the event that you be towing anything.
Four-wheel-drive pickups typically have lower towing capabilities than their counterparts that are 2-wheel-drive due to the burden of the components that are 4-wheel-drive. Having a 4x4 can be handy, especially for pulling a trailer, although they're also less fuel-efficient than 2-wheel-drive trucks. A slick boat ramp ground or a hill with gravel could spell trouble however a 4x4 should have the ability to climb right out, trailer in tow. If your experiences take you to play it safe and select a 4-wheel drive.
What it means to you: The job of determining the towing capability of a specific pickup may seem daunting with all these elements coming into play, but modern pickups are very strong. Only drivers with the trailers that are most heavy need to pay close attention. The ideal pickup for towing would be the one which is rated to pull on your trailer plus will fit your needs once you don't have a trailer
