Budget and the Beast: How to Find a Used Truck With the Strength You Need
Plenty of drivers choose to drive pickup trucks because a truck can take on a variety of challenges that your standard SUV or sedan simply can't. The open bed is perfect for filling with all sorts of payload—from tools and equipment to your friend’s sofa, but one of the most popular tasks for a truck is towing and hauling. When looking at all the used trucks for sale, you might find yourself completely overwhelmed. While you may have a few requirements in mind, such as your budget and the amount of towing you need to do, it might be hard to put the two together. After all, the more trucks can do, the more expensive they tend to be.
To help you get started on your search, we’ve compiled a guide to some of our favorite used trucks on the market today based on how well they stand up to towing and hauling. From heavyweight haulers to daily drivers that make towing loads a breeze with their technology, here are some options to look for in your used truck search. And if you still need some guidance in finding your perfect pre-owned truck, let our team here at Southern Chevrolet help!
Which Models Have the Highest Tow Rating?
When it comes to heavy loads, only a heavy-duty (HD) truck will do. Still, it can be hard to determine which model is going to provide the best value while getting the job done. The 2020 Ram 2500 and 2500 were voted MotorTrend's "Truck of the Year" for their overall reliability and productivity, making them an excellent starting point for those shopping for a used HD truck. To get the highest possible towing rating, you’ll want to specifically look for the Ram 3500 with the 6.7L inline-6 Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel engine. This was the engine that broke the mold when it came to power, with its 400 hp, 1,000 lb-ft of torque, and over 35,000 lbs of towing capacity.
The 2022 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD is also a great option for those looking to tow big loads frequently. Chevy notes that every Silverado 3500 HD with dual rear wheels (dually) and the Cummins 6.6L Turbo Diesel engine can tow over 30,000 lbs, but the real muscle comes in with the 3500 HD Regular cab dually Work Truck, which can pull 36,000 lbs with the Max Trailering Package and gooseneck hitch. Furthermore, Chevy outfitted its 2022 heavy-duty lineup with important trailering tech, like eight available cameras, a Multi-Flex Tailgate that won’t get in the way of the hitching process, and an in-vehicle app that can provide details about your load and destination.
The 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty is also a trailering powerhouse. Though a bit older than the other two options, models equipped with the 6.7L turbocharged diesel V8 can take advantage of its 450 hp and 935 lb-ft of torque to tow gooseneck hitch loads up to 31,800 lbs. With conventional towing methods, the 2019 F-350 Super Duty can comfortably pull between 15,000 and 18,000 pounds, as well. Impressively, this model also allowed drivers to customize their experience with options like trailer tow cameras, heavy-service suspension, and adaptive steering, which updates the steering ratio based on speed and road circumstances.
A Closer Look at Towing Assistance Technology
But not all drivers are looking to drag the heaviest loads—some want as much assistance with the towing process as possible. That’s where towing assistance tech comes in—from driver assistance features to camera views, there are a few models that are heads above the rest when it comes to helping drivers get their loads from place to place in safety.
The 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 is one such model. Offered in nine total trims with four potential engine options, the Silverado 1500 is designed to be the best tool a driver has. The 2022 Silverado 1500 has a towing maximum of 13,300 pounds and a payload maximum of 2,270, making it not quite as powerful as the heavy-duty options, but still capable of doing some serious work.
To that point, the Silverado 1500 includes some pretty impressive standard towing gear, such as StabiliTrak with Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist. A dedicated Tow/Haul mode adjusts transmission shift points when hitched, and Auto Grade Braking helps keep your load balanced when the roads get steep. And while it’s hard to know what is going to be on the used truck at any given time, a number of 2022 buyers selected available advanced trailering features like Hitch Guidance with Hitch View, which provides a camera at the hitch site.
Hitch area lighting makes nighttime and early morning hitching easier, while features such as an Electric Parking Brake hookup assist and an integrated trailer brake controller help drivers control their entire rig. Extra external cameras such as a Bed View with Cargo Bed Zoom-In, Bed Hitch Guidance for goosenecks and fifth wheels, and Jack-Knife Alert provide extra peace of mind when hauling valuable loads.
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 could be equipped with up to 15 different camera views when new, thanks to a litany of new and updated cameras added that model year. Many drivers elected to add the Sierra’s industry-first Transparent Trailer View, which allows drivers to virtually see through their trailer to determine what objects and obstacles lie behind them. A Rear Trailer Camera was newly added to the 2021 list of options, displaying adaptive guidelines that predict the trailer path when moving in reverse.
An in-vehicle Trailering App could be integrated directly into the Sierra’s infotainment system, allowing drivers to create up to five trailer profiles to track things like tire pressure, mileage, fuel economy, and light checks. Furthermore, available power-adjustable trailering mirrors could be installed, allowing drivers to extend their mirror view to encompass the trailer.
The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning might seem like a strange choice for trailering, but when it comes to technology, it would feel even stranger to not include it. Like all trucks, the towing maximum of the 2022 all-electric F-150 Lightning depends on trim, with the XLT and LARIAT trims leading the pack at 10,000 when equipped with an extended-range battery. After all, the extended-range battery is good for 580 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque.
The important parts come in the Ford Lightning’s productivity suite. Not only does it have an interior work surface and tailgate step/tailgate work surface combination, but the Pro Power Onboard system allows drivers to use their F-150 Lightning as a power source, with outlets in the cab, bed, and front truck. Being able to plug your tools into your truck can make life a lot easier.
On top of that, the F-150 Lightning is offered with a Tow Technology package, which adds Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Trailer Reverse Guidance, Trailer Brake Controller, Smart Hitch, On-board Scales, Smart Trailer Tow Connector, and Forward Sensing System to the mix, all of which are designed to make the hitching, hauling, and maneuvering processes far easier.
Choosing the Best Used Truck for Towing
If you know you’re going to be doing a lot of towing, it's best to look for a vehicle that was designed to perform. You might try looking for models that already have towing packages installed; while they may have a slightly higher price tag than models that don’t already have towing packages installed, you might find yourself saving a lot of time and trouble.
You’ll also want to check on each truck’s towing specifications individually. Differences between the trim levels, engine choice, box/cabin configuration, and drivetrain can impact how much you’ll be able to pull. The good news is that there are plenty of used trucks on the market that are ready and willing to meet your everyday challenges, whatever they may be.
To help you get started on your search, we’ve compiled a guide to some of our favorite used trucks on the market today based on how well they stand up to towing and hauling. From heavyweight haulers to daily drivers that make towing loads a breeze with their technology, here are some options to look for in your used truck search. And if you still need some guidance in finding your perfect pre-owned truck, let our team here at Southern Chevrolet help!
Which Models Have the Highest Tow Rating?
When it comes to heavy loads, only a heavy-duty (HD) truck will do. Still, it can be hard to determine which model is going to provide the best value while getting the job done. The 2020 Ram 2500 and 2500 were voted MotorTrend's "Truck of the Year" for their overall reliability and productivity, making them an excellent starting point for those shopping for a used HD truck. To get the highest possible towing rating, you’ll want to specifically look for the Ram 3500 with the 6.7L inline-6 Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel engine. This was the engine that broke the mold when it came to power, with its 400 hp, 1,000 lb-ft of torque, and over 35,000 lbs of towing capacity.
The 2022 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD is also a great option for those looking to tow big loads frequently. Chevy notes that every Silverado 3500 HD with dual rear wheels (dually) and the Cummins 6.6L Turbo Diesel engine can tow over 30,000 lbs, but the real muscle comes in with the 3500 HD Regular cab dually Work Truck, which can pull 36,000 lbs with the Max Trailering Package and gooseneck hitch. Furthermore, Chevy outfitted its 2022 heavy-duty lineup with important trailering tech, like eight available cameras, a Multi-Flex Tailgate that won’t get in the way of the hitching process, and an in-vehicle app that can provide details about your load and destination.
The 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty is also a trailering powerhouse. Though a bit older than the other two options, models equipped with the 6.7L turbocharged diesel V8 can take advantage of its 450 hp and 935 lb-ft of torque to tow gooseneck hitch loads up to 31,800 lbs. With conventional towing methods, the 2019 F-350 Super Duty can comfortably pull between 15,000 and 18,000 pounds, as well. Impressively, this model also allowed drivers to customize their experience with options like trailer tow cameras, heavy-service suspension, and adaptive steering, which updates the steering ratio based on speed and road circumstances.
A Closer Look at Towing Assistance Technology
But not all drivers are looking to drag the heaviest loads—some want as much assistance with the towing process as possible. That’s where towing assistance tech comes in—from driver assistance features to camera views, there are a few models that are heads above the rest when it comes to helping drivers get their loads from place to place in safety.
The 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 is one such model. Offered in nine total trims with four potential engine options, the Silverado 1500 is designed to be the best tool a driver has. The 2022 Silverado 1500 has a towing maximum of 13,300 pounds and a payload maximum of 2,270, making it not quite as powerful as the heavy-duty options, but still capable of doing some serious work.
To that point, the Silverado 1500 includes some pretty impressive standard towing gear, such as StabiliTrak with Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist. A dedicated Tow/Haul mode adjusts transmission shift points when hitched, and Auto Grade Braking helps keep your load balanced when the roads get steep. And while it’s hard to know what is going to be on the used truck at any given time, a number of 2022 buyers selected available advanced trailering features like Hitch Guidance with Hitch View, which provides a camera at the hitch site.
Hitch area lighting makes nighttime and early morning hitching easier, while features such as an Electric Parking Brake hookup assist and an integrated trailer brake controller help drivers control their entire rig. Extra external cameras such as a Bed View with Cargo Bed Zoom-In, Bed Hitch Guidance for goosenecks and fifth wheels, and Jack-Knife Alert provide extra peace of mind when hauling valuable loads.
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 could be equipped with up to 15 different camera views when new, thanks to a litany of new and updated cameras added that model year. Many drivers elected to add the Sierra’s industry-first Transparent Trailer View, which allows drivers to virtually see through their trailer to determine what objects and obstacles lie behind them. A Rear Trailer Camera was newly added to the 2021 list of options, displaying adaptive guidelines that predict the trailer path when moving in reverse.
An in-vehicle Trailering App could be integrated directly into the Sierra’s infotainment system, allowing drivers to create up to five trailer profiles to track things like tire pressure, mileage, fuel economy, and light checks. Furthermore, available power-adjustable trailering mirrors could be installed, allowing drivers to extend their mirror view to encompass the trailer.
The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning might seem like a strange choice for trailering, but when it comes to technology, it would feel even stranger to not include it. Like all trucks, the towing maximum of the 2022 all-electric F-150 Lightning depends on trim, with the XLT and LARIAT trims leading the pack at 10,000 when equipped with an extended-range battery. After all, the extended-range battery is good for 580 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque.
The important parts come in the Ford Lightning’s productivity suite. Not only does it have an interior work surface and tailgate step/tailgate work surface combination, but the Pro Power Onboard system allows drivers to use their F-150 Lightning as a power source, with outlets in the cab, bed, and front truck. Being able to plug your tools into your truck can make life a lot easier.
On top of that, the F-150 Lightning is offered with a Tow Technology package, which adds Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Trailer Reverse Guidance, Trailer Brake Controller, Smart Hitch, On-board Scales, Smart Trailer Tow Connector, and Forward Sensing System to the mix, all of which are designed to make the hitching, hauling, and maneuvering processes far easier.
Choosing the Best Used Truck for Towing
If you know you’re going to be doing a lot of towing, it's best to look for a vehicle that was designed to perform. You might try looking for models that already have towing packages installed; while they may have a slightly higher price tag than models that don’t already have towing packages installed, you might find yourself saving a lot of time and trouble.
You’ll also want to check on each truck’s towing specifications individually. Differences between the trim levels, engine choice, box/cabin configuration, and drivetrain can impact how much you’ll be able to pull. The good news is that there are plenty of used trucks on the market that are ready and willing to meet your everyday challenges, whatever they may be.
