Towing Capacities of the Big Three: Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, and Ram 1500
There are many needs to consider when researching your next truck purchase. Things like seating, bed volume, payload capacity, and technology all affect the truck experience. And modern-day models have more options than ever. However, despite their roomy, upscale accommodations and abundance of features, towing capacity is still among the most common metrics for comparison.
Drivers from Mesa to Peoria put their trucks to work in all kinds of ways. You might see a Ford F-150 pulling an Airstream through Phoenix, a Chevy Silverado towing a horse trailer in Scottsdale, or a Ram 1500 pulling a boat to Tempe Town Lake. The biggest truck names have towing capacities within 1,000 pounds of each other, so finding the absolute most towing capacity isn't the number one priority. The idea is to find a truck with the combination of attributes that best fits your needs. For instance, truck shopper may prioritize finding the most towing capacity for a model with at least four seats, while maintaining at least a modicum of fuel efficiency."
On this page, we've compiled a list of the maximum tow ratings of all possible engine and cab combinations for the industry's top three full-size light-duty models. Because this is a comparison of the highest ratings, these numbers assume the equipping of a max trailer tow package if applicable. It's important to keep in mind that these numbers are only a starting point. The maximum capacity of a specific model is determined by its GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating), which is the maximum allowable combined weight of the truck, its cargo, and its trailer. Many factors contribute to this rating, including bed length, cab size, specialized equipment, extra features, and more. The only way to know an individual pickup's maximum rating is to check the sticker inside the driver-side door.
