People buy pickup trucks for many reasons. Some need to haul heavy equipment for work while others need to tow toys like boats and trailers on the weekend. Then there are those who think they may do all of these things - one day. For the truck shopper who truly needs a workhorse that can tow, these half-ton pickups prove you don’t need to go with a heavy-duty truck to get the towing power you need. A brawny maximum towing capacity coupled with user-friendly towing tech features make these full-size trucks just right for your needs.
1. 2019 Ford F-150
In addition to offering a great balance between a compliant and firm ride, plenty of space and easy to use tech, the 2019 Ford F-150 boasts a best-in-class towing capacity of 13,200 pounds when you go with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6. This engine option gives you 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. If you're in the market for a diesel truck, the 3.0-liter Power Stroke Turbo Diesel rated at 250 horsepower and 440 lb.-ft. of torque, offers a best-in-class tow rating at 11,400 pounds for the diesel category.
Best Towing Features
- Pro Trailer Backup Assist — Synchronizes your truck and trailer while backing up.
- Dynamic Hitch Assist with Line-of-Sight Guide —Directs the hitch to the trailer receiver.
- 8" productivity screen: Displays info like fuel economy and towing data in the instrument cluster.
- Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Coverage: Uses radar to detect vehicles in your blind spot and alerts you when a vehicle is detected, covering the area of your trailer as well.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 13,200 pounds
Starting MSRP: $28,155
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2. 2019 Ram 1500
It's hard to beat the 2019 Ram 1500 when it comes to ride quality, clever storage, and a comfortable and spacious interior. After a redesign for 2019, the Ram 1500 gets more power, better fuel efficiency, and technology. Combine all these updates with one of the highest towing capacities in its class and you get a well-rounded full-size truck for towing. The Ram 1500 with the 5.7-liter V8 with eTorque Hybrid technology gives you 395 horsepower, 410 lb-feet of torque and a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds. Not sure which model is best for your needs? Ram offers a helpful towing guide so you can choose the right truck.
Best Towing Features
- Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path and New Automatic Trailer Detection: Helps make towing easier by scanning the blind spot zones behind your vehicle to help ensure safer maneuvering while automatically sensing and accounting for the length of the trailer.
- Trailer Sway Control: Trailer Sway Control recognizes a trailer that begins to sway when you’re towing and automatically applies individual brakes and/or reduces engine power to help eliminate the sway.
- Electronic Stability Control and Electronic Roll Mitigation: Keeps you in control when towing by maintaining traction and keeping the truck centered on tight turns.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 12,750 pounds
Starting MSRP: $33,440
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3. 2019 GMC Sierra
If you think that rugged pickup trucks can't also be luxurious, you haven't driven the 2019 GMC Sierra. The Sierra not only gives you best-in-class head and legroom, premium features like heated, leather front seats and a user-friendly six-function Multipro tailgate, it also has a burly towing capacity of up to 12,200 pounds. Available on the SLT trim, the new 6.2-liter V8 with Dynamic Fuel Management gets you the maximum towing power with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.
Best Towing Features
GMC rolls up several key towing technologies into their available ProGrade Trailering System which includes:
- In-Vehicle Trailering App: Integrated into the infotainment system, this app allows you to see key information like pre-departure checklists, trailer detection that lets you know when the trailer is hitched, customizable trailer profiles, Trailer Theft Detection and available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System sensors for tire pressure and temperature inside the trailer tires.
- Trailering Camera Package: Includes two rear-facing side-view cameras in the side mirrors to help you see down the side of your truck and trailer during lane changes or when backing up.
- Integrated Trailer Brake Controller: Give you fingertip control and monitoring of your trailer brakes. The in-vehicle trailering app allows drivers to program trailer brake level settings to specific trailer profiles.
Starting MSRP: $37,800
Maximum Towing Capacity: 12,200 pounds
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4. 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
As the cousin to GMC's Sierra, the 2019 Chevy Silverado matches the towing capacity of the Sierra at 12,200 pounds and shares the 6.2-liter V8 with Dynamic Fuel Management for 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, Chevy redesigned the Silverado for 2019, making it larger and giving drivers more interior space. Surprisingly, the truck is also lighter and more rigid thanks to the use of new materials. You'll get the 6.2-liter V8 engine for the max towing capacity in the LTZ and High Country trims. With similar towing features to the 2019 GMC Sierra, the Silverado makes another great choice for towing muscle. Just like GMC, Chevy offers a trailering guide to help customers select the right truck.
Best Towing Features
- Trailering Camera Package: Integrates cameras into the side view mirrors to provide a better visual down the sides of the trailer, helping to eliminate blind spots and making it easier to line up your trailer and hitch.
- In-Vehicle Advanced Trailering System: You'll be able to create profiles for a number of trailers and track various trailer metrics. It also allows you to set maintenance reminders and conduct a trailer light test.
- Industry-first Trailer Theft Alert: If the harness on your attached trailer is disconnected, the lights will flash and the horn will sound.
- StabiliTrak with Trailer Sway Control: Automatically detects a swaying trailer and applies both the vehicle and trailer brakes (if properly equipped) to help bring it back in line.
Starting MSRP: $28,300
Maximum Towing Capacity: 12,200 pounds