10 Best Gas Trucks For Towing: Top Beasts for 2024!

Picking the right truck for towing can make your life a whole lot easier. You want a powerful gas engine that can handle heavy loads without breaking a sweat.

The best gas pickup trucks for towing can pull up to 14,000 pounds without needing diesel fuel. Brands like Chevrolet, Ford, Ram, and Nissan offer impressive gas-powered options. Let’s check out some top picks that’ll get the job done for your towing needs.

*Don’t hate us, but we did discuss a few diesel trucks because you need to know how the gas and diesel versions compare.

Our Top 10 Gas Trucks For Towing In 2024

1) Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 is a top pick for gas-powered towing. This truck can haul impressive loads despite not having a diesel engine. You’ll be amazed at its capability.

For 2024, the F-150 offers strong towing capacity. The EcoBoost V6 engine is a standout choice. It gives you 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. That’s a lot of power to work with!

Here’s what you can expect from the 2024 F-150:

• Max towing capacity: 13,500 lbs
• Payload capacity: 2,445 lbs
• Engine: EcoBoost V6
• Horsepower: 400
• Torque: 500 lb-ft

These numbers are for a 4WD SuperCrew cab with a 6.5-foot bed. It’s impressive for a truck of its class.

The F-150’s towing features make your job easier. You get a backup assist system to help with trailer hookups. There’s also a blind spot system that covers your trailer too. These tools take some stress out of towing.

Ford’s build quality shines in the F-150. The truck feels solid and stable, even when pulling heavy loads. You’ll appreciate this when you’re on the highway with a big trailer behind you.

2) Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a solid choice for your towing needs. This truck offers a range of powerful engine options to suit different towing requirements.

You can choose from four engine types:

• 2.7L Turbo
• 5.3L V8
• 6.2L V8
• 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel

The 6.2L V8 and 3.0L turbodiesel engines are the top performers, allowing you to tow up to 13,300 pounds when properly configured. Even the 2.7L turbo engine can handle over 9,500 pounds.

Chevy equips the Silverado with helpful towing features. You’ll find up to 15 camera views to make hitching and towing easier. The in-vehicle trailering app lets you create trailer profiles and run through pre-departure checklists.

The Silverado’s sturdy frame and advanced suspension system provide stability when pulling heavy loads. You’ll appreciate the smooth ride, even with a trailer in tow.

Fuel economy doesn’t take a big hit when towing, thanks to efficient engine designs. The diesel option is particularly good for this.

3) Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 is a top pick for gas-powered towing. This truck offers a great mix of power and comfort for your hauling needs.

You can tow up to 12,750 pounds with the right setup. That’s impressive for a half-ton truck!

The 5.7L Hemi V8 engine is a popular choice for towing. It gives you plenty of muscle to pull heavy loads.

Ram offers different cab and bed sizes. This lets you pick the best combo for your towing and daily driving needs.

Here are some key features that make the Ram 1500 great for towing:

• Air suspension for a smooth ride and load leveling
• Trailer sway control for safer towing
• Available 360-degree camera system for easy hitching
• Integrated trailer brake controller

The 2025 Ram 1500 is getting a new twin-turbo 3.0L inline-six engine. This could be a game-changer for gas towing.

You’ll appreciate the Ram’s comfy interior on long towing trips. The cabin is quiet and filled with nice materials.

Remember to match your truck’s configuration to your towing needs. The right axle ratio and equipment package can make a big difference in towing ability.

4) GMC Sierra 1500

The GMC Sierra 1500 is a great choice if you’re looking for a gas-powered pickup truck with impressive towing capabilities. This truck offers a range of engine options to suit your needs.

For the best towing performance, you’ll want to opt for the 6.2-liter V8 engine. This powerhouse can tow up to 13,000 pounds when properly equipped with the Max Trailering Package.

Here’s a quick look at the Sierra 1500’s towing capacities with different engines:

• 2.7-liter Turbo: Up to 9,600 lbs
• 5.3-liter V8: Up to 11,200 lbs
• 6.2-liter V8: Up to 13,000 lbs

Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on the truck’s configuration. Factors like cab size, bed length, and drivetrain (2WD or 4WD) can affect towing capacity.

The Sierra 1500 also comes with some handy features to make towing easier. You’ll appreciate the available ProGrade Trailering System, which includes a trailer camera system and an in-vehicle trailering app.

When you’re hooking up your trailer, the Sierra’s available Multi-Pro Tailgate can be a real help. It has six different functions, including a built-in step for easier access to the bed.

Always check your specific truck’s manual for exact towing ratings. And don’t forget to factor in the weight of passengers and cargo when calculating your total towing capacity.

5) Toyota Tundra

The Toyota Tundra is a robust full-size pickup truck that can handle heavy towing jobs. You’ll find it’s a great choice if you need to haul large loads.

For 2023, the Tundra can tow up to 12,000 pounds in its most capable configuration. This impressive capacity comes with the 4×2 SR5 model with the shorter bed.

You have several engine options to choose from:

• 3.5L twin-turbo V6 (389 hp)
• Hybrid i-FORCE MAX (437 hp)

The hybrid powertrain gives you extra torque for towing while improving fuel economy. It’s a win-win if you’re looking to save on gas without sacrificing power.

Toyota equips the Tundra with helpful towing features. You’ll appreciate the Trailer Backup Guide and Straight Path Assist when maneuvering in tight spots.

The truck’s sturdy frame and suspension help keep your trailer stable on the road. This means a smoother, more confident towing experience for you.

Don’t forget about comfort. The Tundra’s spacious cabin ensures you stay relaxed on long hauls. Plus, its user-friendly infotainment system keeps you connected and entertained.

6) Nissan Titan

The Nissan Titan is a strong contender for towing needs. This full-size pickup truck offers impressive power and capability.

Under the hood, you’ll find a 5.6-liter V8 engine. This powerplant delivers robust performance, producing up to 413 pound-feet of torque. That’s plenty of muscle for hauling heavy loads.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Titan holds its own. You can expect around 15 mpg while towing. This makes it a practical choice for longer trips with a trailer in tow.

The Titan’s towing capacity varies by model year and configuration. Here’s a quick overview:

• 2023 Titan: Up to 9,320 lbs
• 2022 Titan: Up to 9,320 lbs
• 2021 Titan: Up to 9,310 lbs
• 2020 Titan: Up to 9,370 lbs

Keep in mind that these numbers can change based on factors like cab size and drivetrain.

You might want to consider the Titan XD for even more towing power. This beefed-up version offers enhanced capabilities for serious hauling jobs.

The Titan comes with useful features to make towing easier. You’ll appreciate the available trailer brake controller and trailer sway control. These help keep your load stable on the road.

In terms of comfort, the Titan doesn’t disappoint. You’ll find a spacious cabin with supportive seats, perfect for those long hauls. The infotainment system is user-friendly, keeping you connected on your journeys.

7) Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is a heavy-duty pickup truck that’s great for towing. It’s got the muscle you need when you’ve got big jobs to do.

You can choose between two engines for this truck. There’s a 6.6-liter gas V8 that’s pretty strong. But if you want even more power, you can go for the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8.

The gas engine can tow up to 17,370 pounds. That’s enough for most big trailers or boats. If you pick the diesel, you can tow even more – up to 18,510 pounds.

Inside the truck, you’ll find it’s comfortable and roomy. There’s plenty of space for you and your passengers. The controls are easy to use, which is nice when you’re on long drives.

Chevy has added some cool tech to help with towing. There’s a feature that lets you see behind your trailer. This makes backing up and parking much easier.

Here are some key points about the Silverado 2500HD:

• Two engine choices: 6.6L gas V8 or 6.6L Duramax diesel V8 • Max towing: 17,370 lbs (gas) or 18,510 lbs (diesel) • Comfortable interior with user-friendly controls • Advanced towing tech, including trailer view camera

The 2024 Chevy Silverado HD has some updates that make it even better for towing. They’ve made the diesel engine stronger and added new tech to make towing safer and easier.

Remember, the exact towing capacity can change based on how you set up your truck. It’s always best to check the specific numbers for the version you’re interested in.

8) Ford F-250 Super Duty

The Ford F-250 Super Duty is a powerhouse when it comes to towing. You’ll be impressed by its strong engine options and high towing capacity.

For 2024, the F-250 Super Duty offers impressive towing capabilities. With the right setup, you can tow up to 22,000 pounds from the hitch. That’s enough for most large trailers or boats.

The truck comes with a choice of engines. The High Output 6.7L Power Stroke diesel is a standout. It gives you 500 horsepower and a massive 1200 lb-ft of torque. This power helps you pull heavy loads with ease.

You’ll find the F-250 Super Duty comfortable for long trips. The cabin is roomy and well-designed. You get modern tech features to make your drive easier and more enjoyable.

Ford offers different cab and bed configurations. This lets you pick the setup that works best for your needs. Whether you need space for passengers or cargo, there’s an option for you.

Key Features:

• Up to 22,000 lbs towing capacity (hitch)
• High Output 6.7L Power Stroke diesel option
• Various cab and bed configurations
• Modern tech features for comfort and convenience

The F-250 Super Duty is built tough. Its strong frame and advanced towing tech help you move big loads safely. You’ll feel confident on the road, even when pulling your heaviest gear.

9) Ram 2500

The Ram 2500 is a tough pickup that can handle some serious towing jobs. If you’re looking for a gas-powered truck to haul heavy loads, this might be your answer.

With its powerful 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, the Ram 2500 can tow up to 14,000 pounds. That’s enough to pull a large camper or boat with ease.

You’ll appreciate the Ram 2500’s sturdy build. It’s designed to handle heavy loads without breaking a sweat. The truck’s strong frame and suspension help keep things stable when you’re hauling big trailers.

Inside, you’ll find a comfortable cabin with plenty of space. The controls are easy to use, even when you’re wearing work gloves. You can also get fancy features like a large touchscreen and leather seats if that’s your style.

One cool thing about the Ram 2500 is its towing tech. You can get cameras that help you hook up trailers and keep an eye on your load while driving. These features make towing safer and easier.

Here are some key points about the Ram 2500:

• Powerful 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine • Can tow up to 14,000 pounds • Sturdy build for handling heavy loads • Comfortable interior with easy-to-use controls • Available towing technology for safer hauling

Remember, the Ram 2500 is a big truck. It might be more than you need for everyday driving. But if you tow often or need to haul heavy stuff, it’s a great choice.

10) GMC Sierra 2500HD

The GMC Sierra 2500HD is a powerhouse when it comes to towing. You’ll be impressed by its maximum towing capacity of up to 31,500 pounds when properly equipped.

This truck offers two engine options to suit your needs:

• 6.6-liter V8 gas engine • 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V8

The Duramax diesel is the way to go if you’re after maximum towing power. It delivers a whopping 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque.

You’ll find the Sierra 2500HD comfortable for long hauls. The cabin is spacious and well-appointed, with plenty of tech features to keep you connected on the road.

Towing is made easier with available features like a multi-camera system. This gives you up to 15 different views around your truck and trailer.

The 2024 model starts at $45,400 for the base trim. You get a lot of truck for your money, including a standard 7-inch touchscreen.

If you want more luxury, check out the higher trims. They offer features like a larger 13.4-inch touchscreen and premium leather seats.

Remember, the Sierra 2500HD is a big truck. It might be overkill if you only tow occasionally. But for serious towing jobs, it’s hard to beat.

Understanding Towing Capacity

Towing capacity is key for pickup trucks. It tells you how much weight your truck can safely pull. Let’s look at two important parts of towing capacity.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

GVWR is the max weight your truck can handle. This includes the truck itself, people, cargo, and the tongue weight of your trailer.

Here’s what you need to know about GVWR:

• It’s set by the maker of your truck
• You can find it on a sticker inside your driver’s door
• Going over GVWR is unsafe and illegal

To figure out how much you can tow, subtract your truck’s weight from the GVWR. This gives you the payload capacity.

Remember, payload includes people and cargo too, not just what you’re towing.

Trailer Weight and Tongue Weight

Trailer weight is how heavy your trailer is. Tongue weight is how much of that weight pushes down on your truck’s hitch.

Here are some tips for safe towing:

• Keep tongue weight between 10-15% of total trailer weight
• Too little tongue weight can make your trailer sway
• Too much can lift your truck’s front wheels

For heavy loads, use a weight distribution hitch. It spreads weight evenly and helps your truck stay level. This makes towing safer and easier.

Key Features of Gas Pickup Trucks for Towing

When picking a gas pickup truck for towing, you’ll want to look at a few key areas. These features can make a big difference in how well your truck handles heavy loads.

Engine Power and Torque

The heart of any towing truck is its engine. Gas engines in top towing trucks offer lots of power and torque.

Most heavy-duty gas trucks use V8 engines. These range from 5.7 to 7.3 liters in size. Bigger engines usually mean more towing power.

Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-250, and Ram 2500 are top picks for gas towing. Their V8 engines put out 400 to 430 horsepower. Meanwhile, torque is even more important for towing. These trucks make 450 to 475 lb-ft of torque.

Higher torque helps you pull heavy loads from a stop. It also helps on hills. Look for trucks with peak torque at low RPMs for the best towing.

Transmission Options

Your truck’s transmission plays a big role in towing too. Most top towing trucks use automatic transmissions.

Modern automatics have more gears than before. Many use 8 or 10-speed transmissions. More gears help keep the engine in its power band while towing.

Some key transmission features for towing include:

• Tow/Haul mode: This changes shift points to help with heavy loads
• Grade braking: Downshifts on hills to slow the truck without using brakes
• Manual shift option: Lets you control gears for tricky towing situations

Look for transmissions with good cooling too. Towing puts extra heat on your transmission, so better cooling helps it last longer.

Towing Assistance Technologies

New trucks come with tech to make towing easier and safer. These features can be a big help, especially if you’re new to towing.

Some useful towing tech includes:

• Trailer sway control: Helps keep your trailer steady on the road
• Integrated trailer brake controller: Lets you control trailer brakes from the cab
• Backup assist: Helps you line up with a trailer hitch
• Trailer angle detection: Shows trailer position on your dashboard

The Ford F-150 offers Pro Trailer Backup Assist. This lets you steer your trailer with a knob while backing up. It’s super handy for tight spots.

Cameras are also a big help. 360-degree views and trailer cameras make hooking up and maneuvering much easier. Look for trucks with multiple camera options if you tow often.

Maintenance Tips for Towing

Taking care of your truck when towing is key to safe and smooth trips. Here are some important things to keep in mind.

Regular Engine Check-Ups

You need to keep a close eye on your engine when you tow often. Towing puts extra stress on your engine, so it uses up oil faster.

Check your oil more often, maybe every 3,000 miles instead of 5,000.

Look at your coolant levels too. Your truck works harder when towing, so it can get hot. Make sure you have enough coolant to keep things cool.

Don’t forget about your transmission fluid. Towing can make it wear out quicker, so check it every few months to be safe.

Here’s a quick checklist for engine check-ups:

• Oil level and condition
• Coolant level
• Transmission fluid
• Brake fluid
• Power steering fluid

Tire Pressure and Tire Condition

Your tires are super important when you’re towing. They carry all that extra weight, so you need to take good care of them.

Check your tire pressure often, maybe once a week when you’re towing a lot.

The right pressure helps your tires last longer and makes your truck safer to drive. You can find the right tire pressure for towing in your truck’s manual.

Look at your tires closely too. Check for any cuts, bulges, or wear. If you see anything weird, it’s time for new tires.

Rotate your tires regularly too. This helps them wear evenly and last longer. Try to do this every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the right truck for towing can be tricky. Let’s look at some common questions about gas pickup trucks and their towing capabilities.

Which trucks are suited best for towing heavy loads and still maintain good fuel efficiency?

The Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 are great choices. They offer good fuel economy for their size and can tow heavy loads. The F-150 with the EcoBoost engine is especially fuel-efficient.

What are the most cost-effective pickup trucks that can handle towing over 10,000 lbs?

The Ram 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 offer great value. They can tow over 10,000 lbs when properly equipped. These trucks have strong engines and durable builds without breaking the bank.

For those interested in both power and economy, which trucks offer the highest towing capacity?

The Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F-250 are top picks. They can tow up to 14,000 lbs with gas engines. The Toyota Tundra is also a good choice, offering a balance of power and reliability.

Can you suggest any reliable used trucks that are great for towing and come under a $10,000 budget?

Look for older models of the Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado. These trucks are known for their longevity and towing ability. A well-maintained 2010-2012 model might fit your budget and still offer good towing capacity.

What factors should I consider when looking for a truck that balances towing capacity and gas mileage?

Consider these factors:

• Engine size and type
• Truck’s weight
• Gear ratio
• Aerodynamics
• Towing equipment

A smaller, turbocharged engine often provides a good balance of power and efficiency.

Which small size pickups excel in towing without compromising performance?

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a great compact truck for towing. It can pull up to 5,000 lbs.

The Ford Ranger is another good option, offering strong towing capacity in a smaller package.