Best Pickup Trucks For Towing Boats: Top Recommendations

Pick-up trucks are a great option for towing boats, but which one is the best? There are several factors to consider, including the weight of the boat, the frequency of towing, and personal preferences for make and model.

For those with heavier boats, a heavy-duty truck may be the best option. The Ford F-250 Super Duty, for example, can tow payloads of up to 22,000 pounds and is equipped with advanced towing technologies. The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD and the Ram 3500 are also powerful options, with maximum towing capacities of 36,000 pounds and 37,090 pounds, respectively.

If you're looking for a more compact option, the Ford Ranger can tow approximately 7,700 pounds, while the Ram 1500 can pull up to 12,750 pounds. The Toyota Tundra is another excellent choice, offering a maximum towing capacity of 10,200 pounds and convenient features like an integrated trailer brake controller.

Ultimately, the best pick-up truck for towing a boat will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Be sure to do your research and consider factors such as towing capacity, frequency of use, and additional features that may make the task of towing easier and more enjoyable.

Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 is a top contender when it comes to pickup trucks for towing boats. The 2024 model has a maximum towing capacity of 13,500 pounds, which is enough to move most watercraft with ease.

The F-150's powerful engine options provide top-notch towing capabilities. The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, for example, allows the truck to tow up to 13,500 pounds when paired with a SuperCrew cab, a 6.5-foot box, and a 4x4 drivetrain, along with the optional Tow/Haul Package and Max. Tow Axle upgrade.

The 5.0L V8 engine provides traditional muscle and can pull up to 12,900 pounds. For a more fuel-efficient option, the 3.5L PowerBoost full hybrid V6 engine can tow up to 11,200 pounds. Even the standard 2.7L EcoBoost engine has an impressive capacity of 8,400 pounds.

The F-150 also offers advanced towing features to make your life easier. These include Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which allows you to reverse your trailer with precision, and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, a camera-based system that helps you hitch your trailer without a spotter.

The F-150's payload capacity is another strength, with a maximum of 2,225 pounds when equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, a regular cab, an 8-foot box, and a 4x2 drivetrain.

The Ford F-150's combination of powerful engine options, high towing and payload capacities, and advanced towing features make it an excellent choice for those looking to tow a boat.

Ford F-250 Super Duty

The Ford F-250 Super Duty is a heavy-duty pickup truck with exceptional towing and hauling capabilities. With a maximum towing capacity of 23,000 pounds when properly equipped, it can easily handle large boats measuring 28 to 32 feet.

The F-250 Super Duty is equipped with advanced towing technologies, such as Pro Trailer Backup Assist™, Pro Trailer Hitch Assist™, and trailer reverse guidance, making it easy to manoeuvre and hitch even for solo drivers.

Under the hood, the F-250 Super Duty offers a choice of powerful engine options, including two gas V8 engines and a turbo diesel engine with a normal or high-output variant. The 6.7L Power Stroke® turbo diesel V8 engine stands out with its impressive torque rating and horsepower, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission for smooth and responsive driving.

The F-250 Super Duty also offers different cab and bed configurations to cater to various needs. The regular cab seats up to three passengers and comes with an 8-foot bed. The SuperCab and Crew Cab can seat five or six passengers, with the Crew Cab offering more space and comfort for passengers and cargo.

Overall, the Ford F-250 Super Duty is an excellent choice for those looking for a powerful and reliable pickup truck capable of towing large boats with ease. Its advanced technology, engine options, and versatile configurations make it a top choice for anyone in need of a heavy-duty vehicle.

Chevrolet Silverado HD-Series Pickups

The Chevrolet Silverado HD-Series Pickups are a great option for those seeking a versatile and powerful pickup truck capable of handling various tasks, including towing a boat. With six different trim levels and two impressive powertrain options, the Silverado HD offers exceptional towing capabilities, advanced technologies, and a range of comfort and convenience features.

Trim Levels

The Silverado HD offers a wide range of trim levels, including WT, LT, Custom, LTZ, High Country, and ZR2, each catering to different needs and preferences. The LT trim provides a great balance between features and capability, offering improvements to the interior for a more comfortable daily driving experience. The High Country trim, on the other hand, offers premium features and an exclusive custom look. The ZR2 trim takes the Silverado HD off-road with a lifted suspension, advanced dampers, locking differential, skid plates, and all-terrain tires.

Powertrain Options

At the heart of the Silverado HD's performance are its two formidable powertrain options. The 6.6L V8 engine delivers robust power and is paired with the renowned Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking even more torque and capability, the Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 engine is a powerhouse, enabling the Silverado HD to tackle any challenge with ease.

Towing Capacity

The Silverado HD's towing capabilities are truly impressive. When equipped with the Duramax diesel engine, the Silverado 2500HD can tow up to 22,500 pounds, while the 3500HD diesel version can haul an astonishing 36,000 pounds, placing it among the best in the world. Additionally, the Silverado HD offers advanced trailering technology, including an available Trailering App, up to eight cameras with 14 views, and a hitch view for easy trailer alignment.

Comfort and Convenience

The Silverado HD also shines when it comes to comfort and convenience. The spacious interior features advanced infotainment systems with large touch-screen displays, offering connectivity and entertainment options. The truck also provides a range of driver-assistance features, such as Super Cruise hands-free driving, which is especially useful when towing. The Silverado HD's bed offers exceptional cargo volume, standard tie-downs, and convenient features like the Multi-Flex Tailgate with six functions.

In conclusion, the Chevrolet Silverado HD-Series Pickups are an excellent choice for those seeking a powerful and versatile pickup truck capable of towing a boat. With a range of trim levels, impressive powertrain options, exceptional towing capabilities, and advanced technologies, the Silverado HD delivers a perfect blend of performance, comfort, and style.

Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 is a rugged, full-size truck with a high towing capacity and a host of impressive features. The 2024 model has three engine options, all of which offer impressive power and performance.

The standard engine is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with eTorque, which delivers 305 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine allows the Ram 1500 to tow up to 7,730 pounds when properly equipped.

For increased power and performance, the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with eTorque is available. This engine produces 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, and when properly equipped, it gives the Ram 1500 a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds.

The third engine option is the mighty 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine, found in the Ram 1500 TRX. This engine generates an impressive 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, propelling the TRX to a top speed of 118 mph.

The Ram 1500 also offers two tow packages to enhance its towing capabilities further. The Trailer Tow Group includes essentials such as a Class IV Receiver Hitch, Trailer Brake Controller, and Trailer Light Check feature. The package also adds convenience features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and Apple CarPlay®.

The HEMI Max Tow Package is designed for those who need the highest towing capacity possible. This package includes a heavy-duty rear axle with an optimized gear ratio, 18-inch by 8-inch Cast Aluminum Painted Wheels, and a full-size spare tire.

In addition to its impressive towing capabilities, the Ram 1500 also boasts a range of safety features that inspire confidence when hauling heavy loads. These include standard Electronic Stability Control with Anti-Rollover, available Trailer Reverse Steering Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Path Detection with Trailer Detection.

The 2025 model of the Ram 1500 introduces two new 3.0L Hurricane engines, one of which is a High-Output version that delivers more horsepower than competitors like the Ford Raptor and Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The 2025 model also boasts improved fuel efficiency, with a manufacturer-estimated 25 highway miles per gallon.

Overall, the Ram 1500 is an excellent choice for those seeking a powerful and capable truck with a high towing capacity and a range of advanced features.

Toyota Tundra

The Toyota Tundra is a great option for those looking to tow a boat. With a maximum towing capacity of 12,000 pounds, the Tundra can easily handle a range of watercraft, from speedboats to larger vessels. The Tundra's impressive tow rating and payload, along with its array of available features, make it a top choice for those seeking a reliable and capable towing vehicle.

The Tundra offers different engine options, including the i-FORCE 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 engine with 358 horsepower, and an upgraded version with 389 horsepower. For even more power, the TRD Pro and Capstone trim levels come equipped with the i-FORCE MAX 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid engine, delivering an impressive 437 horsepower. This hybrid engine is also available on the Limited, Platinum, and 1794 Edition Tundra models.

To achieve the maximum towing capacity of 12,000 pounds, you'll want to opt for the 2024 Toyota Tundra SR5 Double Cab 4x2 truck with the i-FORCE 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 engine. The Tundra SR and SR5 models with the same engine and rear-wheel drive can also offer a max payload capacity of 1,940 pounds.

The Tundra's towing package further enhances its capabilities. This package includes features such as a 7-pin connector, Class-IV tow hitch receiver, Trailer-Sway Control, TOW/HAUL modes, and an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller. Additionally, the Tundra offers advanced towing technologies like Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and the Trailer Backup Guide with Straight Path Assist, making it easier to navigate and manoeuvre when pulling a trailer.

The Toyota Tundra is a versatile truck, with four bed and cab options available: Double Cab with 6.5-ft Standard Bed, Double Cab with 8.1-ft Long Bed, CrewMax with 5.5-ft Short Bed, and CrewMax with 6.5-ft Standard Bed. The availability of these options varies depending on the trim level you choose.

When it comes to safety, the Tundra has you covered there as well. The 2021 Tundra SR, for example, comes standard with six-passenger seating and the Toyota Safety Sense™ P suite of advanced safety systems, including an integrated backup camera that aids in reversing and lining up your trailer hitch.

Overall, the Toyota Tundra is an excellent choice for those seeking a powerful and feature-rich pickup truck capable of towing a boat with ease. With its high towing capacity, advanced technologies, and versatile configuration options, the Tundra is sure to make your next trip to the water an amazing one.

Frequently asked questions