When heavy loads simply have to get moved, a truck with a super-sized towing capacity is the right tool for the job. Big pickup trucks that can handle giant payloads and trailers are far more versatile than they’ve ever been before. Thanks to a variety of cab configurations and trim levels it’s possible to hone in on the perfect truck for both work and leisure. For the most towing capacity, you’ll have to get an older model, but there are plenty of heavy-duty, full-size, and midsize trucks to suit your needs. Here’s our list of the 10 Best Used Trucks for Towing Under $20,000.
1. 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
By opting for the base gas engine on a used truck, especially in rugged Work Truck trim, you can have a newer rig for the same money as an older diesel. But this is still a robust machine. The 6.0-liter V8 packs 380 lb-ft of torque. It can take on 1,400 pounds in the bed and tow 13,900 pounds with a fifth-wheel hitch. See used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD for sale.
2. 2009 Dodge Ram 3500
This Ram’s design was made new back in 2003 and just three years later the Mega Cab option joined the roster. But for 2007, the company launched a new version of the legendary Cummins diesel that was bigger, cleaner, and hit 650 lb-ft of torque for the ability to tow over 16,000 pounds. See used Dodge Ram 3500s for sale.
3. 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
GM’s workhorse HD 4×4 trucks are easy to live with thanks to the independent front suspension, which improves steering and handling. Opting for the 3500 instead of the 2500 gives you more towing capacity: The meaty 6.6-liter Duramax diesel delivers 660 lb-ft of torque and can tow 16,700 pounds with a fifth-wheel hitch. See used Chevrolet Silverado 3500HDs for sale .
4. 2011 Ford F-350
The Super Duty has always been an excellent tow machine, but for 2011 it was upgraded with a new 6.7-liter diesel packing 800 lb-ft of torque. Certain F-350s can tow a monstrous 22,600-pound trailer with a fifth-wheel hitch. That’s a lot of capability for the money, considering the diesel cost almost $8,000 at the time. See used Ford F-350s for sale.
5. 2014 Ford F-150
This is the last model year before an all-new F-150 launched with aluminum bodywork. Still, this Ford F-150 is a great tow machine. With the 5.0-liter V8, it can tow 9,400 pounds. Models with the stronger 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 have an 11,300-pound tow rating — but they do cost more. See used Ford F-150s for sale.
6. 2016 Toyota Tundra
With the 5.7-liter V8, the Toyota Tundra can tow up to 10,500 pounds, a very impressive number for any light-duty truck. But is not surprising, as Toyota engineered this truck to do work. Its rear axle is huge with a 10.5-inch ring gear. That’s like having a heavy-duty truck axle on a light-duty truck. See used Toyota Tundras for sale.
7. 2015 Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 has a 5.7-liter V8 with nearly 400 horsepower, an 8-speed automatic, and smooth-riding coil-spring rear axle that makes it great to drive. The Ram 1500 truck can tow up to 9,200 pounds, which should be plenty for most light-duty owners. Just don’t expect to haul the whole family — this price is for the regular cab. See used Ram 1500s for sale.
8. 2013 GMC Sierra 1500
Find a Sierra equipped with the Max Trailering package, and this rig can tow a 10,700-pound trailer. Part of the credit goes to the stout rear axle and 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. However, even the typical 1500 will be able to take on a 9,400-pound trailer with its 5.3-liter V8. See used GMC Sierra 1500s for sale.
9. 2014 Toyota Tacoma
Even though the Toyota Tacoma doesn’t have the same towing capacity as the other trucks on this list, it tops the charts when it comes to reliability and resale value. If you want to be able to tow 6,500 pounds, look for a model with the 4.0-liter V6. See used Toyota Tacomas for sale.
10. 2016 GMC Canyon
The GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado can both tow 7,700 pounds. That’s close to what a full-size truck could tow a decade ago. It’s the most of any midsize truck, thanks to its optional diesel, which you can get and stay under budget. As a bonus, the Canyon drives small and is easy to use as a daily driver. See used GMC Canyons for sale.
