Finding the right truck for towing a small trailer means matching weight requirements with the right-sized truck. For instance, you probably don’t need a behemoth if you’re pulling a small trailer with a jet ski, though it’s easy to end up with more truck than you need. Being smart about it can save thousands of dollars.
Right-Sizing Your Truck
There are lots of customizable options on the market, so you may not need a pricey Ford F-150 or a Ram 1500. Doing your homework will lead you to plenty of alternatives for less money. A compact pickup truck can be customized to suit your needs, allowing you to avoid the expense of a full-size pickup.
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger, as sold, is capable of hauling up to 3,500 pounds, but adding the Ford Trailer Tow Package jumps that threshold up to more than 7,000 pounds. If you consider that the average weight of a trailer and two jet skis, for example, amounts to about 2,000 pounds, the Ford Ranger is more than enough truck to do the job.
The Ford Ranger starts at $25,390, a far cry from a full-size Ford F-150 Lightning, which is priced at just under $40,000, though a full-size truck may be called for if you need to haul heavy-duty equipment.
Chevy Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a powerful pickup with a towing capacity of from 8,900 to 11,000 pounds. At a base starting price of about $37,500 (for a regular-size cab), it can be an excellent investment if you have a small trailer to pull. The Max Trailer Package adds enough pulling power to haul 12,000 pounds.
You can easily optimize your Chevy Silverado by going with the Crew Cab model and the LT trim. If you want even more punch, consider adding the optional diesel engine and making rear-wheel drive part of your power package.
Jeep Gladiator
If you’re into off-roading, the Jeep Gladiator, with 4,500 pounds of towing capacity, can check off two “must-have” boxes. It’s offered with a standard manual transmission, but a diesel engine comes optional, which adds towing capacity of up to 7,000 pounds. Its starting price of $38,305 is at the higher end of the compact truck price range, though its Jeep qualities add value.
Ford F-150
The flagship of Ford’s pickup class, the F-150 is at or near the top when it comes to towing capacity thanks to its 14,000 pounds of towing power. Its six available engines make it easy to find a trim that’s suited to your needs, so you don’t have to settle for a version that’s got more power than you really need.
See Your ATV Dealer
If you’re considering purchasing an ATV, consult your local dealership about the kind of towing power you’ll need to haul a small trailer. They’ll be able to recommend a truck that can get you uphill in difficult conditions and across difficult terrains. Ask your ATV dealer for recommendations that suit your budget as well as your towing needs.
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