Best Pickup Trucks for Towing Under CDL

My husband and I are both truck lovers so we respect each brand of truck and have likes and dislikes about all of them, but at the same time we have our favorites!  We have owned and towed with Chevy, Ford and Dodge trucks of all different ages, engine types and fuels.  Our goal for this article is to share our experience and knowledge of the different pickup trucks we've used to start and throughout our transport business.  For beginners or newer companies, this information could be extremely important for your survival in the business.  Choosing the wrong trucks and equipment can make you or break you unless you have plenty of money saved on the side to cover the issues, this was not us.  One thing to remember is that all trucks are machines and will need maintenance and repairs and will breakdown and have mechanical issues at some point. The best way to handle this is choosing the right truck for your job to begin with, keeping up with your maintenance, preparing and saving for when the issues do happen. 

Here is the breakdown (no pun intended) of what we'll be going over:

• Different types of trucks under CDL
• Diesel vs. gas engines for towing
• Drivetrain types
• Comfort and convenience for long distance towing
• Fuel efficiency and cost of ownership 
• Aftermarket upgrades and towing customization

Different Types of Truck Options Under CDL 

Pickup trucks are flexible and efficient for everyday driving and moderate towing. They handle vehicles, boats, campers, or work trailers ranging from 7,000–13,000 lbs. Turbocharged V6 or small diesel engines provide good power without hurting fuel economy.

Modern pickup trucks include sway control, hitch guidance, and trailer backup assist. These features make towing accessible even for new drivers. They also have built in, integrated trailer brake controller systems.  Look for trucks with weight distribution hitch compatibility and strong frame construction.  While some of the fancy new features are effective and enjoyable, some of us prefer old school systems and aftermarket goodies, finding them easier, more familiar, and just as safe.  Also, getting the right balance between towing power and comfort helps you safely tow while still enjoying daily use. 

Tow/Haul mode changes how your truck’s transmission shifts. It holds gears longer, gives you more power at lower speeds, and prevents the transmission from hunting between gears. In mountain driving or when towing up steep grades, this helps prevent overheating and reduces wear.  Some trucks add extra transmission cooling and special software when tow/haul mode is engaged. These upgrades help the truck manage extra weight smoothly, preventing jerky shifts or engine strain. Many trucks also include downhill speed control, using engine braking to help slow your load on grades.

Whichever truck you choose, choosing the right engine for your needs is very important.  Some things to think about are what will you primarily use the truck for, how important fuel economy is to you, consider how much weight you need to tow and your budget for the initial purchase as well as the long term maintenance costs.  Pairing these features with your specific needs creates a safer, more stable towing experience. 

Here is a comparison of some of the most popular trucks under CDL and some notes on each that we thought are most important to consider.  

• Dodge trucks-Dodge trucks such as the Ram 1500, 2500 & 3500, are designed for versatility and efficiency in towing.  These trucks are known for their strong engine performance, stability and durability which are significant advantages and beneficial for towing light duty loads.  Also, their ruggedness and muscle.  They offer a range of engine options and configurations to suit various towing needs.  The 6.7 liter cummins turbo diesel engine is the highest rated engine for towing and is their powerhouse in Dodge trucks because of its towing capacity, incredible torque and is long lasting and reliable.  A disadvantage from reviews with Dodge's are their higher starting prices and their size and weight which may be an issue in some towing scenarios.  Key points I would consider when towing with Dodge trucks are their engine options, towing capacity which tends to be rated higher on Dodge's, payload capacity and towing features.  You can check out more specifics at Dodge's truck website at, https://www.ramtrucks.com/towing/towing-capacity-guide.  
• Chevy trucks-Chevy trucks such as the Silverado 1500, 2500 & 3500, are designed to handle a variety of towing and trailering needs.  These trucks are known for their strong towing capabilities and advanced towing features.  The newer Chevy's offer systems like integrated trailer brake controllers, trailer sway control, and tow/haul mode which helps maintain stability and control while towing.  These trucks are equipped with features that enhance trailering performance such as heavy duty cooling and extendable trailering mirrors.  Chevy trucks are recognized for their long lasting durability and proven performance which contributes to their reliability.  Chevy's also offer various towing packages that can be customized for different towing requirements allowing for flexibility for both light and heavy duty towing.  Chevy's best rated engine for towing is the 6.2 liter V8 gas engine because of its impressive torque and horsepower ratings and offers advanced features like the dynamic fuel management for improved fuel efficiency.  I have to agree the Chevy gas engines are well made with minimal downtime or issues.  For those who prefer a diesel option, the 3.0 liter duramax diesel engine offers high towing capacities for long haul drivers, RV towing and drivers who log serious mileage.  One disadvantage that is worth noting is their reviews of the interior quality which may be less appealing with lower end features.  From our experience, Chevy's are built for comfort, overall reliability, easiest to work on and diagnose and their gas engines are hard to beat in dependability and long lasting.  You can check out more specifics at Chevy's truck website at 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 | Pickup Truck | Chevrolet.
• Ford trucks-Ford trucks such as the F150, F250 and F350 are known for their robust engine options and advanced towing technologies along with their toughness and durability.  They are also known for their reliability, high towing capacities, engine options, extensive customization options and safety features like the pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking.  The pro trailer backup assist and trailer sway control features in Ford trucks provide added safety and ease when towing heavy loads.  Ford's best rated engine for towing is the 3.5 liter ecoboost V6 due to its exceptional towing capacity and torque rating.  Their top rated diesel engine is the 6.7 liter power stroke diesel engine due to towing capacity, torque and performance being the most powerful option among Ford's diesel engines.  Some disadvantages of these Ford trucks may be the lower max payloads, no hybrid mode and fuel efficiency.  From our experience, Ford has probably the roughest ride and issues with squatting the most, but is very comfortable, efficient with functional, upgraded interior, standard towing features and is a powerhouse of a truck.    You can check out more specifics at Ford's truck website at Ford Towing | Towing Capacity, Towing Guides & More | Ford.com.  

The following information is only from our opinions and experiences to share with you.  If we had to recommend the best light duty pickup truck for occasional towing or a newer tow company just getting started with not a lot of funds to work with and mainly staying within your state, sorry Dodge and Ford lovers, but it would be the Chevy Silverado 3500 dually, 8.1 vortec gas engine with the allison transmission!  Our reasoning is because of the combination of torque, power, bulletproof transmission, comfortability, reliability and the ease with the maintenance and repairs.  If there was one thing we could change or tell ourselves back when we first started, this would definitely be one of the top tips we would have let ourselves know and would have saved us much heartache and money.  Our first truck was the 03 Chevy Silverado 3500 with this engine and transmission and she is semi retired now, but still available and ready to work at almost 500,000 miles and 10 years later!  We named her snowball and she is a true workhorse.  She has worked with many of the new drivers, has worked long, out of state loads and local loads.  This truck has pulled enclosed trailers, campers, 2 and 3 car hot shot trailer rigs and now is a semi retired wheel lift tow truck!  We chose different trucks throughout our time so far to learn the differences in the trucks, but none of the other trucks come close to the money we have made with this truck due to the power, minimal downtime and the ease to maintain, work on and repair quickly.  Also, not many aftermarket upgrades were needed for this truck, but when you did add for example the heavy duty brakes and electronic brake controller and air bags she was unstoppable! We've also had other years of this same truck and have had the same experiences so we highly recommend giving these trucks a chance to prove themselves to you! 

For any of these trucks, we always recommend referring to their official truck websites and owner manuals.  Each of these trucks also have their own maintenance schedules and  utility accessories such as winches, mirrors and hitches that will work best for your specific needs.  

Diesel vs Gasoline Engines for Towing

Diesel engines suit people who tow heavy loads often.  A diesel delivers high torque at lower RPMs, which gives stronger pulling power on steep grades and helps your truck move smoothly with a heavy trailer attached. Diesel trucks usually get better fuel mileage under towing conditions, which means fewer stops when you’re hauling long distances.  If you plan to tow for example a large RV or a triple-axle boat, diesel powertrains are the safer and more reliable pick.

Gasoline engines fit those who tow smaller loads, hauling shorter distances or towing occasionally. They’re quieter, warm up faster in cold weather, and often cost less upfront and in maintenance and repair situations. But, they use more fuel while towing and may not handle heavy weights as easily.  If you plan to tow for example 1 or 2 average sized vehicles more locally then this may be the best option.

Drivetrain Types and Their Impact on Towing

The drivetrain in your truck affects towing capacity, traction, and safety. Most trucks offer these main options:

• Rear-wheel drive (RWD): Standard on many trucks, it works for highway towing and light loads. But, it can lose traction on gravel or wet roads, which raises the risk of trailer sway.
• Four-wheel drive (4WD): Delivers power to all wheels, giving better grip in mud, snow, or on uneven surfaces. 4WD adds weight, slightly lowering maximum towing capacity, but boosts control and safety when the road gets tough.
• All-wheel drive (AWD): Usually found on lighter trucks and SUVs. AWD systems are less robust than 4WD but work well for slippery roads and light towing.

Comfort and Convenience for Long-Distance Towing

Long-distance towing requires extra attention, stamina, and comfort. The right truck features make your drive easier and safer, especially on long hauls or challenging routes.

Comfortable cabins and interior amenities matter on long trips. Look for trucks with ergonomic seating that offers multiple adjustments, lumbar support, and ventilation or heating. This reduces fatigue on long drives. Front seats with memory settings help you find and keep your preferred position, even with multiple drivers.

Dual-zone or tri-zone climate control lets everyone set their own temperature. Automatic climate adjustment keeps you focused, even as weather changes.

Plenty of storage helps, too. Deep center consoles, large door pockets, and fold-flat rear seats keep snacks, maps, and tools organized. High-end trucks may offer panoramic sunroofs, quiet insulated cabins, and power-adjustable pedals for a more comfortable experience.

Fuel Efficiency and Cost of Ownership

Fuel efficiency is important when towing heavy loads. Large trucks use more fuel, especially with big trailers. Choosing a truck with better miles per gallon (MPG) saves money on long trips.

Diesel engines usually cost more up front but offer better fuel economy and longer engine life. Gas trucks may cost less initially but often use more fuel per mile.

Consider insurance, regular maintenance, repairs, and fuel costs when calculating total ownership costs. These expenses add up over time.

Aftermarket Upgrades and Customization for Towing

These upgrades not only improve towing capacity, but also enhance safety and comfort, making your truck a more capable tow rig.  Always ensure that any modifications comply with your vehicle's manufacturer's towing capacity limits to avoid potential safety hazards.  There are many aftermarket upgrades to check out, happy exploring! 

We would love to hear your thoughts, what do you think the best trucks are for towing under CDL and your favorite aftermarket upgrades?