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What size truck do I need to tow 5000 lbs?

When it comes to towing a load of 5,000 lbs, the size of the truck you'll need depends on a few key factors. In general, a medium-duty truck or a half-ton pickup truck should be able to handle this weight comfortably.


Factors to Consider


The specific truck size you'll need depends on the following factors:



  • Towing Capacity: This is the maximum weight the truck can safely tow. For a 5,000 lb load, you'll want a truck with a towing capacity of at least 6,000 lbs.

  • Payload Capacity: This is the maximum weight the truck can carry in the bed and cab. You'll want a truck with a payload capacity that can handle the weight of the trailer, cargo, and passengers.

  • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This is the maximum weight the truck can safely handle, including the vehicle, passengers, cargo, and trailer. The GVWR should be higher than the combined weight of the truck, trailer, and cargo.


Based on these factors, a half-ton pickup truck or a medium-duty truck would be a good choice for towing a 5,000 lb load.


Recommended Truck Sizes


Here are some specific truck models and sizes that would be suitable for towing a 5,000 lb load:



  • Half-Ton Pickup Trucks: Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan

  • Medium-Duty Trucks: Ford F-250, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Ram 2500, GMC Sierra 2500


It's important to check the specific towing and payload capacities of each model to ensure it can handle the 5,000 lb load safely. Additionally, consider factors like the terrain, weather conditions, and driving habits when selecting the appropriate truck size.

What Ford can tow 5000 lbs?


Ford Explorer
For midrange towing capabilities, you'll want the Ford Explorer with a max towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds or the larger Expedition, which can tow 6,000 pounds or more. The Explorer can easily tow the following when properly equipped: Utility Trailers.



Can a half ton truck pull a 6000 lb trailer?


Half-ton trucks are extremely popular tow vehicles. Travel trailers that fit within their payload and towing capacities average from 1,000 to 2,000 pounds and 5,000 to 13,000 pounds respectively.



What size truck can tow 5000 lbs?


A mid-size truck such as the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet Colorado are all rated to tow between 5,000 to 7,000 pounds.



What midsize truck can tow 7000 lbs?


Midsize Trucks with Best Towing Capacity

  • 2025 GMC Canyon. Towing Capacity: Up to 7,700 lbs. Positives.
  • 2025 Chevrolet Colorado. Towing Capacity: Up to 7,700 lbs.
  • 2025 Ford Ranger. Towing Capacity: Up to 7,500 lbs.
  • 2025 Jeep Gladiator. Towing Capacity: Up to 7,000 lbs.
  • 2024 Nissan Frontier. Towing Capacity: Up to 6,690 lbs.



Can a Ram 1500 tow 5000 lbs?


The RAM 1500 has towing capacities ranging from 6,760 lbs. in the Tradesmen HFE with 3.6L V6 engine to 11,650 lbs.



How big of a trailer can a V6 Tacoma pull?


Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity Chart by Year

Model YearMaximum Towing Capacity
2021 Toyota Tacoma3,500 lbs (2.7L 4-Cyl engine)1 6,800 lbs (3.5L V-6 engine)1
2020 Toyota Tacoma3,500 lbs (2.7L 4-Cyl engine)1 6,800 lbs (3.5L V-6 engine)1
2019 Toyota Tacoma3,500 lbs (2.7L 4-Cyl engine)1 6,800 lbs (3.5L V-6 engine)1



What is the best vehicle to tow a 5000 lb trailer?


SUVs and Crossovers That Tow at Least 5,000 Pounds

  • 2023 Subaru Ascent | 5,000 Pounds.
  • 2023 Chevrolet Traverse | 5,000 Pounds.
  • 2023 Hyundai Palisade | 5,000 Pounds.
  • 2023 Volkswagen Atlas | 5,000 Pounds.
  • 2023 Honda Passport | 5,000 Pounds.
  • 2023 Honda Pilot | 5,000 Pounds.
  • 2023 Volvo XC90 and XC90 Recharge | 5,000 Pounds.



Can an F150 pull a 6000 lb trailer?


The towing capacity of the new 2024 Ford F-150 trucks ranges from 5,000 pounds to 13,500 pounds when properly equipped. If your fully loaded horse trailer falls within those parameters and your F-150 truck is set up for that tow rating, your new Ford truck can tow a horse trailer.



What is the towing capacity of a Silverado 1500?


13,300 pounds
The maximum Chevy Silverado 1500 towing capacity is an impressive 13,300 pounds. The Silverado 1500 payload isn't too shabby, either. Let's take a closer look at the trailering capabilities of this truck.



Can a Toyota Tacoma pull a 7000 lb trailer?


No, the Toyota Tacoma should not pull a 7,000-pound trailer. Its max towing capacity is 6,500 pounds. Going above that weight limit can cause engine strain, brake wear, tire warp, and even chassis bending.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.