What van can tow 10,000 lbs?
Today’s new vans do not typically offer a 10,000-pound towing rating. The ability to tow around 10k pounds is generally found in older, heavy-duty “one-ton” van configurations or their cutaway equivalents, rather than in standard modern cargo vans. If you need 10,000 pounds of towing capacity, you’ll likely be looking at used vans or specialized chassis configurations.
To understand which vans can reach that level, it helps to distinguish between current production models and legacy heavy-duty vans. The following options have historically approached or reached 10,000 pounds with the right drivetrain and towing package, but many are no longer sold new in the market or require a cutaway/chassis-cab format. Exact ratings vary by year, engine, axle ratio, and equipment, so always verify with the manufacturer for any specific model year and configuration.
Heavy-duty van options that can reach roughly 10,000 lbs (primarily used/one-ton models)
Below are the categories most associated with 10,000-pound towing potential, typically available on used units or specialized configurations. Ratings depend on engine choice, towing package, and hitch/brake setup.
- Ford E-Series (E-350, E-450) cargo vans — historically capable of towing about 10,000–12,000 lb with a proper tow package; new production ended several years ago, so these are commonly found in the used market.
- Chevrolet Express 3500 / GMC Savana 3500 (and 4500 cutaway) — one-ton vans built on a heavy-duty platform; towing in the vicinity of 9,500–12,000+ lb depending on engine and equipment; widely seen as used vans or cutaways in commercial fleets.
- Chassis-cab variants (Express/Savana cutaways, Ford E-series cutaways) — fleets often pair these with heavy-duty towing setups, sometimes achieving around 10,000 lb or more when properly configured.
In contrast, current-production cargo vans such as the Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter typically top out around 6,000–7,500 pounds of trailering capacity, with only a few diesel or high-torque configurations nudging higher. If you must tow 10,000 pounds with a van today, the pragmatic route is to source a used one-ton van or a cutaway/chassis cab designed for heavier towing, and to confirm exact ratings with the manufacturer for the precise year and configuration you’re considering.
Why the discrepancy matters
Vehicle towing ratings depend on multiple interrelated factors: gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), gross combined weight rating (GCWR), engine output and cooling, transmission, suspension, braking, hitch class, and whether the trailer has electric brakes. One-ton vans and cutaways are engineered to handle heavier trailers, whereas standard modern cargo vans prioritize efficiency and payload rather than high-tow capabilities. This is why 10,000-pound towing is rarely advertised on new vans and is more common in older or specialized configurations.
For buyers who truly need to tow 10,000 pounds, the practical route today is a used one-ton van or a chassis cab configured for high towing capacity, with due diligence on GVWR/GCWR, braking requirements, and trailer brake compatibility. Always verify exact specifications for the intended year, engine, and equipment before purchasing.
Summary
In the current market, no new van lists a 10,000-pound towing rating. The capable options for reaching that level are primarily older one-ton vans (Ford E-Series and GM Express/Savana 3500/4500) or their cutaway/chassis-cab variants, which must be carefully specified and tested for towing capacity. If you require 10,000 pounds of towing today, consider a used heavy-duty van or a purpose-built chassis cab, and verify exact ratings with the manufacturer for the specific year and configuration.
