Towing 15,000 pounds or more requires a heavy-duty truck with a strong chassis, high torque engine, and advanced towing equipment. Many modern three-quarter-ton and one‑ton pickups meet or exceed this capability when properly equipped.
Heavy-Duty Pickup Trucks
Ford
- F‑250 Super Duty – Up to around 22,000 lbs with a 6.7L Power Stroke diesel.
- F‑350 Super Duty – Over 21,000 lbs conventional towing and more than 35,000 lbs with a gooseneck.
Chevrolet / GMC
- Silverado 2500HD / Sierra 2500HD – Around 18,500 lbs with a 6.6L Duramax diesel.
- Silverado 3500HD / Sierra 3500HD – Over 20,000 lbs conventional and up to 36,000 lbs gooseneck.
Ram
- Ram 2500 – Around 20,000 lbs with a 6.7L Cummins diesel.
- Ram 3500 – Up to 23,000 lbs conventional and over 37,000 lbs gooseneck with high‑output Cummins.
Specialty & Commercial Trucks
- Ford F‑450 Super Duty – Over 24,000 lbs conventional towing, exceeding 37,000 lbs with gooseneck.
- Medium‑Duty Trucks – Models like the Ford F‑550, Ram 5500, and Chevrolet 5500XD can tow well beyond 15,000 lbs, often exceeding 30,000 lbs with the right setup.
Key Considerations
- Proper Equipment – Towing capacities require a specific engine, axle ratio, hitch type, and towing packages.
- Trailer Type – Gooseneck and fifth‑wheel setups allow for higher towing ratings than bumper‑pull trailers.
- Licensing – Some states require a special license for towing above certain weight thresholds.
If you need to tow 15,000 pounds or more, heavy-duty pickups like the Ford Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD, and Ram HD are your best options. For even heavier loads, specialized commercial trucks offer extreme towing capacity and durability.