Towing 15,000 pounds or more requires a heavy‑duty vehicle with a strong engine, reinforced chassis, and advanced towing equipment. Most vehicles in this category are large pickups designed for commercial, agricultural, or heavy recreational use, though certain SUVs and chassis‑cab trucks can also meet the requirement.
Heavy‑Duty Pickup Trucks
Ford Super Duty Series
- F‑250, F‑350, F‑450
- Available with a 6.7‑liter Power Stroke turbo diesel V8 producing massive torque.
- Properly equipped, the F‑450 can tow over 37,000 pounds (gooseneck/fifth‑wheel).
Ram Heavy Duty
- 2500, 3500
- 6.7‑liter Cummins turbo diesel inline‑six available in high‑output configuration.
- Ram 3500 can tow up to about 37,000 pounds with a fifth‑wheel setup.
Chevrolet Silverado HD / GMC Sierra HD
- 2500HD, 3500HD
- 6.6‑liter Duramax turbo diesel V8 with Allison transmission.
- Maximum towing exceeds 36,000 pounds with the right configuration.
Specialty & Chassis‑Cab Trucks
- Ford F‑550 / F‑600 – Designed for commercial use, towing capacity often well above 20,000 pounds.
- Ram 4500 / 5500 Chassis Cab – Built for hauling and towing in industrial settings.
- Chevy Silverado 4500HD / 5500HD – Medium‑duty work trucks with extremely high tow ratings.
SUVs & Other Vehicles
- While most SUVs do not reach 15,000‑pound towing capacity, some can get close with special setups:
- Chevrolet Suburban HD (fleet models) – Higher towing capacity than civilian versions.
- Ford Excursion (discontinued) – When equipped with a diesel, capable of towing above 10,000 pounds, but below most heavy‑duty trucks.
Towing Considerations
- Hitch Type – Maximum capacities are usually achieved with gooseneck or fifth‑wheel setups, not conventional hitches.
- Axle Ratios – Higher numerical axle ratios improve towing ability.
- Braking Systems – Heavy loads require trailer brake controllers and robust vehicle brakes.
- Licensing and Laws – Some states require special endorsements for towing over certain weights.