Ford Super Duty. Ram 3500. Chevy Silverado. You know all the big players in the game, but how do they stack up when it comes to benefits like towing capacity, ride quality, and engine power? We've done the homework for you and answered the most important questions you have when looking for the perfect truck to tow your fifth wheel. See how the top truck brands compare below.
For more information on choosing between payload capacities, gas vs. diesel, SRW vs. DRW, and more, check out our Guide to Choosing the Best Truck for 5th-Wheel Towing.
You can also check out our comparison of 2019 trucks and 2018 trucks.
View comparisons for:
Top 2017 1-Ton Trucks
From fifth wheel prep packages to sturdy dual rear wheel setups, these are the up-for-anything trucks designed to handle your toughest towing jobs.
Max. 5th Wheel Towing:
27,500 lbs.*
Diesel Engine Option:
Power Stroke® Turbo Diesel V8
925 torque; 440 horsepower
★ Highest Towing Capacity
★ Most Torque
★ Most Awards
× Most Recalls
Max. 5th Wheel Towing:
24,000 lbs.*
Diesel Engine Option:
Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6
900 torque; 385 horsepower
Max. 5th Wheel Towing:
23,300 lbs.*
Diesel Engine Option:
Duramax® Turbo-Diesel V8
910 torque; 445 horsepower
★ Most Horsepower (Tied)
★ Fewest Recalls
★ Best Resale Value
Max. 5th Wheel Towing:
23,300 lbs.*
Diesel Engine Option:
Duramax® Turbo-Diesel V8
910 torque; 445 horsepower
★ Most Horsepower (Tied)
*When properly equipped
Opinions, Awards, & Recalls
The 2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty merges brains and brawn with its array of technological options and powerful towing capabilities. With a maximum fifth wheel towing capacity of 27,500 lbs., the F-350 is built to handle the biggest challenges. However, that doesn't mean the truck isn't also comfortable. The roomy interior is ideal for long trips, and with up to seven cameras (one of which is a center high-mount camera for easing fifth-wheel hookup), towing is more convenient than ever before. Ford's Power Stroke® Turbo Diesel V8 is second to none when it comes to torque output and is available in every F-Series Super Duty configuration.
On the other hand, one of the most common complaints about the F-350 is its price tag. Though the base model offers the best starting price for comparable one tons, the full comfort, power, and convenience of the F-350 don't come cheap— those options will cost extra. The spacious interior also translates to an overall bulk that can be stiff to drive when not towing.
★ Awards & Accolades:
🏆 Ford Brand Awards:
⚠ Recalls: 1
View More Info
The Ram 3500 offers an impressive 24,000-lb. fifth wheel towing capacity. The powerful Cummins® TurboDiesel engine, admired by Ram drivers for its superb strength and dependability, makes the Ram 3500 a great choice for towing (particularly when paired with the popular AISIN transmission). Other perks include a cargo-view camera (ideal for fifth-wheel hookup), excellent fuel efficiency, and considerable interior space—the Mega Cab offers the most interior space in its class when properly equipped.
The Ram 3500 struggles with ride quality, particularly when not hauling a heavy load. This isn't a truck known for its smooth or fast handling, but then again, these aren't qualities typically associated with 1-ton trucks in general.
The Chevrolet Silverado 3500's Duramax® Turbo-Diesel V8 engine beats out both Ram's and Ford's diesel counterparts in terms of horsepower, yet most drivers report a surprisingly smooth and quiet ride compared to Chevy's 1-ton competitors. With fewer recalls than its rivals, the Silverado 3500 is notably reliable, and towing is safer and easier than ever with the available Trailering Camera System (including a rear camera to ease fifth-wheel hookup). In terms of price, the Silverado slides in just under the GMC Sierra while offering the same basic components under the hood.
The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 can't quite compete with Ram's and Ford's 1-ton trucks when it comes to towing capacity, and fuel economy isn't one of this truck's strong points when towing.
★ Awards & Accolades:
⚠ Recalls: 1
View More Info
The GMC Sierra 3500, like the highly similar Chevrolet Silverado 3500, is a strong and stylish vehicle. While its fifth-wheel towing abillities aren't quite up to the standards of the Ford F-350 or Ram 3500, GMC recognizes that most truck drivers never max out their trucks' towing capacities. Rather than beefing up the Sierra's maximum capacities, GMC has instead focused its efforts on creating a truck with a sophisticated look and a supremely quiet, comfortable drive. A particularly useful feature is the available center brake light camera for easing fifth-wheel hookup. The upscale Denali trim also includes luxury features such as heated and ventilated leather-appointed seats, a factory spray-on bed liner, and a standard driver alert package (with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, and other safety technology).
Of course, creature comforts come at a price, particularly with the high-end Denali line, which starts at $55,280. And while the Sierra's considerable capabilities are not to be overlooked, if maximum towing power is your primary consideration, a power truck like the Ford F-350 may better suit your needs (and at a lower price point).
★ Awards & Accolades:
🏆 GMC Brand Award:
⚠ Recalls: 1
View More InfoThese trucks aren't quite the behemoths that their 1-ton siblings are, but what they lack in towing capacity they make up for with a superior ride.
Max. 5th Wheel Towing:
18,000 lbs.*
Diesel Engine Option:
Power Stroke® Turbo Diesel V8
925 torque; 440 horsepower
★ Most Torque
★ Best Safety Ratings
★ Most Awards
× Most Recalls
Max. 5th Wheel Towing:
17,980 lbs.*
Diesel Engine Option:
Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6
800 torque; 370 horsepower
Max. 5th Wheel Towing:
18,100 lbs.*
Diesel Engine Option:
Duramax® Turbo-Diesel V8
910 torque; 445 horsepower
★ Highest Towing Capacity (Tied)
★ Most Horsepower (Tied)
★ Fewest Recalls (Tied)
★ Best Resale Value
Max. 5th Wheel Towing:
18,100 lbs.*
Diesel Engine Option:
Duramax® Turbo-Diesel V8
910 torque; 445 horsepower
★ Highest Towing Capacity (Tied)
★ Most Horsepower (Tied)
Max. 5th Wheel Towing:
12,760 lbs.*
Diesel Engine Option:
Cummins® DOHC V8 Turbo Diesel V8
555 torque; 310 horsepower
★ Fewest Recalls (Tied)
*When properly equipped
Opinions, Awards, & Recalls
Ford's 2017 F-250 Super Duty is a hefty machine—plenty big enough to tow a large trailer and provide considerable room for passengers to get comfortable. Still, most drivers report efficient handling and responsiveness for a vehicle of its size. The truck allows for a total of seven cameras (including a center high-mount camera for easy fifth-wheel hookup), which are certain to make any towing enthusiast's life easier. Ford's Power Stroke® Turbo Diesel V8 is second to none when it comes to torque output, and since the Power Stroke® is available in every F-Series Super Duty configuration, you can enjoy the perks of one of the best diesels on the market no matter which model you choose.
The Ford F-250 falls just shy of GM trucks in the areas of horsepower and towing capacity, and Ford's lengthy list of recalls for the 2017 model don't suggest the same level of reliability as its rivals. The truck can also be cumbersome to park, given its size.
Supercab PU/EC 4x2 and 4x4 models.
Regular Cab PU/RC 4x2 and 4x4, Supercab PU/EC 4x4, and Crew Cab PU/CC 4x4 models.
★ Awards & Accolades:
🏆 Ford Brand Awards:
⚠ Recalls: 1
View More Info
The Ram 2500 blends power and style with its rugged work-truck look and spacious, high-quality interior. The popular and powerful Cummins® TurboDiesel engine, known for its superb strength and dependability, is a fan favorite and one of the 2017 Ram 2500's biggest selling points. The truck's Uconnect® technology is functional and user-friendly, and the unique coil suspension (as opposed to the 3500's leaf suspension) makes for a better ride quality. With plenty of safety technology available, including a cargo-view camera ideal for easing fifth-wheel hookup, you can tow with confidence.
Despite the reputation of Ram's Cummins® engine, Ford and GM trucks have Ram beat in terms of torque and horsepower, particularly since the maximum numbers achieved with the 1-ton truck drop in the 3/4-ton model. The Ram 2500 also falls short (if only by a slight margin) in towing capacity.
Crew Cab PU/CC 4x2 and Crew Cab PU/CC 4x4 models. Other models not rated.
Chevrolet's 2017 Silverado 2500 offers an unbeatable combination of power and reliability. The truck's Duramax® Turbo-Diesel V8 engine tops out at 445 horsepower, beating out its Ford and Ram competitors, and its fifth-wheel towing capacity of 18,100 lbs. is tied with GMC for best in class. The Silverado's quiet cabin and modern technology, including a Trailering Camera System with a rear camera to ease fifth-wheel hookup, is certain to make your towing experience more comfortable and convenient than ever.
Like most 3/4-ton trucks, the Silverado 2500 sacrifices fuel effiency in the name of power, and while the ride quality isn't bad for a truck of its size, the Silverado 2500 still suffers from the curse of its kind—namely, that the best towing truck isn't necessarily the smoothest daily driver.
PU/RC RWD and 4WD, PU/EC RWD and 4WD models. Other models not rated.
★ Awards & Accolades:
⚠ Recalls: 1
View More Info
The 2017 GMC Sierra 2500 sports the same basic makeup as the Chevrolet Silverado 2500, beating out Ford and Ram in the horsepower category and tying with Chevy for first place in fifth-wheel towing capacity. Hooking up your trailer is easier than ever with the Sierra's center brake light camera—one of many available technological features. The luxurious Denali trim offers even more upgrades, including heated and ventilated leather-appointed seats, a factory spray-on bed liner, and a standard driver alert package (with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, and other safety technology).
While the 2017 GMC Sierra 2500 claims many of the same features and specifications as the Chevrolet Silverado, it's worth noting that the Sierra is slotted into second place when it comes to recalls and resale value, and GMC doesn't have quite the same claim to quality and dependability (at least as far as award-granting organizations are concerned), though it still features a higher entry-level price.
PU/RC RWD and 4WD, PU/EC RWD and 4WD models. Other models not rated.
★ Awards & Accolades:
🏆 GMC Brand Award:
⚠ Recalls: 1
View More Info
Popularly termed the "Goldilocks" truck, the Nissan Titan XD falls somewhere between half-ton trucks and 3/4-ton trucks in terms of its capability, comfort, and performance. For those that need more towing power than the half-ton trucks can offer but can do without the bulk of the 1-ton or 3/4-ton trucks, the Nissan XD is not too big, not too small, but just right. The truck drives more comfortably than a 3/4-ton truck while still offering a considerable fifth-wheel towing capacity of up to 12,760 lbs. with the powerful Cummins® DOHC Turbo Diesel V8 engine. Like its rivals, the Nissan XD offers a variety of technological safety features, including up to four cameras for a bird's-eye view of your vehicle.
The downside of a "Goldilocks" truck is that it's forever in-between—not as capable as the larger 3/4-ton trucks, but not as comfortable as the half-ton class. The less-than-ideal fuel efficiency and small fuel tank also leave a lot to be desired.
★ Awards & Accolades:
*Single Cab Diesel Model
🏆 Nissan Brand Awards:
⚠ Recalls: 1
View More InfoTop 2017 Half-Ton Trucks
Bigger isn't always better. These incredibly powerful machines offer the best in everyday driving comfort and fuel efficiency while maintaining the work ethic expected of a truck.
Max. 5th Wheel Towing:
12,100 lbs.*
Premium Engine:
3.5L V6 EcoBoost®
470 torque; 375 horsepower
Estimated MPG:
18 City/24 Hwy*
★ Highest Towing Capacity
★ Best Safety Ratings (Tied)
★ Most Torque
★ Most Awards
× Most Recalls
Max. 5th Wheel Towing:
10,640 lbs.*
Premium Engine:
3.0L V6 EcoDiesel
420 torque; 240 horsepower
Estimated MPG:
20 City/27 Hwy*
★ Best Fuel Economy
Max. 5th Wheel Towing:
11,700 lbs.*
Premium Engine:
6.2L EcoTec3 V8
460 torque; 420 horsepower
Estimated MPG:
18 City/24 Hwy*
★ Most Horsepower (Tied)
★ Best Safety Ratings (Tied)
Max. 5th Wheel Towing:
11,800 lbs.*
Premium Engine:
6.2L EcoTec3 V8
460 torque; 420 horsepower
Estimated MPG:
18 City/24 Hwy*
★ Most Horsepower (Tied)
★ Best Safety Ratings (Tied)
Max. 5th Wheel Towing:
10,500 lbs.*
Premium Engine:
i-FORCE 5.7L V8
401 torque; 381 horsepower
Estimated MPG:
15 City/19 Hwy*
★ Best Resale Value
Max. 5th Wheel Towing:
9,740 lbs.*
Engine:
5.6L Endurance® V8**
394 torque; 390 horsepower
Estimated MPG:
15 City/21 Hwy*
★ Fewest Recalls
*When properly equipped
**Only engine option currently offered (A V6 engine will be available for the Nissan Titan at a later date)
Opinions, Awards, & Recalls
The 2017 Ford F-150 is one of the top-rated half-ton trucks on the market, boasting an impressive collection of awards, the highest torque output, and the highest fifth-wheel towing capacity of its class. Enjoy a comfortable ride in the F-150's roomy interior surrounded by convenient technology, including an available 360-degree camera system that makes fifth-wheel hookup easier than ever. With a wide array of trim options, engine choices, packages, and price points available, there's sure to be something to please everyone.
Fuel efficiency is good but not great, especially compared to Ram's best-in-class fuel economy (though this may change in Spring 2018, when Ford's F-150 Power Stroke® diesel engine is set to debut).
All models.
★ Awards & Accolades:
*SuperCrew & SuperCab Models with optional front crash prevention
**3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 Engine
***Regular Cab Model
🏆 Ford Brand Awards:
⚠ Recalls: 1
View More Info
The 2017 Ram 1500's coil-spring front and rear suspension translate into a uniquely smooth ride, and the entry-level model comes at a competitive cost. The Ram 1500 is also the only half-ton light-duty truck with diesel engine option in 2017, so if fuel economy is at the top of your must-have list, you'll definitely want to consider Ram's exclusive 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 for its best-in-class 27 highway mpg. Ram's user-friendly Uconnect® system is another favorite perk among drivers.
You'll pay the price for that Ram-exclusive diesel engine. Not to mention, the Ram 1500's towing capacity lags behind its biggest competitors.
All models.
★ Awards & Accolades
*Quad Cab Model
The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers decent fuel economy on par with
Ford's and GMC's, and the Silverado's 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine (identical to the GMC Sierra's) offers more V8 horsepower than any other in its class. The Silverado's quiet cabin
and modern technology, including an available Trailering Camera System with a rear camera to ease fifth-wheel hookup, is certain to make your towing experience more comfortable and convenient than ever.
On the other hand, the Silverado 1500's maximum fifth-wheel towing capacity and torque numbers slide in just under Ford's (though Chevrolet's starting price is slightly more expensive), and some drivers bemoan the uncomfortable seats.
All models.
★ Awards & Accolades:
*Regular Cab Model
⚠ Recalls: 1
View More Info
The GMC Sierra 1500 features an impressive towing capacity, coming second only to Ford in the half-ton truck category and even besting (if only by a hair) the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The truck offers a quiet cab, stylish look, and decent fuel economy, as well as an optional V8 engine (identical to the Chevrolet Silverado's) with the most V8 horsepower in the half-ton truck class. The available trailering camera system includes a rear camera to ease fifth-wheel hookup, and GMC's Denali option offers additional luxury and power, includng premium heated seats and mirrors, a spray-on bed liner, and Magnetic Ride Control.
A common complaint among Sierra 1500 drivers is the offset steering wheel, which can be uncomfortable for some. The Sierra 1500's base model starting price is on the high end of the spectrum, though its tow capacity and torque numbers fall short of Ford's. The popular Denali option far surpasses the other trucks' entry prices while taking a hit on fuel economy.
All models.
★ Awards & Accolades:
🏆 GMC Brand Award:
⚠ Recalls: 1
View More Info
The Toyota Tundra offers rugged reliability with a smooth ride quality, and there's plenty of room in the cab for the driver and passengers to spread out. The higher entry-level price point justifies itself somewhat with the Tundra's record-low maintenance and ownership costs, allowing you to pay now and save later.
The Tundra hasn't received the same sweeping upgrades as many of its rivals, and it shows: the Toyota truck doesn't quite measure up in fifth wheel towing capacity, fuel efficiency, or design. All things considered, there are more capable trucks that come in under the Tundra's hefty $30,000 starting price.
All models.
★ Awards & Accolades:
Best Overall Value
Excellent Value
Lowest Ownership Costs Winner (Double Cab)
Lowest Maintenance Costs Winner (Regular Cab)
Highest Retained Value Winner (CrewMax)
SmartChoice Retained Value (Double Cab)
🏆 Toyota Brand Awards:
The Nissan Titan is a capable and worthy towing truck and daily driver—easy to maneuever and stylish inside and out. The entry-level Titan comes equipped with features you'd pay extra for from other manufacturers, including a V-8 engine, power windows/door locks, a front bench seat, and remote keyless entry, so you'll get plenty of power and convenience for a competitive price.
The Titan lags behind its competitors in terms of fifth-wheel towing capacity, and its fuel economy is nothing to brag about.
Crew Cab AWD and Crew Cab 4WD models. Other models not rated.
★ Awards & Accolades:
*Pro-4X model
**Titan Texas Edition SL Crew Cab model
***Titan S 4x2 Single Cab model (gas engine)
🏆 Nissan Brand Awards:
⚠ Recalls: 1
View More InfoWritten by: Amber S.
Updated on: 5/16/2018
"Easy place to shop. Fast delivery and great products. Very happy with my purchase."
