Skip to main content

Pickup trucks are one of the most popular vehicle segments in America. Something everyone looks for when purchasing is what kind of heavy loads the truck can handle. If it can’t tow enough to haul a boat owner’s boat, then it isn’t going to work out. These are the used pickup trucks commonly sold for under $15,000 that are the best for towing according to Kelley Blue Book. Tow your load and save money with these pickup trucks.

5. Best used compact truck for towing – 2006 Toyota Tundra

Green 2006 Toyota Tundra parked near a forest
2006 Toyota Tundra | Toyota

The 2006 model of Toyota Tundra is nothing like the modern version. This is a lightweight, smaller truck that hasn’t quite grown into a full-size pickup yet. However, it’s capable of towing up to 6,500 pounds. A small trailer with a similarly sized boat is nothing for this Tundra when equipped with the 4.7-liter V8. Now that it’s over 15 years old, this Tundra can also be purchased for between $10,000-$15,000.

4. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

A gray 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 parked on farm land somewhere
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | Chevrolet

If you’re able to find one of these Silverado models with the 6.2-liter V8 engine and max towing package, you’ll be all set. It’s able to tow 10,700 pounds with its 403-horsepower engine and slightly less with its 5.3-liter V8. There’s also a V6 option on this model year of Silverado, so make sure to find the right engine to reach maximum towing capability. This one can get a little more pricey depending on the equipment included, but the range averages between $10,000-$20,000.

3. 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD

A gray 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD pulls a boat out of the water
2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD | Chevrolet

In this pickup truck, the 6.0-liter V8 with 360-horsepower is standard. Though, KBB recommends jumping up to the Duramax Diesel version, which enables max towing of 13,000 up to 15,500 pounds, depending on other included equipment. This model year of Silverado 2500 HD is known for a smoother ride, more comparable to the smaller 1500 version of the Silverado. On average, this Silverado can be found for between $10,000 and $15,000.

2. 2012 Ford F-150

A blue 2012 Ford F-150 parked outside near grass
2012 Ford F-150 | Ford

For this particular model year, you’ve got a choice between a 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8, or 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6. The V8 is likely the best option when buying a used truck for towing. They can tow upwards of 11,000 pounds when properly equipped. Make sure to research the versions of the 2012 F-150 that are capable of doing so before buying. This one costs between $13,000 and $17,000 on average, according to KBB.

1. Best used truck for towing – 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty

A white 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty viewed from the side
2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty | Ford

Of all the heavy-duty trucks in the segment, Super Duty is well-known and loved for its capability. That’s why it’s no surprise to see this model at the top of the list. For this specific model year, the Super Duty received a base 6.2-liter V8 along with a 6.7-liter turbodiesel. A single-cab F-250 diesel can tow 15,000 pounds from a conventional hitch, or 16,7000 pounds using a fifth-wheel hitch. When equipped with the standard V8 engine and an 8-ft bed, the 2011 F-250 Super Duty is selling for an average of between $12,000 and $18,000.

Pickup trucks are often difficult to find reasonably priced and in good condition used. Many people use them for work purposes and towing, so they’re often quite beaten up by the time owners are finished. Carefully decide which features in a truck are important to you. If towing is one of them, finding one of these models at a decent price should be enough to tow just about anything you have. Keep in mind that even though many automakers boast over 10,000 pounds of towing capacity, a 21-foot boat without a trailer weighs, on average, 2200-3300 pounds. The trailer weighs usually around 1400 pounds. That’s why for most people, 10,000 pounds is more than you’ll ever need, and these trucks should work for you.

Related

4 Best New Diesel Trucks For Towing Over 10,000 Pounds