If you’re looking for the best small truck for towing, you’ve come to the right place. At DFW Towing Services, we know how important it is to have a truck you can trust when you’re pulling a trailer, carrying gear, or hauling heavy loads around Dallas and nearby cities. Whether you’re towing a boat, a camper, or a work trailer, finding the right truck for towing with proper towing capacities and smart features can save you time, effort, and money.
In this guide, we’ll help you find the best pickup for your needs. We’ll talk about what makes a capable truck, how to compare towing capabilities, and which best pickup trucks stand out in 2025. You’ll also learn what to look for in a truck with tow package and how to find the right truck that fits both your towing and daily driving needs.
Why “Small” Doesn’t Mean Weak for Towing
When most people hear “small truck,” they picture something less powerful. But in 2025, that’s no longer true. Trucks like the Ford Maverick, Toyota Tacoma, and Chevrolet Colorado prove that light-duty trucks can have serious towing capabilities. Thanks to better engines, improved transmissions, and new technology, many small trucks now offer higher towing and impressive towing ranges that used to belong only to big trucks.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Small truck towing capacity can still be strong — the maximum towing capacity ranges from about 3,500 lbs to over 7,700 lbs, depending on setup.
- The capacity depends on the engine, drivetrain, cab, and bed of the truck.
- A truck for towing needs key features like a trailer hitch, brake controller, sway control, and a sturdy frame.
- Smaller bed trucks and compact pickups are also easier to park, cheaper to run, and great for daily driving.
So, while a truck can’t pull everything a super duty truck can, it doesn’t mean you have to give up performance. When it comes to towing, what really matters is matching your truck size and setup to your needs.
What To Look For in Your Truck With Tow Package
If you’re shopping for a truck with tow package or a truck that’s ready for heavy pulling, here’s what you should check first. These details can make or break your towing experience.
Maximum Towing Capacity & Towing Rating
The maximum towing capacity indicates how much the truck can tow safely when properly equipped. For most midsize and half-ton trucks, this ranges from 6,000 to 7,700 lbs. Some even reach the highest towing capacity in their class. Always check the exact towing rating, because it depends on the engine, cab, and towing setup.
Payload Capacity
This shows how much weight the truck can carry in the bed of the truck — including passengers, tools, and cargo. If you overload it, you reduce what the truck can tow, so balance is key.
Tow Package Add-Ons & Trailer Features
A proper tow package can make towing easier and safer. Look for:
- A Class IV or higher trailer hitch
- A 4-pin or 7-pin wiring harness
- A trailer brake controller for better control
- Trailer sway control or assist (great for towing a fifth wheel)
- A heavy-duty radiator or transmission cooler
These are what turn an ordinary pickup into a truck for towing a 5th wheel or heavy trailer.
Engine, Drivetrain & Cab/Bed Configuration
Your truck’s towing capacity and best towing capacity often come down to what’s under the hood. A diesel or turbocharged gas engine can offer higher towing and smoother pulling power. For example, half-ton trucks usually have more muscle than smaller compact ones.
As one study shows, “In a truck with multiple choices … the spread from lowest to highest maximum towing can be as much as 4,200 lbs.” That’s why it’s worth checking every detail — from engine type to bed length.
What Type of Trailer Will You Tow?
Whether you’re towing a boat, camper, or fifth wheel, your truck to pull it needs to match the load.
- Small trailers: light and perfect for best compact trucks.
- Towing a fifth wheel: needs more power and sometimes a super duty truck or best half-ton pickup.
- Utility trailers: fine for many light-duty trucks with mid-range towing capacities.
Always add up the total weight — passengers, fuel, cargo, and the trailer itself. That’s how you find the right truck and avoid overload.
Which Small Truck Is Best for Towing in 2025?
So, what’s the best truck if you want something small but mighty? The truth is, there’s no single answer. It depends on how much you tow, how often, and what you’re hauling. But here are a few trucks with the best towing performance this year:
- Ford Maverick – A best compact pickup with a hybrid option and a towing package that lets you tow up to 4,000 lbs.
- Toyota Tacoma – This truck is the one many people trust. Its small truck towing capacity can hit 6,500 lbs when configured right.
- Chevrolet Colorado – This is one of the best pickup trucks for strength and control, reaching up to 7,700 lbs — the highest towing in the midsize class.
- Nissan Frontier – A solid choice if you want a truck that fits family life but still has the best towing capacity for camping or small trailers.
- GMC Canyon – Very similar to the Colorado, offering top-notch towing capabilities and comfort for long drives.
If your goal is towing a fifth wheel or something big, move up to a half-ton truck or a super duty truck. But if you want balance, easy driving, and decent towing numbers, these small and midsize options are great for daily use.
How to Choose the Right Truck for Your Towing Needs
Choosing the best truck for towing is about more than horsepower. It’s about matching your truck size and trailer weight for safety and comfort.
Here’s a simple way to decide:
- Estimate how much the truck will pull — including trailer, passengers, and cargo.
- Add up what’s in the bed of the truck (gear, tools, supplies).
- Choose a truck whose maximum towing capacity exceeds that number.
- Double-check if it comes with a tow package or towing assist features.
- If you’ll be towing a fifth wheel or extended trailer, go for a model built for higher towing, like a best half-ton pickup.
- Think about ease of driving — smaller trucks handle city parking better.
When you find the best balance between capacity and convenience, you’ll enjoy a smoother towing experience and peace of mind.
Why Many Choose a Smaller Truck Instead of a Full-Size or Heavy-Duty Truck
Many drivers choose small trucks because they’re practical. They still deliver strong towing capabilities but are easier to handle every day. Here’s why a small truck might be right for you:
- Lower cost: smaller trucks cost less and use less fuel.
- Easy handling: parking and turning are simpler, even when towing.
- Strong performance: modern light-duty trucks have plenty of power to tow.
- Flexibility: great for both work and weekend adventures.
However, if you regularly tow a 5th wheel or large fifth wheel trailer, you’ll want a half-ton truck or super duty truck with higher towing and a stronger frame. The truck you’re driving must fit the job — so always check its limits.
Even if your truck can’t handle everything, knowing exactly what it’s built for keeps you safe and prevents damage.
Why Choose DFW Towing Services As Your Local Towing Partner
At DFW Towing Services, we proudly serve Garland, Richardson, Plano, Allen, McKinney, and Frisco. Whether you need a light truck towing, a flat-bed, or a long-distance tow, we’re ready to help.
When you’re looking for the best truck or already towing a fifth wheel, having a reliable team nearby makes a difference. We understand trucks like the Ford Maverick, Tacoma, and others, so we know how to handle your truck for towing safely.
If your truck is right for the job but breaks down mid-tow, we can get you back on the road fast. From light-duty trucks to super duty trucks, our experts handle them all.
Summary
If you’re looking for the best small truck for towing in 2025, focus on these essentials:
- Check the truck’s towing capacity, payload, and towing capabilities.
- Pick the truck size that matches your towing range — compact, midsize, or half-ton.
- Make sure your truck is also practical for daily driving.
- Get the right tow package and equipment for safety.
- Always verify the exact towing specs before you buy.
With the right truck to tow, you’ll enjoy a safe, smooth, and powerful towing experience — and with DFW Towing Services on your side, you’ll always have local help when you need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What midsize truck can tow 7,000 lbs?
Some midsize trucks can tow between 7,000 and 7,700 lbs, depending on setup. The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon lead this range. Always confirm the exact towing figure from the manufacturer.
What midsize pickup has the most towing capacity?
The Colorado and Canyon have the highest towing capacity in the midsize segment. But remember, the capacity depends on the engine and drivetrain.
Which truck is most reliable for towing?
Reliability depends on the truck you’re maintaining and how you use it. The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger are both known for long-term durability.
What’s the best small pickup for towing?
It depends on what you need. If you want comfort and value, the Maverick is great. For serious pulling, the Colorado or Tacoma might be your best truck for towing.
What reduces towing capacity?
Extra passengers, gear in the bed of the truck, or the wrong hitch setup can all reduce what your truck can tow. Always match your trailer’s weight to your truck’s maximum towing capacity.
Ready to find the best truck and tow with confidence? Whether you need local towing, flat-bed towing, long-distance towing, or expert help picking a truck for towing, we’ve got your back in Garland, Plano, Allen, Frisco, McKinney, and nearby towns.
Let’s make your next towing experience safe, simple, and stress-free. Contact DFW Towing Services today at (469) 208-4200.
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