At 5,000 lbs you have more options than most people realize. Midsize trucks, full-size SUVs, and even some crossovers can handle this range with the right configuration.
Best Midsize Trucks for 5,000 lbs
| Truck | Max Towing | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tacoma | 6,500 lbs | 2.4L Turbo I4 |
| Ford Ranger | 7,500 lbs | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 |
| Chevy Colorado | 7,700 lbs | 2.7L Turbo I4 |
| GMC Canyon | 7,700 lbs | 2.7L Turbo I4 |
| Nissan Frontier | 6,720 lbs | 3.8L V6 |
Best SUVs for 5,000 lbs
| SUV | Max Towing | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Explorer | 5,600 lbs | Tow package required |
| Chevy Traverse | 5,000 lbs | V6 only |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 7,200 lbs | With 3.6L V6 |
| Toyota Highlander | 5,000 lbs | V6 required |
What You Can Tow at 5,000 lbs
At 5,000 lbs you can comfortably tow a small travel trailer, a mid-size boat on a trailer, a loaded car hauler with a compact car, or a small horse trailer with one horse. It is a versatile range that suits most recreational towing needs.
Tip
If you are near the top of your tow vehicle's rating, consider a weight distribution hitch and sway control. Even at 5,000 lbs, a poorly balanced trailer can create dangerous sway at highway speeds.
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