Engine selection is one of the most impactful decisions you will make when buying a tow vehicle. Two identical trucks with different engines can differ by thousands of pounds in rated towing capacity.
Diesel vs Gas for Towing
Diesel engines produce significantly more torque at low RPM, which is ideal for towing heavy loads from a stop and maintaining speed on grades. Gas engines typically produce more horsepower at higher RPM and are better for lighter loads at sustained highway speeds.
| Engine Type | Typical Torque | Towing Strength | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas V8 | 380 to 600 lb-ft | High | All-around towing |
| Gas V6 Turbo | 400 to 500 lb-ft | High | Efficiency plus capability |
| Diesel I6 | 800 to 1,100 lb-ft | Maximum | Heavy loads, frequent towing |
| Gas I4 Turbo | 270 to 400 lb-ft | Moderate | Light to mid-range towing |
Real Examples by Engine
| Truck | Engine | Max Towing |
|---|---|---|
| Ford F-150 | 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | 9,000 lbs |
| Ford F-150 | 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | 14,000 lbs |
| Chevy Silverado 1500 | 2.7L Turbo I4 | 9,500 lbs |
| Chevy Silverado 1500 | 3.0L Duramax Diesel | 13,300 lbs |
| RAM 2500 | 6.4L HEMI V8 | 17,540 lbs |
| RAM 2500 | 6.7L Cummins Diesel | 20,000 lbs |
Key Takeaway
If towing capacity is important to you, the engine upgrade is almost always worth it at purchase time. Upgrading the engine after purchase is not possible. Buying the base engine to save money and then wishing for more capacity later is a common regret among truck owners.
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