The Best Small Trucks for Towing in 2022
Are you looking for a vehicle to tow your RV? A half-ton truck is a great option. They check all of the boxes for towing a lightweight travel trailer or fifth wheel without breaking the bank.
In this article, we’ll let you in on why you need a half-ton truck. And we reveal the best ones on the market today. Buckle up, and let’s get into it!
Why You Need a Half-Ton Truck for Towing Your RV
A half-ton truck is more affordable and versatile and better on gas mileage than a larger truck. With a smaller engine than a three-quarter-ton or one-ton truck, the half-ton option provides better overall fuel economy.
That provides you with cost savings, especially when you’re towing. In addition, a half-ton truck typically has a lower price tag than larger trucks. These aspects make a half-ton an affordable option for towing your RV.
A half-ton truck is also versatile.
It’s an easy to maneuver daily driver for running errands or taking day trips while you’re unhooked from your RV. And it’s a comfortable tow vehicle.
The Best Half-Ton Trucks for Towing
Whether you’re towing a lightweight travel trailer or fifth wheel, half-ton trucks are excellent tow vehicles. Here are the best eight on the market.
2022 Ford Maverick
About: The 2022 Ford Maverick is a full hybrid pickup truck. It’s a great option for towing lightweight travel trailers due to it being compact yet spacious enough to seat five people and carry gear.
There are four models to choose from. The 2.0L EcoBoost engine is available with a 4,000 lb towing package and all-wheel drive.
Tow Capacity: 2,000 to 4,000 lbs
MSRP: Starting at $19,995
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
About: The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz has the comfort of an SUV and the versatility of a truck. It gets up to 27 mpg on the highway. And towing with its inline four-cylinder Turbo engine is a breeze.
It also has a self-leveling rear suspension.
Tow Capacity: 3,500 to 5,000 lbs
MSRP: Starting at $23,990
2022 Honda Ridgeline
About: The 2022 Honda Ridgeline is available with a V6 engine. On top of its 5,000 lbs of towing capacity, it has an i-VTM4 AWD system for off-roading.
It’s available in four different trim packages with crew cabs.
Tow Capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs
MSRP: Starting at $36,890
2022 Nissan Frontier
About: The 2022 Nissan Frontier has a 3.8L V6 engine with 310HP. It’s capable of towing lightweight half-ton fifth wheels. The truck also has a payload capacity of up to 1,610 lbs depending on the model, making it ideal for carrying gear.
Tow Capacity: Up to 6,720 lbs
MSRP: Starting at $27,840
2022 Toyota Tacoma
About: The 2022 Toyota Tacoma may be compact, but it has a hefty capability. It has a 3.5L V6 direct-injection Atkinson-cycle engine for towing lightweight RVs.
The trail special edition has an electronic locking rear differential and suspension life, lockable bed storage, and a 120V truck bed outlet.
Tow Capacity: 6,400 lbs
MSRP: Starting at $26,500
2022 Ford Ranger
About: The 2021 Ford Ranger has a 2.3L EcoBoost engine with auto start-stop technology. For towing, it has a trailer sway control and four-pin wiring.
There’s also the option of adding an off-road package.
Tow Capacity: 3,500 to 7,500 lbs
MSRP: Starting at $25,070
2021 Jeep Gladiator
About: The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is everything you would expect from Jeep in the front with a truck bed in the back. It’s a 4×4 with a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine and 285HP. The truck is great for off-roading and towing.
Tow Capacity: 7,650 lbs
MSRP: Starting at $34,645
2022 Chevrolet Colorado
About: The 2022 Chevrolet Colorado has a 3.6L DOHC V6 engine that can tow up to 7,000 lbs. Or you can opt for the Duramax 2.8L Turbo-diesel engine with a towing capacity of 7,700 lbs.
The Colorado is an excellent option for pulling a travel trailer or lightweight fifth wheel.
Tow Capacity: 7,000 to 7,700 lbs
MSRP: Starting at $25,200
Get the Right Truck to Tow Your RV
Getting the right truck to tow your RV is crucial. First, you’ll need to check the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) and tongue weight on your travel trailer or fifth wheel.
The truck you choose will need to be able to handle that weight. Be sure to check the manual and converse with the dealer on the correct towing capacity for the truck. The maximum weight a truck can tow will vary between trim packages and models.
Do you have your truck picked out? We hope to see you towing your RV with it!
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