Getting into the camping lifestyle is so exciting! But you have to be adequately equipped to avoid stressful towing.

Being underpowered is a serious no-no.

Luckily, numerous ¾ ton pickups can easily tow most travel trailers and 5th wheels.

What Classifies as a Three Quarter Ton Truck? 

A ¾ ton truck is the “middle” size of most pickup brands, usually 250 or 2500 designated.

Half ton trucks (150 or 1500) are the smaller full-size trucks. And 1 ton (350 or 3500, sometimes duallies) are the bigger size before getting into commercial-sized trucks.

The terms are weight classifications and are outdated as far as modern trucks hauling capacity are concerned.

What To Look For In A Three Quarter Ton Truck for Towing

When shopping for a ¾ ton truck for towing your camper or trailer, first make sure you are comparing apples to apples.

Most of these trucks come in gas and diesel engine options. The payload (what can be carried inside the truck, including passengers) and what it can tow will vary between brands.

For instance, not all Ram 2500 will tow the same weight.

Even between year models things can change rapidly!

Make sure you are looking at the specs for your individual truck, especially if you’re at the top of the towing range.

Consider the Extras

Take into consideration the “extras” and how that will impact towing.

Big wheels are nice to look at, but they can also mess with the level when towing, especially for 5th wheel campers.

Towing packages vary between brands, but in this class of trucks, most of them will come with pre-wired electrical and towing amenities. Some even come with factory-installed gooseneck hitches.

4×4 will also decrease the towing weight capability slightly. However, it will come in handy when trying to get into and out of some campgrounds or when the weather hits.

Gas or Diesel? 

Gas or diesel. Well, that depends.

If you are towing towards the high end of your weight ratings or towing often, diesel is the winner. If you are towing in mountains, diesels have engine brakes which will allow safer braking on descents. Additionally, diesels do not lose power in altitude like gas engines do.

Diesels last longer than gas vehicles and have higher resale value in most areas of the country. But they also cost more upfront and have slightly higher maintenance costs. Those gaps are lessening, though.

Many newer gas engines require synthetic oil, so the oil change costs aren’t that much different.

Think about where you drive most and if diesel is available at the pump where you live.

If you tend to camp in rural areas, many small-town gas stations have “trailer” pumps that don’t even have gas! Large truck stops tend to be more well equipped with both options at numerous pumps.

5 Best 3/4 Ton Trucks for Towing

Ford F-250 Super Duty

Ford F-250 Super Duty is a super helpful truck if you are a person who does lots of moving and towing. Two different engines come with the Ford F-250. It could come with a 7.3L V8 or a 6.7L power-stroke V8 turbo diesel. 

These two engines can get virtually whatever job you want done. With the diesel engine, you can get a lot of torque, which is helpful when pulling a heavy load. 

Some features on the F-250 are the pro trailer backup assist, which could help back up the trailer into a tight space at ease, and the trailer reverse guidance. 

All these features could be helpful to a person who moves often. And on top of all of this, the F-250 has some unique features on the inside. 

Features like Apple car play, built-in navigation, and wifi all on the inside of this truck. Remember the great leather seats in the truck, too. This is what the Ford F-250 Super Duty has to offer when it comes to towing.

Chevy Silverado 2500

The Chevy Silverado 2500 HD has all the power one could ask for in a rugged, high-quality truck. It’s packed with performance, featuring a 6.6L V8 gasoline engine or a Duramax 6.6L & Turbo-Diesel V8 engine. 

With the 2500 HD, owners are getting all the hard-working power they’re asking for and the fuel efficiency to exceed numbers for the amount of meat under the hood. 

The 2500 HD is also well thought out with its advanced trailering system featuring an in-vehicle trailering app that links to your phone to enable trailer tire pressure info and trailering temperature. You can even test and ensure all your trailer lights are in good working order. In addition, if you have any road-prone passengers, the 2500 HD is the ultimate option for a smooth ride.

Ram 2500

The Ram 2500 stands out for its smooth ride and luxurious interior. It comes in various engines, one being the 6.7 L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6, which is famous for its torque and ultra-quiet nature. 

The diesel and 440 horsepower gas engines are impressive, and the adjustable rear air suspension and auto-level rear help level out the rear of the truck for towing.

The Uconnect system, which controls navigation, media, and vehicle settings, is unparalleled in its ease of use and practicality.

GMC Sierra 2500HD

The Sierra 2500HD combines ultramodern technology and brute strength, all with the luxury you’d expect from a GMC. Like the Chevy Silverado, the Sierra 2500HD is powered by either a gas-fed 6.6-liter V-8 or, the better choice, a Duramax 6.6-liter Turbo-Diesel. 

GMC’s Sierra 2500HD has the AT4 off-road package to appeal to adventurers and the Denali trim that offers a luxury interior. 

A rear camera mirror and the MultiPro tailgate with its half-dozen functions are hands down two favorites, and the ProGrade Trailering System adds convenience for RVers. You’ll also love the roomy cab and premium materials.

Nissan Titan XD

They do not always specify the Nissan Titan XD as a 3/4 ton truck. They usually will just say the Nissan Titan XD sits right in the middle between a half-ton and a 3/4 ton truck, which has that perfect capability to tow what it needs and also be able to drive every day of the year. 

The 5.6L V8 engine will have plenty of power to tow. Also, the integrated gooseneck makes hitching direct. It also uses the surround view camera for easy trailer hook-up and maneuvering. It is very safety-focused and has a very well-appointed interior.

Take Your Pick, Because They All Rock

For towing campers and 5th wheels, the ¾ ton pickup is a solid choice.

Easily able to tow most bumper pulls and capable enough for upgrading to a smaller 5th wheel, ¾ ton pickups are a great tow vehicle for the long term camping lifestyle aficionado.

They’re still agile enough to drive around town and park in regular parking spots. Most of these trucks come in gas or diesel and have integrated towing features that will be appreciated by the outdoor enthusiast.

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