The Ultimate Mid-Size Truck Towing Guide

Gone are the days when you needed a massive full-size pickup to tow a decent travel trailer. The modern mid-size truck segment has exploded with capability, offering towing numbers that rival the V8 trucks of a decade ago.

However, not all mid-size trucks are created equal. The gap between the "Towing Kings" (7,700 lbs) and the "Comfort Cruisers" (5,000 lbs) is huge. At RV Canada, we help you cut through the marketing hype to find the truck that actually fits your camper and your garage.

The "Heavyweights": 7,500 – 7,700 lbs

If you want to tow a spacious bunkhouse or a lightweight laminated trailer, these are your best options.

• Chevy Colorado / GMC Canyon (7,700 lbs)

  • The Specs: When equipped with the high-output 2.7L TurboMax engine, these GM twins are the current towing champions.

  • The Catch: You must have the Trailering Package (Z82) and avoid the off-road specials (ZR2/AT4X), which drop capability to 6,000 lbs.

  • Best Match: Jayco White Hawk.

• Jeep Gladiator (7,700 lbs)

  • The Specs: A specialized Sport S with Max Tow Package hits this massive number.

  • The Catch: Most Gladiators (Rubicon, Mojave, Overland) are rated much lower (4,000 – 7,000 lbs). You have to hunt for the specific "Max Tow" configuration.

  • Best Match: Forest River Grey Wolf

• Ford Ranger (7,500 lbs)

  • The Specs: Both the 2.3L and the new 2.7L V6 are rated for 7,500 lbs across almost the entire lineup.

  • The Catch: The high-performance Ranger Raptor is limited to just 5,510 lbs due to its soft suspension.

  • Best Match: Jayco Jay Flight

The "Off-Road Warriors"

6,000 – 6,800 lbs Built for the trail first, towing second. Perfect for overland rigs.

• Nissan Frontier (6,200 – 6,700 lbs)

  • The Specs: The V6-powered Frontier is a reliable workhorse. The popular PRO-4X trim typically offers ~6,200 – 6,680 lbs (depending on year), placing it slightly ahead of the new Tacoma.

  • The Advantage: It’s the last naturally aspirated V6 in the class—no turbos to worry about overheating on slow climbs.

  • Best Match: Geo Pro or Rockwood Mini Lite.

• Toyota Tacoma (6,000 – 6,500 lbs)

  • The Specs: The all-new Gen 4 (2024+) Turbo models top out at 6,500 lbs.

  • The Catch: The powerful i-FORCE MAX Hybrid (standard on TRD Pro/Trailhunter) is heavier, reducing towing capability to 6,000 lbs.

  • Best Match: Modern Buggy or Bontrager Outdoors

The "Comfort Cruiser"

5,000 lbs The SUV with a bed. Unmatched ride quality for lighter loads.

• Honda Ridgeline (5,000 lbs)

  • The Specs: Every AWD Ridgeline is rated for exactly 5,000 lbs.

  • The Advantage: Because it uses unibody construction (like a Pilot), it offers the smoothest daily drive of any truck. It is the perfect match for pop-ups and teardrops.

  • Best Match: Modern Buggy Little Buggy