Purchasing a new truck is a big decision, especially if you need a truck for a specific application, like hauling or towing. If you’re looking for a tow truck that can handle light-duty towing associated with roadside assistance or vehicle repossession, there are a lot of factors to consider before making a final choice.
We’re here to help! Here’s everything you need to know, from which considerations to make before you start looking to a few of the best light-duty towing trucks from the top brands in the industry.
Considerations When Choosing the Best Light Duty Towing Truck
If you’re looking for a truck that can handle light-duty towing, you should take some factors into consideration. Most of these decisions will depend on what you will be towing. If you’re looking for a recreational truck that can pull your RV, boat, dirt bike, or four-wheeler, you’ll have different needs than someone looking for a repo tow truck. The most common considerations to make include the following:
- Gas vs. Diesel
- Short bed vs. long bed
- What cab size is best
- How much weight your truck needs to handle
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
- Suspension support
As a rule of thumb, your truck’s GVWR should always be at least 10,000 lbs. However, 11,000 lbs or greater is what we recommend. It’s important that you never exceed your vehicle’s GVWR.
Also, your truck probably is equipped with stock suspension, but every truck will need additional suspension support to handle the loads required of a wrecker. Stock suspension won’t be sufficient. Always feel free to give us a call at Minute Man if you have questions regarding your truck’s suspension.
We’ve broken down all of these considerations into great detail in our post, Everything You Need to Know Before Purchasing a Repo Tow Truck, so be sure to check that out for more in-depth information on each of these decisions. Once you’ve determined what you need to tow and what general features your truck will need, you can identify the best truck for your application.
4 of the Best Light Duty Towing Truck Brands & Models
Here are the best light-duty truck models for towing that we recommend from four of the industry’s top brands.
The Best Ford Light Duty Tow Trucks
For years, Ford has been a favorite choice for light-duty towing, both for recreational applications and for repo towing. One of their more popular truck options is the F-150, but please note that we don’t recommend these for towing. With that in mind, Ford models we like include:
- Ford F-350/3500/450 LB with 8’ bed
- 14,000 GVWR
- Ford F-350/3500 SB with 6.5’ bed
- 11,100 GVWR
The Best Ram Light Duty Tow Trucks
RAM truck models are available in short and long beds, and newer models feature all the safety technology that helps you get more jobs done safely. With Rear Park Assist, a 360-degree surround-view camera, Collision Warning, and Active Braking that works even when you’re towing, these trucks help you complete every job without concern. For use with the Minute Man XD – we do not recommend the short bed version of these trucks.
- RAM 350/3500/450 LB with 8’ bed
- 14,000 GVWR
Top GMC Light Duty Tow Trucks
GMC is another towing favorite, with a range of trucks well-suited to light-duty towing. When it comes to GMC, choosing the right truck is really a matter of preference. Both the Sierra 3500 and the Denali 3500 have the GVWR you need for great, safe towing, plus all the bells and whistles you want for a comfortable ride. Both models feature beautiful interiors with heavy-duty interiors, built to stand up to anything, and designed to make your job easier. And of course, GMC has made sure to include excellent towing and safety technology as well, with dominant pulling power, and smart towing cameras that keep you in control.
The Best GMC Light Duty Tow Trucks
GMC is another towing favorite, with their Sierra trucks well-suited to light-duty towing. GMC has made sure to include excellent towing and safety technology, as well as dominant pulling power, smart towing cameras that keep you in control, and beautiful, heavy-duty interiors.
- GMC 350/3500/450 LB with 8’ bed
- 11,500 GVWR
The Best Chevrolet Light Duty Tow Trucks
The Chevy Silverado has long been a consumer favorite, well-loved for its consistent performance, sleek design, and reliable fuel efficiency. Recently redesigned with a longer wheelbase, a higher cab, and a larger cargo bed, this is a robust design that comes standard with Chevrolet’s comprehensive Safety Package. New models offer exceptional connectivity, Wi-Fi hotspots, a wireless charging pad, next-level safety, an intuitive Head-Up display, precision tools for towing, and more.
- Chevy 350/3500/450 LB with 8’ bed
- 14,000 GVWR
Do You Need a Wheel Lift for Your Towing Jobs?
Now that you know the trucks best suited for light-duty towing, it’s time for you to make your decision. Are there certain safety features you need or technology add-ons you just can’t live without? With many great options on the market, it all comes down to your personal preference. If you’ve decided which truck is best for your light-duty towing application, come to MinuteMan for the perfect wheel lift. Making your towing jobs easier and more efficient, the MinuteMan wheel lift is a durable, easy-to-use wheel lift well-suited to any application. Contact our team for more information today.
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