If you need a truck that can tow at least 10,000 pounds, the question becomes: which one gets you there for the lowest price? We’ve pulled together a list of the ten most affordable trucks that meet this requirement.
Interestingly, two of them are priced below the $40,000 mark—and both are brand-new 2025 models. The rest of the list includes a few 2024 options, and even the most expensive truck here won’t cost more than $45,000.
All the trucks featured are full-size models, as towing capacities at this level aren’t available in mid-size pickups.
Every truck on the list is gas-powered, too, since diesel variants generally come with a higher price tag that would take them beyond our set budget. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the most cost-effective towing machines currently on the market.
It’s worth noting that these trucks aren’t ranked purely by MSRP. That’s because many require optional equipment—like tow packages and hitches—to reach their maximum towing potential.
We’ve included the cost of those extras in the listed prices to level the playing field. All the specifications and pricing details come directly from the manufacturers, though destination charges have been excluded.
Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman 5.7L Crew Cab w/ 5’7” Bed
The Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman Crew Cab, powered by a 5.7L naturally aspirated V8, comes in at $44,945 and offers a maximum towing capacity of 10,440 pounds. It also delivers 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, along with a maximum payload of 1,750 pounds.
As a full-size Crew Cab, it provides a spacious interior and respectable towing ability. However, this model won’t be available for long—the 2024 Ram 1500 Classic is being phased out. Achieving the full towing figure requires paying extra for the V8 engine, a transmission upgrade, and a tow hitch, but all of that is already factored into the listed price.
Ford F-150 XL 3.5L | 5.0L SuperCab w/ 6.5-ft Bed
Next on the list is the 2025 Ford F-150 XL SuperCab with a 6.5-foot bed, which is priced at $44,105. It offers two engine choices for the same price: a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 or a 5.0L naturally aspirated V8.
Both engines produce 400 horsepower, but the EcoBoost delivers 500 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 10,900 pounds, while the V8 puts out 410 lb-ft of torque with a towing capacity of 10,400 pounds.
While the SuperCab’s rear seat space is a bit tight, both engine configurations comfortably exceed the 10,000-pound benchmark and give buyers flexibility depending on their towing needs.
Ford F-150 XL 3.5L | 5.0L Regular Cab w/ 8.0-ft Bed
Coming in at number eight, the 2025 Ford F-150 XL Regular Cab with an 8.0-foot bed is priced at $44,025 and offers two engine choices for the same cost: a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 or a 5.0L naturally aspirated V8.
The EcoBoost variant delivers a towing capacity of 11,000 pounds, while the V8 configuration comes in slightly lower at 10,400 pounds. Both engines produce 400 horsepower, but the EcoBoost’s 500 lb-ft of torque gives it the edge over the V8, which offers 410 lb-ft.
Payload capacity is also impressive, with the EcoBoost version rated at 2,180 pounds and the V8 close behind at 2,160 pounds. Once again, Ford offers buyers flexibility at a single price point, and in this case, the EcoBoost outperforms its counterpart in towing due to its superior torque output.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT 5.3L Double Cab w/ Standard Bed
At number seven is the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT Double Cab with a standard bed, also priced at $44,025. It’s equipped with a 5.3L naturally aspirated V8 and 4WD, and it manages a maximum towing capacity of 11,100 pounds—just enough to place it ahead of both F-150 configurations at the same price point.
This setup delivers 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, with a maximum payload capacity of 2,204 pounds.
As expected at this price level, this model comes in the basic Work Truck trim. For those looking to enhance the towing experience further, upgrading to a version equipped with GM Super Cruise would be the ideal move.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT 5.3L Crew Cab w/ Standard Bed
Ranked sixth is the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT Crew Cab with a standard bed, priced at $43,425. This version comes equipped with a 5.3L naturally aspirated V8 engine and rear-wheel drive.
It produces 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, with a maximum payload of 2,204 pounds. What makes this variant appealing is that it’s more spacious than the previously listed 4WD Double Cab and comes at a lower price.
If you’re comfortable with RWD instead of 4WD, this model offers excellent value, providing ample interior space along with a strong towing capacity of 11,200 pounds.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT 5.3L Crew Cab w/ Short Bed
Just ahead at number five is another 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT Crew Cab, this time with a short bed, priced at $43,125. This model shares the same 5.3L naturally aspirated V8 engine, RWD configuration, and output figures—355 horsepower, 383 lb-ft of torque, and a maximum payload of 2,204 pounds.
However, for $300 less than the previous Crew Cab Silverado, it adds an extra 100 pounds to its towing capacity, reaching a total of 11,300 pounds. The only compromise is the shorter bed, which may or may not matter depending on how you plan to use the truck.
The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT 5.3L Crew Cab with Short Bed is a practical, budget-conscious full-size pickup that delivers solid performance, spacious interior room, and impressive towing capability.
Powered by a 5.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, it produces 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This configuration is rear-wheel drive and is capable of towing up to 11,300 pounds, with a maximum payload rating of 2,204 pounds.
The Crew Cab setup offers full-sized rear doors and a roomy back seat, making it suitable not just for work crews, but also for those who need a versatile vehicle for both hauling and transporting passengers.
The short bed slightly reduces cargo volume compared to a standard or long bed, but it makes the truck easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
Priced at approximately $43,125, this Silverado represents strong value for a truck that can pull over 11,000 pounds—especially considering that this figure includes all the necessary equipment to reach its maximum towing potential.
As a WT (Work Truck) trim, it comes with a no-frills interior focused on durability and functionality. Expect vinyl or cloth seating, manual climate controls, steel wheels, and a basic infotainment setup with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
While it doesn’t come loaded with luxury features, it does offer what many buyers in this price range are looking for: dependable V8 power, proven towing capability, and a comfortable cabin.
Overall, the Silverado 1500 WT Crew Cab Short Bed is an excellent choice for anyone needing serious towing strength at a sub-$45K price point, without stepping into the higher trims or diesel territory.
Ram 1500 Tradesman 3.0 SO Quad Cab w/ 6’4” Bed
At number four is the 2025 Ram 1500 Tradesman Quad Cab with a 6’4” bed, priced at $42,970. Under the hood is the 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six Hurricane Standard Output engine, producing 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque.
This configuration is rear-wheel drive and has a maximum payload of 1,870 pounds. To reach its full towing potential of 11,550 pounds, this model must be equipped with the more powerful Hurricane engine, which comes at an additional cost.
Even with that upgrade factored in, the total price remains just over $42,000, making it an outstanding value for the level of performance it delivers.
Ram 1500 Classic 5.7L Quad Cab w/ 6’4” Bed
Coming in at number three is the 2024 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman Quad Cab with a 6’4” bed, priced at $42,195. This version runs a 5.7L naturally aspirated V8 producing 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, with a maximum payload capacity of 1,810 pounds.
It’s a rear-wheel drive truck that can tow up to 10,500 pounds. Compared to the newer Ram 1500 above it, the Classic is only around $775 less, yet it falls short in terms of both towing capability and modern features.
On paper, the newer Hurricane-powered model offers significantly better value and performance. However, for buyers who prefer the familiarity and traditional feel of the older Hemi V8, the Ram Classic may still hold some appeal. That said, it’s worth noting that this version is nearing the end of its production run.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT 5.3L Double Cab w/ Standard Bed
Securing the number two spot is the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT Double Cab with a standard bed, priced at $40,725. This version also features the familiar 5.3L naturally aspirated V8, producing 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque.
It’s a rear-wheel drive setup with a maximum payload of 2,204 pounds and an impressive towing capacity of 11,300 pounds.
What sets this model apart is its lower cost compared to the other Silverados on the list, achieved by opting for the more compact Double Cab configuration and RWD. It stands out as the only truck at this price point that still allows for towing more than 11,000 pounds.
Ford F-150 XL 3.5L | 5.0L Regular Cab w/ 8.0-ft Bed
Taking the top spot is the 2025 Ford F-150 XL Regular Cab with an 8.0-foot bed, starting at just $39,010. This model gives buyers a choice between two engines: the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 or the 5.0L naturally aspirated V8.
Both options produce 400 horsepower, but the EcoBoost engine delivers 500 lb-ft of torque and a towing capacity of 10,900 pounds, while the V8 puts out 410 lb-ft and tows up to 10,200 pounds.
The maximum payload is 2,445 pounds with the EcoBoost and 2,215 pounds with the V8. Since both engine configurations cost the same to equip, the total price remains unchanged regardless of your choice.
This makes the F-150 the only truck available under $40,000 that can tow more than 10,000 pounds. However, keep in mind that this is a basic regular-cab work truck with only two doors.
The EcoBoost engine clearly leads in both torque and towing performance, though traditionalists may lean toward the V8. Fortunately, Ford still provides the flexibility to choose between the two.