Heavy-duty pickups were previously utilized to tow 14,000 pounds. What has led to the need for them to now tow 35,000 pounds?

Heavy-duty pickups were previously utilized to tow 14,000 pounds. What has led to the need for them to now tow 35,000 pounds?

      Caleb Jacobs

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      If I had the funds, I could easily step into a dealership and purchase a new Chevrolet Silverado 3500, which offers a maximum towing capacity of 36,000 pounds. Alternatively, if I wanted even more capability, the Ram 3500 can haul a remarkable 36,610 pounds. And for those seeking the utmost power, a properly equipped Ford Super Duty can tow up to 40,000 pounds.

      It’s worth noting that dually pickup trucks haven’t always had such high towing capacities. Why is this the case now?

      This question is often overlooked in favor of more casual discussions among potential buyers, but it's an important consideration. At the beginning of this century, heavy-duty pickups produced by Detroit’s Big Three had a towing capability of just over 14,000 pounds. It's clear that technology has progressed significantly since then, but is that the sole reason for the current competition in the truck market? Or has the target customer evolved?

      Conversations with representatives from Chevrolet, Ford, and Ram revealed that the answer involves both factors.

      To appreciate the present truck market compared to 25 years ago, it’s necessary to take a broader look. The items these trucks are designed to transport have grown significantly in size and weight. For instance, fifth-wheel camper trailers have become substantially larger and heavier. A 30-foot Coachmen used to be a desirable choice, weighing just under 9,000 pounds when empty. Today, it’s typical to see 40-foot campers with king-size beds and dual AC units that can weigh nearly 20,000 pounds before adding any personal belongings.

      Ram spokesperson Nick Cappa remarked:

      “If you need to carry a gallon of gasoline across the garage, you’ll use a larger container. The same principle applies to towing. You purchase a Ram truck with extra capacity in case you decide to haul a rust-free SRT 10 you spot on the road after returning from Arizona. Or maybe your fifth-wheel trailer is overpacked after a two-week camping trip, and you forgot to empty the black tank while driving through the Appalachians. Even if big travel trailers and boats are lightweight, you definitely want the strength, weight, and stability of a Ram 3500 dually when dealing with headwinds or crosswinds with that much sail behind you.”

      Moreover, the way people utilize their pickups has changed over time. While it’s been common for dually drivers to tow heavy equipment, many now rely on hot-shot truckers who transport multiple cars on long gooseneck trailers. Just the trailers themselves can weigh over 8,000 pounds, plus an additional 3,500-5,000 pounds for each vehicle. Many of the dually pickups seen hauling several cars can easily exceed 25,000 pounds, and they accumulate mileage at a remarkable rate. It’s not unusual for a hot-shot Super Duty to rack up over 600,000 miles in less than five years.

      “Customers have requested greater capability from their heavy-duty trucks,” explained Brian Rathsburg, Ford Super Duty product and brand marketing manager. “A truck with higher capabilities encourages trailer manufacturers to create larger fifth-wheel and gooseneck campers, flatbeds, car haulers, and horse trailers, allowing customers to do more without needing to upgrade to larger vehicle classes that may be unnecessary for their needs.”

      He makes a valid point. It could be argued that individuals would be better off opting for a Class 8 truck that can pull the same weight effortlessly, and there’s merit to that. However, a semi-truck isn’t a pickup; it lacks the same level of luxury and, more importantly, the maneuverability. Navigating crowded car lots with a trailer can be challenging, especially with a large commercial vehicle. A pickup, on the other hand, can handle these tasks with greater ease and less stress. Plus, you won't have to worry about clearance issues at a McDonald’s drive-thru in a Peterbilt; unhitch your load from your Ram or Chevrolet, and you can enjoy a McDouble without worry.

      Overall, this situation can largely be summed up with one word: confidence. Truck buyers have demonstrated a willingness to spend significant sums of money—up to and even exceeding $100,000—on a pickup that meets all their needs. Although it’s easy to mock them for desiring features like massaging seats or elaborate touchscreens, the reality is that these truck customers seek the capability to tow almost anything without concern.

      “Current heavy-duty Chevy trucks can tow and haul more than ever,” stated Chevrolet spokesperson Shad Balch. “This not only fulfills the demands of customers who increasingly tow larger and heavier trailers, but it also instills greater confidence in drivers while towing—regardless of the load. An HD Silverado with the maximum tow package ensures that hauling nearly anything is easy.”

      Even if someone never fully utilizes their truck

Heavy-duty pickups were previously utilized to tow 14,000 pounds. What has led to the need for them to now tow 35,000 pounds? Heavy-duty pickups were previously utilized to tow 14,000 pounds. What has led to the need for them to now tow 35,000 pounds? Heavy-duty pickups were previously utilized to tow 14,000 pounds. What has led to the need for them to now tow 35,000 pounds? Heavy-duty pickups were previously utilized to tow 14,000 pounds. What has led to the need for them to now tow 35,000 pounds?

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Heavy-duty pickups were previously utilized to tow 14,000 pounds. What has led to the need for them to now tow 35,000 pounds?

Modern dually pickups have advanced tremendously compared to their predecessors. However, what has evolved more: the technology or the demographics of the buyers?