Can I tow a car with a pickup truck?

Question

LeEliza · Accepted Answer

Yes, you can tow a car with a pickup truck, but strict conditions regarding your truck’s capability, legal safety rules, and proper equipment must be met. The truck’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and towing capacity must exceed the total weight of the truck, the car, and any cargo. A common mistake is comparing only vehicle sizes; the key is comparing certified weight ratings. For example, a half-ton pickup like a Ford F-150 with a max towing capacity of 13,000 lbs can typically tow a sedan (approx. 3,500 lbs) on a trailer (approx. 2,000 lbs), but would be insufficient for a large SUV.

The original statement that the truck must be "larger and heavier" is imprecise. A midsize truck (e.g., Toyota Tacoma) can be physically smaller than a full-size sedan but may have a sufficient towing rating. The core requirements are:

Towing Capacity: Your truck’s manufacturer-rated maximum towing capacity (found in the owner’s manual or door jamb sticker) must be greater than the weight of the towed car plus the weight of the trailer and all gear.
Proper Equipment: You need a frame-mounted hitch receiver rated for the load, a suitable trailer (flatbed or dolly), safety chains, and functional trailer brakes for loads over certain thresholds (often 3,000 lbs, varying by state).
Legal & Safety Rules: It is universally illegal for any passenger or pet to ride in a towed vehicle. The towed vehicle must be secured, with its steering wheel locked (if on a dolly) or wheels strapped (on a flatbed). Brake lights and turn signals must be operational.

Industry data from sources like the RV Industry Association and SAE International underscores that over 50% of towing-related incidents stem from mismatched equipment or exceeding weight ratings. The following table outlines typical capabilities:

Truck Class	Example Model	Typical Max Towing Capacity	Suitable For Towing...
Midsize	Chevrolet Colorado	7,700 lbs	Most sedans, coupes, and small crossovers on a trailer.
Half-Ton (1/2-ton)	Ram 1500	12,750 lbs	Most sedans, SUVs, and mid-size trucks on a trailer.
Three-Quarter-Ton (3/4-ton)	Ford F-250 Super Duty	18,000+ lbs	Nearly all passenger vehicles, including large SUVs.

Before towing, perform critical checks: ensure your truck’s tires, brakes, and cooling system are in good condition; distribute trailer weight with 10-15% of the total trailer weight on the hitch tongue; and practice maneuvering in an empty lot. Never rely solely on the truck’s physical size—always verify the hard numbers on your specific vehicle’s VIN-based towing guide.

LaGriffin · Answer

As someone who’s towed cars cross-country for years, my rule is simple: check the numbers, not the looks. My F-150 has a 11,300-lb rating. When I tow my classic Mustang on a flatbed, the car is 3,600 lbs and the trailer another 2,100. That’s 5,700 lbs total—well within my limit, even with tools in the bed.

I use a weight-distributing hitch for anything over 5,000 lbs. It keeps the trailer level and prevents sway. The most critical step is hooking up the brake controller and testing it before you hit the road. You feel the difference immediately. And of course, the towed car is always empty—no exceptions.

OSkylar · Answer

Let’s talk safety and legality, because that’s what really matters. First, riding in a car being towed is not just dangerous; it’s illegal in all 50 states. The vehicle is unstable and has no active safety systems protecting a passenger.

Second, your truck’s brakes are designed for its own weight, not an extra several thousand pounds. That’s why trailer brakes are legally required for heavier loads. If your trailer and car combo weighs over 3,000 lbs, you likely need a brake controller installed in your truck’s cabin. It syncs your truck’s brake pedal with the trailer’s brakes.

Finally, secure everything. Use ratchet straps rated for the weight, cross the safety chains under the hitch, and double-check all lights. A loose car on a trailer becomes a deadly projectile.

Cody · Answer

Thinking about cost? It’s more than just hitch installation. Renting a car trailer from U-Haul costs between $55 to $100 per day. A quality weight-distributing hitch system can run $400-$800. If your truck doesn’t have a tow package, you might need a transmission cooler ($200-$500) and a professional brake controller install ($150-$300).

For a one-time move, professional towing might be cheaper when you factor in fuel economy. Towing a car can cut your truck’s MPG in half. Calculate the rental, fuel, and equipment costs versus a flatbed tow service quote. Sometimes, paying a pro is the smarter, safer financial decision.

ZoeyMarie · Answer

Here’s my pre-tow checklist from a technical prep perspective. I break it into vehicle and trailer.

For the Truck:

Confirm GCWR and Towing Capacity from the manual's chart, using your exact engine, axle ratio, and cab configuration.
Check tire pressure (use door jamb PSI, not the tire's max).
Ensure engine coolant and transmission fluid are at proper levels and in good condition.
Test all truck lights.

For the Trailer & Car:

Load the car onto the trailer so its weight is slightly forward of the trailer axles. Aim for 10-15% of the total trailer weight on the tongue.
Secure the car with at least four heavy-duty ratchet straps on the tires or frame points—never just the wheels.
Connect and test trailer lights, brakes, and safety chains (crossed under the hitch).
Lock the towed car’s steering column, place it in park (or gear), and set the parking brake.

Do a final walk-around. Check that the hitch is locked, the trailer jack is up, and all straps are tight. The first few miles should be slow, with gentle stops to ensure everything feels stable.