The Things You Carry and The Things You Haul

Trucks and SUVs are well known for offering lots of cargo space–but sometimes, even that isn’t enough. Whether you are looking to pull a boat down to the river, haul a trailer of tools, or hitch up an RV for a well-deserved vacation, there are times you need a vehicle that can tow. If you have found yourself browsing lists of used cars in Cincinnati, Ohio, looking for something that is capable of towing a trailer, there are some things that you need to consider. Trucks and SUVs make for great trailering rigs, but not every used model will provide the same capabilities. Choosing the wrong vehicle for the task at hand can result in all kinds of problems, so it is important to work with a used car dealer like McCluskey Automotive that can point you in the right direction.

Finding the Right Used Truck for Towing

You probably already know that trucks and large SUVs make for the best tow vehicles. Compact SUVs can usually tow trailers weighing up to a couple of thousand pounds, but they simply aren’t designed for serious tow duty, and few sedans are safe to drive with a trailer attached. If you are planning on buying a used vehicle that you know will be used for towing fairly regularly, you will want to make sure that you get a truck or a full-size SUV. These vehicles use a body-on-frame construction that stands up better to hard use, and their rear-wheel drive platforms direct the power to the wheels that can make the best use of it.

While you might think that a four-wheel drive truck would have better towing capabilities, the added weight of a four-wheel drive system can actually reduce the vehicle’s tow rating. If you are looking at a used 2019 Chevy Silverado, for instance, you will find that the 5.3L V8 can tow up to 9,800 pounds for a four-wheel drive model but up to 10,000 pounds for a two-wheel drive model. However, the difference usually isn’t huge, so if you want four-wheel drive to handle our cold Cincinnati winters, don’t feel that you have to get two-wheel drive if you want to tow.

Pickup trucks are generally the go-to option for trailering, and a used heavy-duty model like the Ford Super Duty or Chevy Silverado HD will be able to give you the highest possible tow ratings at a relatively affordable price. However, simply buying the truck with the highest possible tow rating can be a mistake. A high tow rating usually means stiffer suspension and worse fuel economy. If you pick a dual rear wheel truck, like the Silverado 3500 HD, then you will also have to deal with inferior handling and paying more for tires. Generally, you will be better off picking a truck with a tow rating in the same ballpark as the type of trailer you need to pull. If you only need to pull a lighter trailer, don’t count out SUVs either––they can be more capable than you might expect.

A used Chevy Tahoe is a favorite of drivers looking for a comfortable family vehicle that is still capable of pulling its weight. The redesigned 2021 Tahoe, for instance, is capable of towing up to 8,400 pounds if you find an example equipped with the Max Trailering Package. If you need a tow vehicle with three rows of seats and generous cargo space to drive your family around Cincinnati, a used full-size SUV will do the trick. However, whether you are buying a truck or an SUV, it is important that you check the driver’s door jamb sticker to find that specific vehicle’s tow rating––depending on the options chosen, a specific vehicle’s tow rating can be far lower than the model’s theoretical maximum.

Trailering Equipment You Need

One of the advantages of buying a used vehicle to tow with is that many pre-owned trucks and SUVs have already been equipped with everything you need. If you are new to towing, you might not realize how many details need to be considered before hitching up a trailer. Obviously, you need a trailer hitch to attach your trailer to; however, you might also need electric connectors to power the trailer’s lights and brakes, a trailer brake controller to adjust braking power, and more. By buying a used vehicle that the previous owner already set up for trailering, you can save yourself a bit of hassle.

You will still need to get some equipment of your own, though. First, you will need to make sure that you have the right size ball hitch to fit your trailer. Even if the used truck you bought has a ball hitch and not just an empty receiver tube, that doesn’t mean the ball mount is the right size. Fortunately, new ball mounts are fairly inexpensive and widely available. You will also need some sturdy safety chains to keep your trailer from flying off if the hitch comes loose. Always use two chains connected in a cross pattern, and make sure they are long enough to flex when the trailer and truck turn but not so long they will let the trailer drag on the ground.

If you are towing a trailer that weighs more than 5,000 pounds, then you will need to invest in a weight distribution hitch. This system replaces a standard ball hitch, spreading the weight of the trailer more evenly and helping to keep the trailer under control as you drive. A trailer brake controller is also required for any trailer weighing more than 3,000 pounds. This safety system applies the trailer’s own brakes when you press the brake pedal, bringing your truck to a stop far quicker and more safely. Note that Ohio law requires trailer brakes on any trailer that weighs over 2,000 pounds empty, even if it is not currently loaded over 3,000 pounds.

Other handy items to have include a set of wheel chocks and a trailer coupler lock. These aren’t used when you are towing but for securing a parked trailer. Trailer brakes do not stop a parked trailer from moving, and your truck’s parking brake might not be enough, so it is always a good idea to chock the wheels on your trailer whenever you park it. If you are leaving your trailer unattended, then a coupler lock is an indispensable way to keep criminals from making off with your trailer. These items don’t cost much, so there is no reason not to toss a set in the back of your used truck or SUV.

It’s Time to Hit the Road

Towing can be intimidating to many drivers. It requires its own specific know-how and set of skills on top of a vehicle that can handle the load. Although it may be tempting to go out and buy a brand-new truck for your trailer, buying a used vehicle for your tow rig can save you a lot of money while still giving you the capability that you require. Here at McCluskey Automotive, we offer a large inventory of used trucks and SUVs that are ready for any towing task. If you are new to towing, simply speak with our expert team, and we will help you find the right used car for your specific needs.