5 Fullsize Pickup Trucks with the Highest Payload Capacity
Sometimes a mid-size truck just isn’t enough. Especially in places like a construction site, circumstances may require a full-size truck. Setting up a truck for payload may mean giving up some passenger room (smaller cab = more bed room). But, if you’re hauling power tools, gravel, and a few trees, that seems a worthy sacrifice. Below are the five light-duty trucks with the highest maximum payload capacity you can buy today.
2019 Nissan Titan
The sole Japanese truck on this list, the Titan has seen fairly minor updates since its 2017 refresh, although the 2020 model will receive updates both to its 5.6-liter V8 and cabin. At the moment, however, the 2019 Titan remains at the bottom of this list, with a maximum payload capacity of 1860 lbs from the Single Cab S 4×2 model. Still no word about the promised V6 option, which could benefit the Titan’s payload (lighter engine = lighter truck = higher payload capacity).
2020 GMC Sierra 1500
In a reverse from the mid-size truck list, the GMC Sierra has a slightly lower maximum payload capacity than its Chevrolet brother. The Sierra 1500 does offer some upgrades, such as its trick Multipro tailgate, although getting the carbon-fiber bed requires stepping up to at least the Denali trim. But if you’re going for maximum payload capacity, the base Sierra 1500 Regular Cab offers the highest rating: 2,240 lbs.
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Recently beating out its cross-town rival, the Ford F-150, in a MotorTrend work truck comparison test, the Silverado is a solid hauler’s choice. And, if you’re worried that getting the GMC Sierra will just leave you worried about messing up its interior, the Silverado can also carry slightly more. Chevrolet rates the Silverado Regular Cab, with its 4.3-liter V6, with a maximum payload capacity of 2,250 lbs.
2020 Ram 1500
While the higher trim levels of the Ram 1500 seem more like luxury cars than pickup trucks, the aptly-named Tradesman—which won Motor Trend’s work truck comparison test—is the one to buy for carrying capacity. The Tradesman has the same overall refinement and utility that won the whole Ram 1500 lineup MotorTrend’s 2019 Truck of the Year Award. It can also carry around quite a bit: equipped with the 3.6-liter V6, FCA rates the Ram 1500 Tradesman Quad Cab 4×2 with a maximum payload capacity of 2,300 lbs.
2020 Ford F-150
If you’re wondering how the Ford F-Series can be the best-selling vehicle in the US for over 30 years, one reason may be maximum payload capacity. The Ford F-150 beats out every other truck here when it comes to that. There are quite a few ways to option an F-150, but if max payload is the goal, equipping the F-150 XL 4×2 Regular Cab with the 8.0-ft Styleside bed, 5.0-liter V8, and Heavy Duty Payload Package lets you carry 3,270 lbs.