Ford F-150 vs Ram 1500 vs Silverado 1500 vs Toyota Tundra: towing and payload compared

When it comes to full-size US pickups, towing capacity is one of the big numbers buyers look at when comparing models.

But a truck’s maximum braked towing figure doesn’t necessarily tell you how much weight you can realistically tow once the vehicle is loaded with passengers, accessories, cargo and towball download. GVM, GCM, payload and axle ratings can all come into play, and the limiting factor isn’t necessarily the same from one truck to the next.

All four trucks promise serious towing ability, but their headline tow ratings hide very different limitations. The F-150 is constrained by GCM at 4500kg, the Ram Rebel by its unusual tub-and-towball limit, the Silverado ZR2 has the lowest tow rating and tightest GCM, while the Tundra has excellent GCM but runs into payload and rear-axle considerations first.

That makes a straight comparison of maximum tow ratings a little misleading. The table below puts the key weights and ratings side by side, showing where each truck’s towing capacity starts to run into its other limits.

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Here are the numbers that actually matter:

Why the maximum tow rating doesn’t tell the whole story

A 4500kg braked towing capacity doesn’t necessarily mean you can load the vehicle to its maximum GVM and tow 4500kg at the same time.

GVM is the maximum permitted weight of the tow vehicle itself, while GCM is the maximum combined weight of the vehicle and trailer. Payload is what you can add to the vehicle – including occupants, accessories, cargo and towball download – before reaching GVM.

Then there are axle limits and, in some cases, manufacturer-specific restrictions that can reduce usable capacity even further. That’s why two vehicles with identical 4500kg tow ratings can have dramatically different real-world carrying ability once a heavy trailer is attached.

What does all that mean?

Ford F-150 Platinum

Probably the best all-round set-up here, but its 7365kg GCM becomes the problem at maximum tow. Put a 4500kg trailer behind the SWB Platinum at kerb weight and there’s only 254kg of additional combined capacity remaining. Great tow vehicle; less convincing if you intend to live permanently around its 4500kg maximum.

Ram 1500 Rebel

The numbers initially look fantastic. 881kg payload and 7711kg GCM give it considerably more breathing room than the Ford, but Ram’s 500kg combined tub-and-towball limit is an unusual additional restriction. Put 450kg on the ball and just 50kg can go in the tub under that limit. Ram says the remainder of the vehicle’s payload can still be carried forward of the tub, subject to GVM and axle limits.

Silverado 1500 ZR2

Remember that this is the off-road Silverado. Its 4200kg tow rating and 6851kg GCM are both lower than the others, and at 4200kg ATM there’s only 68kg of GCM headroom above kerb weight. Buyers prioritising towing should look closely at the 4500kg-rated Silverado LTZ Premium instead.

Toyota Tundra Platinum

The surprise winner on paper. Its 7980kg GCM is comfortably the highest here, so even with a 4500kg trailer there’s still 646kg beneath GCM above kerb weight. The catch shifts to its 702kg payload and 1850kg rear axle rating: assume 450kg ball download and nominal payload falls to 252kg.

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The 10-second version

• Best GCM: Tundra Platinum (7980kg)
• Best payload: 1500 Silverado ZR2 (922kg)
• Best rear axle rating: F-150 Platinum (1977kg)
• Highest tow rating: F-150, Ram and Tundra (4500kg)
• Lowest tow rating: Silverado ZR2 (4200kg)
• Biggest hidden restriction: Ram Rebel (500kg combined tub + towball limit)
• Tightest at maximum tow: Silverado ZR2 (68kg GCM headroom)