The Best Trucks for Ontario Worksites
Looking for the new truck with great
towing capacity for working around Ontario? You need a vehicle that can tow your heaviest loads safely and reliably.
In this article, we’ll review the top trucks with the highest towing capacities, detailing their unique features and
why they stand out. Get ready to find the perfect truck for your towing needs.
The Short Version
Ontario’s construction boom means contractors need reliable, high-capacity trucks for hauling heavy loads
across diverse projects.Key truck features like towing capacity, safety tech, and engine types (diesel vs. gas) are crucial for
optimal performance and reliability.For towing needs around Ontario worksites, the Chevrolet Colorado is top-rated among midsize trucks, while
the GMC Sierra 1500 leads the full-size category, and the Silverado stands tall above other competitors in
the heavy duty category.
Ontario's Construction Industry
With nearly
89,000 new builds under
construction across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area in Q3-2024 alone, the demand for reliable towing trucks
has never been higher in Ontario. This surge is not limited to the urban areas; even smaller towns around the
province or more have seen a 7% increase in housing starts year-over-year, with 15,930 units recorded in January
2025.
The construction sector in Ontario is constantly chugging away, whether you're talking about power generator
projects, maintenance on the 401 (ha!), or another tower preparing to scrape the sky. That's just in the city
too, head up north and you'll find a surge in mining and institutional projects. This means that whether you’re
hauling construction materials, machinery, or specialized equipment, having a truck with the right towing capacity
is vital.
As the industry continues to expand, the need for trucks that can handle heavy loads and tough terrains becomes even
more apparent.
By 2033, employment in the residential sector is forecasted to increase by 6%, while non-residential employment is
projected to rise by over 10%.
Key Features to Look for in a Towing Truck
CAPTION: The GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Colorado are among our favourite work trucks perfect for getting around in
Ontario.
Not all trucks are created equal. The right features make a significant difference in performance, safety, and
convenience. Understanding key features is essential, whether you're considering heavy-duty trucks like the
Chevrolet Silverado or midsize options like the GMC Canyon.
While towing capacity is a critical factor, determining
payload capacity
(how much weight your truck can safely handle without compromising performance or safety) features such as trailer
sway control and blind spot monitoring systems also significantly enhance towing safety.
Additionally, features that seamlessly connect to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, those long hauls become a breeze.
Not only do they help with navigation, but they also keep you updated on towing conditions, especially when
you're stuck in rush hour traffic on the way to a job site.
Diesel vs. Gas Engines in Heavy-Duty Trucks
Another important consideration is choosing between a
diesel or gas engine for your truck.
Diesel engines, known for their higher torque, give you a big edge if you've got a lot of heavy cargo to tow,
such as specialized equipment or building components. That's why they're a favorite for heavy-duty tasks,
as they can handle more stress over long hauls without losing their performance edge.
On the other hand, gasoline engines tend to come with a lower price tag upfront. While they don't offer as much
towing capacity as diesel engines, they're still a solid choice for those looking for a powerful yet
budget-friendly option. Take the Ford F-150, for instance; it comes with both engine types, letting buyers pick what
suits their needs and wallet best.
In a nutshell, diesel engines are the go-to for serious towing because of their superior torque. Gasoline engines
might be the more economical choice, especially if you're just carrying your crew and their tools up to Owen
Sound. It's all about finding the right mix of power and cost for your needs.
Four-Wheel Drive vs. Two-Wheel Drive
The choice between four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive can significantly impact your truck’s towing performance.
Two-wheel drive trucks generally offer higher towing capacities due to their lighter weight. This makes them ideal
for towing heavy loads on paved roads where extra traction is not as critical.
Four-wheel drive
trucks provide better traction in slippery conditions, for example if you're working on a new build in cottage
country up north. Though heavier with slightly lower towing capacities, the added stability and control often
outweigh this drawback in challenging environments.
Trucks like the Ford F-150 and GMC Sierra offer both four-wheel and two-wheel drive options, allowing you to choose
the configuration that best suits your towing needs. Consider your typical working conditions before making a
decision. While four-wheel drive might make a drive up to Bracebridge easy, getting around Yonge and Eglinton
probably doesn't necessitate it.
Cab Types and Their Impact on Towing
Cab type also significantly
affects towing capacity. Regular cabs are typically the lightest, enhancing towing capacity due to reduced overall
weight. If you're flying solo to the worksite, these options are perfect for lessening passenger space in
favour of towing power.
Extended cabs balance passenger space and towing capacity. They provide extra seating without greatly compromising
towing performance, making them versatile for many contractors.
Crew cabs live up to their name by offering the most passenger space, but often have less cargo capacity. This can
reduce towing capacity, but it’s a worthwhile trade-off if you're carpooling up to Owen Sound for a job.
The configuration of the truck bed paired with the cab type also influences towing capacity, with certain setups
yielding higher ratings.
Choosing the Right Truck Bed Length for Towing
Truck bed length also impacts your towing experience. Long-bed trucks, reaching up to 8 feet, offer better stability
and power for towing. These are a great option if your commute takes you down the 401, where high-speed stability is
essential.
Short-bed trucks are easier to maneuver in tight spaces, making them more suitable for urban driving. While they may
not offer the same towing capacity as long-bed trucks, their agility can be a significant advantage in crowded
worksites or if you're trying to find parking in the downtown core.
For fifth-wheel towing,
long-bed trucks are often the best choice, providing more room and eliminating the need for a sliding hitch. Trucks
like the Chevrolet Silverado and RAM HD offer various bed lengths, allowing you to choose based on your specific
needs.
Best Midsize Truck for Towing: Chevrolet Colorado
CAPTION: Compact yet powerful, the Chevy Colorado is perfect for getting around the GTA or further into
Ontario's remote areas.
The Chevrolet Colorado is a
standout among midsize trucks thanks to its impressive towing capacity. With a maximum capacity of 7,700 pounds, it
surpasses competitors such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma. This makes it ideal for those needing a capable yet
compact truck for towing.
The Colorado achieves this remarkable capacity due to its
2.7-liter Turbo L3B engine. This
engine provides 237 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, perfect for heavy loads while ensuring smooth and
reliable performance. The Colorado’s cargo bed includes innovative storage solutions like a tailgate storage system
and a 110V power outlet, making it highly functional for more remote worksites like you'd find further north in
Ontario.
Reliability
is another strong suit of the Chevrolet Colorado, rated
4.0 out of 5.0, ensuring it can
handle daily towing and worksite demands.
Honourable Mention: GMC Canyon
The GMC Canyon is
another excellent midsize truck, offering a
towing capacity
between 3,500 and 7,600 pounds. It comes with two engine choices: a standard 2.5L 4-cylinder and an available 3.6L
V6, both capable of handling heavier loads with a trailer package.
Like the Colorado, the GMC Canyon has a strong reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, making it a robust and
dependable midsize truck for towing.
Best Full-Size Truck for Towing: GMC Sierra 1500
CAPTION: The GMC Sierra is the perfect truck if you're looking to haul heavy equipment, given its numerous
trailering options.
If you're looking for a full-size truck, the
GMC Sierra 1500 is one of our top
picks. Its towing capacity is highly competitive in the half-ton truck class, reaching up to 13,300 pounds with the
Max Trailering package. This makes it suitable for towing various heavy loads, from large trailers to construction
equipment.
The Sierra 1500 packs a punch with its robust
3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine, delivering a perfect mix of power and efficiency. It's designed with construction pros in mind, featuring a
brake controller, various trailer camera angles, and memory settings for different trailer setups, making your
towing tasks around Ontario's busy worksites both easier and safer.
Honourable Mention: Ford F-150
Our techs also consider a used Ford F-150 a safe option for full-size towing needs. Its 5.0-litre V8 engine offers a
maximum towing capacity of 13,000 pounds, and it also comes in a
hybrid variant, which can tow up to 12,700 pounds. This gives you a bit of flexibility if you're after both power and fuel
efficiency.
The F-150, rated 3.5 out of 5.0 for
reliability, is a dependable choice for those needing a robust full-size truck for towing.
Best Heavy-Duty Truck for Towing: Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
CAPTION: The Chevrolet Silverado's suite of safety features, alongside its tried-and-tested reliability, make
it a trusted choice for Ontario workers, including the TTC.
When it comes to heavy-duty towing, the
Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
is a top contender. This reliable workhorse offers a massive towing capacity of up to 36,000 pounds, thanks to its
6.6-liter turbo-diesel V-8 engine. This makes it perfect for tackling even the toughest towing jobs on the
construction site.
The Silverado 3500HD is packed with
safety features
designed to make towing easier and less stressful, including adaptive cruise control that's specifically
calibrated for use with a trailer, along with multiple camera views to help you hitch up with ease. Plus, it’s
generally priced lower than other heavy-duty trucks, making it an ideal choice for those looking to get the most
bang for their buck without compromising on power.
Honourable Mention: RAM HD
The RAM 3500HD series is another strong contender,
offering a maximum towing capacity of around 36,000 pounds with the diesel engine. This makes it a formidable option
for towing the heaviest loads.
The RAM 3500HD offers powerful engine options, including a
405-hp 6.4-liter V-8 that provides
excellent performance and reliability. It has a maximum payload capacity of 7,590 pounds, making it versatile for
various towing and hauling needs.
Best EV for Towing: GMC Hummer EV Pickup
CAPTION: The GMC Hummer EV's unique look is sure to turn heads on the job site.
For our more environmentally conscious readers, the
GMC Hummer EV is a great option,
combining a unique look that rivals that (in)famous Tesla Cybertruck with exceptional towing capabilities. This
1000-horsepower beast offers a maximum towing capacity of
12,000 pounds with its dual-motor
powertrain, exceeding the ratings of other electric trucks like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T.
The Hummer EV Pickup packs a punch with its impressive range of up to 613 kilometers on a single charge when
equipped with three motors. This makes it a practical choice for hauling heavy loads up and down the province
without the hassle of frequent recharging, particularly if you're passing through the more remote areas out
west.
Honourable Mention: Chevrolet Silverado EV
Chevrolet also offers an electric option on their popular Silverado model, adding eco-conscious transmission without
sacrificing the Silverado's rugged capabilities. The
Chevrolet Silverado EV boasts a
maximum capacity of 12,500 pounds, and the brand plans future models with even higher towing capacities, making it a
promising choice.
The Silverado EV offers impressive range options, with up to
792 kilometers on a single charge
for the Work Truck trim. This makes it versatile and reliable for towing heavy loads over long distances.
Top Towing Accessories for Enhanced Performance
Having the right gear and
accessories
can make a huge difference in how well and safely you tow, and our parts department has you covered. A trailer brake
controller is a must-have, as it syncs the braking between your truck and trailer, making stops smoother and
safer—especially when you're hauling heavy loads on Ontario's busy roads.
Weight distribution systems are another key piece of equipment. They spread the load evenly across your truck,
reducing sag and giving you better control. This is super helpful when you're towing large trailers through the
narrow roads around Apsley, ensuring a smoother and more stable ride.
Don't skimp on high-quality hitches either. They keep your truck and trailer securely connected, so your load
stays steady and safe during the drive. And for those late-night hauls, auxiliary lights are a game-changer,
boosting visibility and keeping you and other drivers safe.
Other handy accessories include
sway control systems
to prevent that nerve-wracking side-to-side trailer movement and upgraded cooling systems to keep your engine from
overheating during heavy-duty towing. Cargo management systems are also great for keeping your stuff organized and
secure, preventing any shifting or damage while on the move. Investing in these accessories can really up your
towing game, making it more efficient and safer on the job site.
Visit Us Today at Woodbine GM
CAPTION: Woodbine GM offers a range of new and used options for work trucks, and our sales team is always available
to help you find the perfect match.
Picking the right truck for towing in Ontario's lively construction scene is key. Whether you're eyeing
midsize champs like the Chevrolet Colorado or heavy-duty beasts like the Chevrolet Silverado HD, knowing what each
truck brings to the table can help you make the best choice. Maybe you need the diesel engine's high torque,
the grip of a four-wheel drive, or the flexibility of a crew cab—there's definitely a truck that fits the bill.
And don't forget about those must-have towing accessories that can really step up your game. From trailer brake
controllers to weight distribution systems, these tools make towing hefty loads easier and safer. By keeping these
factors in mind, you can keep your towing tasks running smoothly, letting you focus on getting the job done right
and on time.
Ready to take the next step? Reach out to our
sales team today and book a test drive!
