Best Trucks for Hauling Heavy Equipment

So, you’re considering buying heavy equipment and need to know what kind of truck and trailer you’ll need to haul it. Trailers come in all sorts, so check out this resource to determine your trailer type before selecting the truck you’ll need. It all comes down to math (we know...math isn’t our favorite either). You need to know how heavy the equipment you’re hauling will be, add in the trailer weight, and determine what kind of vehicle and CDL you’ll need to pull it.

Understanding a truck's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is necessary in this process. The GVWR is your truck's maximum total safe weight, including the weight of the truck itself, passengers, fuel, and the load it's carrying or towing. This rating allows you to stay within legal weight limits and be safe on the road.

Reminder: We aren’t in the transportation industry, so we don’t know your local regulations and laws around hauling. Be sure to review those before making any heavy equipment or hauling purchases.

Choosing the Right Truck for Hauling Heavy Equipment

1. Get the Weight of the Machine: When you’re shopping around for heavy equipment, check to see how much the different options weigh.
2. Understand the GVWR: Before selecting a truck, check its GVWR to ensure it can handle the trailer's total weight and the heavy equipment.
3. Match the Truck to the Trailer: Match your truck’s towing capacity with your chosen trailer type. For example, if you’re using a double drop deck trailer, you’ll likely need a more powerful truck with a higher GVWR due to the heavy loads these trailers can carry.
4. Consider the Engine and Transmission: For hauling heavy loads, choose a truck with a powerful engine and a transmission that can handle the high torque outputs necessary for pulling heavy weights, especially in hilly or rugged terrain.
5. Check Towing Features: Look for trucks with specific towing features such as integrated trailer brake controllers, towing mirrors, and stability control systems. These features can enhance safety and maneuverability when hauling heavy loads.
6. Review Additional Requirements: Some trucks may require additional modifications or accessories to haul heavy equipment safely. These could include upgraded suspension, enhanced cooling, and specialized hitching equipment.

CDL Requirements

Depending on the combined weight of the truck, trailer, and load, you might need a commercial driver's license (CDL). Check your state’s requirements to see what type of CDL you need based on the GVWR.

Matching Trucks to Trailer Types

When selecting a truck for hauling, you need to consider the type of trailer you'll be using, since trailer type has specific requirements for towing capacity and hitch type. Here’s a guide to help you match the right truck with different types of trailers:

When matching a truck to a trailer, consider not only the towing capacity but also the truck’s GVWR, engine strength, and the type of hitch required. Ensure the truck can safely and efficiently handle the weight and kind of trailer, especially under various driving conditions.

Ready to Haul?

Choosing the right truck for hauling heavy equipment involves careful consideration of the GVWR, the type of trailer, and the specific requirements of the load. By planning and understanding the capacities and legal requirements, you can be confident that your hauling operations are safe and efficient.

Still trying to decide which truck and trailer combo to choose? We don’t sell trucks or trailers (sometimes, we have a few trailers in our inventory), but our team has decades of experience and is ready to help you select a combo that meets your needs for hauling heavy equipment. Contact us today for expert advice and support in making the best decision for your hauling requirements.