The Best Trucks for Ontario Worksites
The Best Trucks for Ontario Worksites
Posted on March 7, 2025
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!