Payload includes towball download
A 300kg towball load normally consumes about 300kg of payload before passengers, a canopy, drawers, tools, water or luggage are counted.
2026 Australian towing guide
Best utes for towing in Australia
Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-MAX, Mitsubishi Triton and Toyota HiLux are the strongest mainstream places to start for regular caravan or work-trailer towing. The right winner depends on the exact grade and loaded combination—not the 3,500kg headline alone. Ranger Super Duty sits in a heavier-duty class, while Ford Ranger PHEV is the most straightforward PHEV starting point for buyers who still require a 3,500kg claim.
Best towing utes: quick shortlist
| Pick | Ute | Published maximum | Why it makes the shortlist | Main check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best all-round starting point | Ford Ranger | Up to 3,500kg braked | Broad grade choice, integrated towing technology and a mature accessory ecosystem. | Payload and GCM for the exact grade after accessories. |
| Best straightforward workhorse | Isuzu D-MAX | 3,500kg on current high-ride range | Clear 350kg maximum towball figure with the genuine tow kit and work-focused body choices. | Kerb weight and payload vary by body and grade. |
| Best payload-led value | Mitsubishi Triton | Up to 3,500kg braked | Many work grades retain useful payload; the brochure publishes GVM, GCM and axle limits clearly. | High-spec versions give away payload to equipment. |
| Best conservative alternative | Toyota HiLux | Up to 3,500kg on eligible 4x4 grades | Long Australian towing history, broad service reach and extensive accessory support. | Do not apply the 4x4 maximum to every body style. |
| Best PHEV starting point | Ford Ranger PHEV | Up to 3,500kg braked | Combines Ranger towing positioning with plug-in operation and onboard power. | Grade payload and fuel use after EV charge is depleted. |
| Heavy-duty step-up | Ford Ranger Super Duty | Up to 4,500kg braked | Higher GVM and 8,000kg GCM move it beyond a normal dual-cab comparison. | Price, size and the exact body configuration. |
This is a use-case shortlist, not a claim that every grade of a named model can tow the stated maximum. “Up to” matters.
The numbers most towing lists miss
GCM can reduce usable capacity
A vehicle can be under GVM and a trailer under ATM while the combined rig still exceeds GCM.
Grade choice changes the answer
Luxury equipment, batteries and accessories add kerb mass. A work grade can retain more payload than the flagship.
Maximum is not a comfort target
Legal capacity does not guarantee relaxed performance, suitable axle loading or practical touring range.
A realistic 2,500kg caravan check
Start with brochure payload, then subtract every load added to the vehicle. This example is illustrative; use measured figures for your rig.
| Load added to the ute | Example | Why it counts |
|---|---|---|
| Driver and passenger | 170kg | Occupants consume payload. |
| Bullbar, canopy and drawers | 180kg | Permanent accessories increase operating mass. |
| Tools, luggage and fridge | 120kg | Tray and cabin cargo count. |
| Towball download | 250kg | Use the measured trailer figure. |
| Total payload used | 720kg | An 800kg-payload ute would have only 80kg remaining. |
Choose by towing use
Large caravan, frequent trips
Prioritise remaining payload, GCM, rear-axle capacity, cooling and service access over luxury trim.
Trade trailer during the week
A cab-chassis or lower-spec work grade can provide more payload. Compare the completed vehicle, not the bare-cab number.
Boat or occasional camper
You may not need 3,500kg. A lighter trailer opens more comfortable, efficient and cheaper options.
PHEV towing
Read range, fuel use after depletion and payload together. See the PHEV towing guide.
How AutoScore360 chooses towing recommendations
Published limits
Braked towing, towball limit, GVM, GCM and axle limits from Australian manufacturer material.
Usable payload
What remains after passengers, accessories, cargo and towball download.
Towing support
Brake-controller integration, tow modes, camera aids, accessories and dealer reach.
Buyer fit
Regular heavy towing, occasional recreation and work use are treated as different jobs.
General information only, not towing, engineering or legal advice. We recommend weighing the complete rig and checking every owner-manual limit.
Best ute for towing FAQ
Which ute is best for towing a caravan?
Ranger, D-MAX, Triton and eligible HiLux grades are strong mainstream starting points. Match the exact ute to the caravan’s loaded mass, then check remaining payload, GVM, GCM and towball download.
Which utes can tow 3500kg?
Many eligible Ranger, D-MAX, Triton and HiLux variants publish maximum braked ratings of up to 3,500kg. Ranger PHEV also targets this figure. Confirm the exact Australian grade and tow-kit requirements.
Does towball weight reduce payload?
Yes. Towball download normally counts toward payload alongside people, accessories and cargo. A 300kg towball load can therefore use about 300kg of available vehicle payload.