The Reality of Electric Trucks for Towing Trailers in Texas

As electric vehicles become more common on Texas roads, many of our customers at Trailer Place are asking the same question: Can an EV really handle the demands of hauling across the Lone Star State? Whether you are moving cattle in Wharton or hauling equipment to a job site in Rosenberg, understanding the capabilities and limitations of electric trucks for towing trailers in Texas is essential before you hitch up.

Towing with an EV offers incredible torque and smooth acceleration, but it requires a different strategy than traditional diesel or gas trucks. You have to account for the “range penalty,” payload capacities, and the weight of the trailer itself. At Trailer Place, we carry lightweight brands like Aluma and Alcom that are perfect for maximizing your EV’s efficiency.

Ford F-150 Lightning: The Practical Workhorse

The Ford F-150 Lightning is currently the most common EV truck on the road. When equipped with the Extended Range Battery and the Max Trailer Tow Package, it offers a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 lbs. However, payload is often the limiting factor for EV owners. The Lightning has a maximum payload of roughly 2,235 lbs, but higher trim levels with more features often see that number drop significantly.

For Lightning owners, we recommend looking at our utility trailers or lightweight aluminum car hauler trailers. Keeping your trailer weight down helps preserve your battery life during those long hauls between Houston and San Antonio.

Chevy Silverado EV & GMC Hummer EV

The Chevy Silverado EV is a game-changer for range, offering up to 450 miles on a single charge. For towing, the Work Truck (WT) edition is rated for 10,000 lbs, with future fleet versions promised to hit the 20,000 lb mark. The GMC Hummer EV, while a powerhouse with 1,000 horsepower, actually has a lower towing capacity of around 7,500 to 8,500 lbs due to its massive curb weight.

If you are using a Silverado EV for work, pairing it with one of our flatbed trailers from Diamond C or Iron Bull provides a durable setup for hauling materials without exceeding your GVWR. Just remember that the heavy battery packs in these trucks mean you have less “wiggle room” for tongue weight compared to a 3/4-ton diesel.

Ram 1500 REV: The Heavy Hitter

The upcoming Ram 1500 REV is targeting the top of the class with a projected towing capacity of 14,000 lbs and a payload capacity of 2,700 lbs. These figures are impressive and bring the EV truck closer to the capabilities of traditional heavy-duty pickups. For those planning to pull livestock trailers or larger loads, the Ram REV’s massive 229kWh battery option will be the gold standard for minimizing charging stops.

Understanding the Range Penalty and Payload Limits

The biggest hurdle for electric trucks for towing trailers in Texas is the range penalty. In our experience and based on real-world testing, towing a large, boxy trailer can reduce an EV’s range by 30% to 50%. Texas headwinds and 75-mph highway speeds only increase this drain. If your truck has a 300-mile range empty, expect 150 miles or less when pulling a fully loaded trailer.

Payload is another critical factor. Your truck’s payload capacity must cover the weight of all passengers, gear in the bed, and the tongue weight of the trailer. Because EV batteries are so heavy, the remaining payload capacity can be surprisingly low. Before you buy, check your door jamb sticker and consult our trailer towing guide to ensure your truck and trailer are a safe match.

Choosing the Right Trailer for Your EV

To get the most out of your electric truck, aerodynamics and weight are your best friends. We often recommend:

  • Aluminum Trailers: Brands like Aluma and Alcom offer significant weight savings over steel, allowing you to carry more cargo without hitting your GVWR limits.
  • Low-Profile Trailers: A equipment trailers with a lower deck height creates less wind resistance than a tall enclosed box.
  • Single Axle Options: If your load allows, a single-axle utility trailer reduces rolling resistance compared to tandem axles.

Why Trailer Place is Your EV Towing Partner

At Trailer Place, we’ve been a family-owned fixture in Wharton, TX for years, and we’re excited to continue serving you as we prepare for our move to Rosenberg in 2026. We carry the best brands in the business, including Diamond C, Texas Pride, and our own STAR galvanized cattle trailers. Whether you need to browse our full inventory for a new rig or need expert advice on hitching your EV, our team is here to help.

We offer flexible financing (OAC), a full parts and service department, and nationwide shipping if you can’t make it down to the lot. Don’t let the transition to electric power slow down your operation.

Call us at (979) 532-1486 or browse our inventory online. We’re in Wharton, TX — financing available, nationwide shipping.