Flat-Towable Truck Options Near 5,000 Pounds

[nbaran]

We've had good luck with our Jeep but, it's almost 10 years old and we gave our backup vehicle to a family member who was having some financial problems. I'd like to have a truck that can be flat towed. I've thought of a full size F150 but I'm already pushing the combined weight limits of the Pace. The lightest F150 I've seen advertised is just under 5,000. My Jeep weighs about 4,600 and the Pace struggles on the big grades. I also think at some point we might consider a bumper pull trailer as an alternative to the Pace.

I'm looking for a late model (2018 to 2022) truck with a good track record. While I'd look at the new Ford Maverick, I don't think that would be a great option if we decided to sell pull a trailer. I like the Ford Ranger but they weigh almost as much as the Jeep. While that may ultimately be the vehicle I buy, I'd like some alternatives. I've also read the auto industry is in for some difficult times so am thinking it might make sense to wait for 6 months or so. Still, I don't like not having a second vehicle for those one-off situations when it's needed.

With that in mind what truck would you recommend and why?

This might not be what you're looking for but recently I traded in a 2018 Jeep for a 2025 Ford Bronco. Both of these are designated as 'Truck' on my insurance policies. They are 7 years different in age, but the Broncho, Outer Banks, is a much better vehicle in my opinion and the infotainment system is one of the best and easiest to use. Of note, when I bought this Bronco in August 2025, they took $2000 ADDITIONAL off the MSRP just because I bought a Bronco instead of another Jeep. I didn't even have to TRADE IN the Jeep. I was told it was Ford's way of saying thank you for buying a Bronco instead of buying another Jeep.

 

[RayIN]

This might not be what you're looking for but recently I traded in a 2018 Jeep for a 2025 Ford Bronco. Both of these are designated as 'Truck' on my insurance policies. They are 7 years different in age, but the Broncho, Outer Banks, is a much better vehicle in my opinion and the infotainment system is one of the best and easiest to use. Of note, when I bought this Bronco in August 2025, they took $2000 ADDITIONAL off the MSRP just because I bought a Bronco instead of another Jeep. I didn't even have to TRADE IN the Jeep. I was told it was Ford's way of saying thank you for buying a Bronco instead of buying another Jeep.

I've never heard of anyone paying MSRP anyway. I suspect the saleman was just pandering to your situation.

 

[Boat Bum]

I remember when the PT Cruiser came out, people were legit paying over MSRP and waiting in line. Turned out, despite the nostalgia look, the car was a dog.

 

[nbaran]

I've never heard of anyone paying MSRP anyway. I suspect the saleman was just pandering to your situation.

I didn't pay anywhere near the MSRP. That $2000 was above and beyond the other discounts I negotiated below the MSRP. I do remember going into the KIA dealer in Allentown, PA back when Tellurides were introduced and was surprised to see an additional dealer sticker describing dealer extras and listing their price at $5000 ABOVE the MSRP. That was a short visit.

 

[UTTransplant]

We really wanted to buy a truck in 2022, but there was a real shortage, left over from the COVID supply chain problems. New trucks were hard to come by, and they wanted $5000-$10,000 over MSRP and we absolutely refused to do it. We waited until mid 2023 and got the truck we wanted at a discount significantly below MSRP.