Overlanding’s all about hitting the open road, diving into the wild, and living outta your rig for days or weeks. One-ton trucks are beasts for this—tons of payload, beefy towing, and room for all your gear. Whether you’re hauling a camper or just a rooftop tent, these trucks got your back. Here’s our rundown of the best one-ton trucks for overlanding, built to handle rough trails and keep you comfy. I’ve tossed in a personal story from a trip where my buddy’s truck saved our butts, so let’s dive in!
The Ford F-350 Tremor is a monster for overlanding. It’s got a 7.3L gas V8 or a 6.7L Power Stroke diesel, plus front and rear locking diffs for gnarly trails. With a payload up to 7,850 pounds, you can load a big ol’ camper and still have room for your buddies. The Tremor’s off-road package means it’s ready to rumble right off the lot, and the crew cab’s spacious enough for long hauls. Last summer, my pal’s F-350 pulled us outta a muddy rut in Colorado when my midsize truck was just spinning wheels—total game-changer!
The Ram 3500 Limited is like the Cadillac of one-ton trucks. You can pick a 6.7L Cummins diesel for torque that’ll climb mountains or a 6.4L HEMI for gas-powered grunt. It - wait for it - *payloads up to 7,680 pounds! It’s got a plush interior, so you’re not roughin’ it, and the available air suspension smooths out those bumpy trails. It’s perfet for overlanders who want luxury with their adventure.
The Chevy Silverado 3500HD High Country is a solid pick for overlanding with a 6.6L Duramax diesel that pumps out 445 horses and a payload around 7,442 pounds. Its got a beefy frame and optional Z71 off-road package for tackling tough terrain. The interior’s decked out, makin’ long drives a breeze. I’ve seen these beasts haul massive campers like they’re nothin’—great for big group trips.
The GMC Sierra 3500HD Denali’s a twin to the Chevy but with extra flair. Same 6.6L Duramax diesel, same huge payload (up to 7,442 pounds), but the Denali trim’s got chrome galore and a fancy cabin. It’s got skid plates and all-terrain tires for off-road fun. If you wanna look good while overlanding, this one’s your jam.
Okay, the Tundra’s technically a half-ton, but the 2025 model’s so beefy it’s worth a shoutout. With a twin-turbo V6 hybrid option pushin’ 437 horses and a payload around 1,940 pounds, it’s no slouch. It’s smaller than a one-ton, so it’s easier to maneuver on tight trails, and Toyota’s reliability is legendary. I’ve rolled with a Tundra crew on a desert trip, and it kept up with the big boys no sweat.