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Trucks have a fundamental toughness unlike any other vehicle. They can tow big trailers, haul loads of dirt, plow through snow, and provide a driver some nice creature comforts while doing so. Competition between trucks is no secret – just talk to a Ford guy and then to a Chevy guy!
How do you determine the best out of such a talented crop" It might be near impossible but The Fast Lane Truck has leveled the playing field with their 2016 Gold Hitch Award recipients.
TFLtruck rates mid-size, half-ton, heavy-duty, and truck-based full-size SUVs on their ability to perform in the most brutal conditions. Nearly 4 million truck buyers consult the features, news, and reviews found on TFLtruck. Six Gold Hitch Awards were presented this year.
Criteria
The benchmark for towing is based on the Ike Gauntlet. The Ike Gauntlet is an extreme towing and performance test that easily weeds out any lesser competition. The test loop consists of an 8-mile stretch of I-70 between Dillon, Colorado (9,111 feet above sea level) and the Eisenhower/Johnson tunnels (Continental Divide at 11,158 feet above sea level). The grade reaches 7%, the maximum allowed on a U.S. Interstate.
Oh, and the trucks are loaded with trailers near their maximum towing capacity.
In addition to the Ike Gauntlet, TFLtruck has an off-road challenge known as “Gold Mine Hill.” Granted, there is gold to be had in the form of bragging rights &...