Trucks aren’t for everyday commuters. They’re built for work. So buying them involves checking a whole different set of variables along with the usual ones. We give you the details.
Usage: You need to know precisely what will be required of the truck before you buy one. If you need to pull a 15,000-pound trailer regularly, then you need one with a set of features that allow for that. If you plan on hauling timber, tools, or dirt bikes, then you need a truck with a totally different set of features.
Weights: Always consider the GVWR, which is the combined weight of the truck and the load it will carry. While towing, the tongue weight also needs to be factored into this. Then there’s the GCVWR, which is the combined rating of the truck and trailer, and here, all the cargo inside the trailer also needs to be accounted for. And the total weight needs to be less than what the truck is rated for.
Rear-end axle: The rear-end axle ratio decides how the truck puts down all of its power. And the main trade-off here comes between power and fuel economy. A higher axle ratio gives your truck a higher tow rating and lowers fuel economy and vice versa. If you don’t need to tow, then a numerically lower ratio will do.
Bed: All trucks come with options for bed lengths. But all bed lengths are inversely proportional to cab size. So if you choose the biggest eight-foot bed, you can only get a single cab. But if you choose a crew cab, the longest bed available is six and a half feet. You also have to check out in-bed options like tie-down setups, in-bed lighting, cargo boxes, bed liners, and steps.
Engine: This will deeply influence your truck’s fuel economy, price, tow rating, and power output. If you want to haul a couple of mountain bikes to the trail, you can choose a cheaper, more efficient engine. But if you need to tow something huge, then get a big V8 or even a diesel.
Interiors: Simple, just choose something comfortable and easy to clean like leather for seats and rubber for floor mats.