Drivers who are looking at buying a pickup truck have specific needs. Whether they’re looking for something to haul debris from the worksite, take the kids to school, or just have something to help around the house, exploring trucks for sale can be a pretty big ordeal.
Filtering through all of the available types of trucks for sale means understanding the various categories and classifications used to describe these versatile vehicles. Modern trucks come in all shapes and sizes with varying capabilities, so here’s what you need to know to get starting finding your best-fit pickup truck:
Truck Types
Trucks are typically classified by their type. Chevrolet trucks like the Silverado 1500 are considered full-size (half-ton) trucks, while the Chevy Colorado is more of a compact truck. You’ll even find some heavy-duty trucks for sale that are mostly used for commercial purposes, like the Ram 2500 or Ford F-250.
Compact Trucks
Compact pickups are usually the least expensive and offer a range of four-cylinder and V6 engines. These smaller trucks won’t have the same towing capabilities are their big brothers, but they offer enough oomph for everyday tasks, or in some cases, off-road models for the adventure seekers. There are even a ton of newcomers in this section, like the Hyundai Santa Cruz, Honda Ridgeline, and Ford Maverick.
Full-Size Trucks
Half-ton trucks are considered the industry standard when it comes to pickups. They are bigger, more rugged, and perfect for pretty much any job out there. You often come with various cabin and bed sizes and typically offer a full selection of engines. Some of the more full-size trucks for sale are the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra 1500, Nissan Titan, Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra.
Heavy-Duty Trucks
Trucks that land in the heavy-duty category have some of the biggest engines and torque numbers on the road. They are meant for commercial use, including serious hauling abilities. You often see heavy-duty options that are more or fewer continuations of the full-size version: Silverado 3500, Ford F-250, RAM 1500, etc.
Body Configuration Options
Most trucks offer a variety of configurations to help drivers get the truck they need. There are, of course, some one-size-fits-all trucks for sale like the Ridgeline and Santa Cruz. Typically, you’ll see options for seating, the cargo bed, and the engine type.
Cabin Size (Seating)
It used to be that regular, two-door, single-bench seating was the standard option on pickup trucks. These days, there are several other options to consider. Extended and crew cabs offer a second row of seating and additional doors to get in and out of the cab.
Bed Size
The most defining element of a pickup truck is the cargo bed. This open bed allows you to haul everything from furniture to motorcycles to firewood. The standard bed for a full-size truck is eight-feet. An extended cab usually reduces the bed to six feet. A four-door Crew-Cab usually has beds between five and six feet.
Engine
Pickup truck engines vary from small four-cylinder engines to massive turbo-diesel powertrains. Modern tech is also allowing trucks to come with hybrid or even completely electric powertrains. Depending on the purpose of your truck, the engine will play a major role in getting the job done. Talk to your local dealership to understand which engine size and type is right for you.
Capabilities
While there are plenty of non-truck vehicles out there that can tow and haul, none of them can compete with the capability of a pickup truck. There are various factors that impact what a truck can tow. The cabin and bed size play a role, as do the wheelbase length and the installed towing package.
Chevrolet trucks for sale with the right equipment can tow up to 12,000+ pounds. A heavy-duty pickup can take that number up to $35,000 pounds. If you’re really looking to haul some weight, look into a diesel engine that provides a solid torque output.
Misc. Considerations
The great thing about buying a pickup truck is that you have access to all of the frills and options that come with SUVs and cars. Things like safety features, infotainment tech, and interior elements are all part of your final purchasing decision. Just because a truck is powerful and can tow a ton doesn’t mean it can be comfortable, stylish, and full of advanced tech. At the same time, not everyone who needs a workhorse cares about driving a more costly luxury truck.
The first step in buying a truck is determining what you want and need from it, along with your overall budget. From there, you can narrow down your search by what fits your needs, makes and models you prefer, and finally, the trim level and package that works for you. With so many shapes, styles, and options out there, there is a truck for everyone and every need. Stop by your local dealership and start exploring trucks for sale today.
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