Truck Attributes Compared To Help You Choose Your New Vehicle

Buying a pick-up truck isn't an easy decision, and it's not particularly one that you can undo, either. Trucks are expensive, and so, when buying one, you need to make sure you're getting your money's worth by purchasing a near-perfect truck. This goes double if you're buying a truck for a particular job. Then, proper attributes are essential because otherwise, it's a waste of money. That said, it's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to trucks. This article will help you decide precisely what you want in a truck by giving you all the information you need on truck attributes.  

Size

There are two truck-size classes: mid-size and full-size. Mid-size trucks are smaller in size than full-size pick-ups, which means they have smaller cabs and smaller beds. Their engine and towing capabilities are also lower as the trucks are mainly designed to carry a lighter load. While a disadvantage for some, this smaller size can be advantageous as they're easier to park and maneuver into tight space. As for full-size trucks, they have more extensive beds and cabs, and they're built to carry and tow heavy loads, which makes them more valuable and expensive. They are also harder to drive due to their size, so they will take a while to get used to. Not to mention, they take up large spaces.

Strength

Light, medium, and heavy-duty are the three strength classifications available. To make this decision, however, you need to know your towing needs first. While able to take a maximum load of 3,000 pounds and tow a maximum of 12,000, light-duty trucks are the least capable of the three types. However, they're a lot easier to drive, and they're also cheaper. Medium-duty pick-ups fall in between the three types, making them perfect for most jobs as they combine the best of both worlds. If your loads aren't that heavy, but you could use the extra power, it's the choice for you.

Last but not least, heavy-duty trucks. They are the most capable as they're able to tow anything from a boat to an RV. It's what you get when your main reason for getting a truck is to drag and haul.

Towing Capacity

For those expecting to work on job sites, a truck's towing capacity is a critical factor. There's a lot that goes into towing capacity, light size, axle ratios, and engine, but ultimately, there's a simple way to decide what you want. If you look at the towing capacity of a Ford Excursion, you'll find that the total maximum weight allowed is defined by GCWR specs. This is the maximum amount of weight the truck can carry, including the trailer, passengers, and vehicle. Other specs include:

• The maximum weight one axle can handle.
• The gross weight of the car.
• The gross weight that can be carried without a trailer.

Your needs should drive your decision here, but make sure to choose a towing capacity that's 10% more than you need. That way, you won't be risking any damage to the vehicle.  

Engine

The better the engine, the more power you'll have to carry your load, but with that comes excessive fuel consumption. The best engine is one that gives you the power you need without costing you a fortune in gas, primarily because trucks aren't exactly known for their low mileage. It is worth mentioning that a small engine will work just fine if you don't need the truck to haul large loads, mainly because it doesn't consume as much fuel. On the other hand, if you'll be carrying loads all day, you might want to consider a diesel engine. They are more expensive, but they are more powerful and more fuel-efficient than gas-powered engines.

As we mentioned, no one truck fills everyone's needs. To pick the ultimate truck for you, you need to know your exact needs and put in the research. The comparison will take some time, but in the end, you'll have a long-lasting, highly dependable pick-up. One thing you have to take into consideration is to keep a loose budget. To get the truck you need, you've got to be prepared to pay for its capabilities. Sometimes, people set budgets while unaware of the market, and then they get shocked when they realize they can't afford what they need. The step that follows is them compromising on their needs to stay within their budget. The only two outcomes here are: severely damaging the truck during a job or slowly overworking it and reducing its life expectancy. Either way, it's a bad investment. To avoid this situation, research first and set a budget later. Good luck!