Size matters when shopping for the perfect vehicle. While it might not necessarily be obvious, the demand for pickups is high and has been steadily increasing over the years – and they won’t be slowing down any time soon.
Like with cars and SUVs, pickup trucks come in a variety of shapes, sizes and specifications. And while all are an investment, unlike these other vehicles, more thought and research is required before taking the plunge, especially if you are a first-time buyer.
Here are three tips to help you find the pickup truck to suit you and all your needs.
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Prepare to spend more
Trucks, while being a worthwhile investment, are unfortunately expensive – especially if you are looking for something with a few extra comforts and add-ons on top of your standard base model.
A standard truck doesn’t necessarily mean that it isn’t perfect for those who are on a modest budget, but it is important to remember just how broad the pickup truck range is. Simply choosing the most popular option could mean that you are paying more for features that you might not even need. The difference in price might not always be extremely substantial, but either way, you need to be prepared to spend more than you would on a regular car or SUV which is why it’s always best to start researching and saving early.
Size matters
Remember: when it comes to pickup trucks, size matters! Think about your needs and wants – 3/4 pickups are popular in commercial fleets for example. There are two size categories for you to choose between – mid and full-size and two classifications – light and heavy-duty, each with their own pros and cons. Mid-sized are smallest, have smaller cargo beds and can’t tow as much as their full-size counterpart. However, due to their smaller size, they are more accessible for everyday use and are easier to maneuver. This makes parking and various other off-road situations easier to handle, and they generally tend to be more fuel-efficient. Larger full-size trucks, on the other hand, are more diverse and come in both light and heavy-duty variants. The higher classifications also mean that they are better at towing, but the more a truck can haul, the lower the driving quality of the truck itself. This is why light-duty pickup’s are generally the better and more versatile choice for most people, offering both a heavier tow alongside good driving quality.
Bed lengths and cab sizes
When it comes to pickup trucks, there are three main cab sizes. The smallest and basic of them all is the singular or regular cab, which can fit up to three passengers and only has two doors. The medium is called the extended, which includes smaller rear doors as well as a back seat. Lastly the crew cab is the biggest and tends to be the most popular due to the spacious limousine-like back seat and four doors, making the pickup even more practical. Most also come with various cargo bed options, and those with more than one single bed size will come with both a short and long bed. Still, when choosing, it is essential to remember that sizes will vary from truck to truck and that not all bed and cab sizes are automatically compatible.
