Picking the best work truck for your business is an important and sometimes complex balancing act. Given the average price tag on a light-duty, full-size pickup hovers around $50,000, it's not something you want to get wrong.
So, how do you go about picking the right truck? Keep reading and we'll cover the key features you must decide on before you invest your money.
Number of People
The number of people you must fit in the truck regularly will play a crucial role in your decision. If you expect four, full-grown men to ride in the truck regularly, you need a crew cab truck. The crew cab accommodates those extra bodies.
In a pinch or if you only work locally, you can probably get away with an extended cab. The fit will prove a little tight for the people riding in the back, but it's livable.
Towing Capacity
When you're picking between trucks, towing capacity falls into three broad classes:
- light-duty
- medium-duty
- heavy-duty
You'll need a solid estimate of how much weight you expect to tow around regularly. If you only haul very heavy loads occasionally, a heavy-duty truck is probably overkill and money down the drain.
You'll need to speak with a dealer for the towing specs on specific models. They can also help you narrow down potential models with information about what kind of trailer you routinely use.
Gas Versus Diesel
The gas versus diesel debate rages on as fiercely as ever with proponents and detractors on both sides.
On the diesel side, they argue that diesel gets better fuel economy. It also provides better towing power. Additionally, many heavy-duty trucks only come in diesel models.
On the gas side, they argue that gasoline is more readily available at all gas stations. Gas is also cheaper per gallon, on average. Diesel vehicles also cost more for otherwise identical models of any given pickup.
The choice mostly boils down to a question of mileage. If you typically put over 25,000 miles per year on your trucks, it's worth looking considering diesel. The fuel economy can potentially offset the extra cost of purchase.
Specialty Vehicles
Some businesses need specialty vehicles like wreckers, dump trucks, or tanker trucks. These vehicles come with their own challenges, such as the right licenses for employees. If only you or just a few of your employees have the right licenses, you may need the services of driveaway companies to deliver your vehicles.
Parting Thoughts Picking the Best Work Truck
Picking the best work truck is about balancing several needs. You need trucks that fit the right number of employees, provide enough towing power, and use your preferred type of fuel.
Still in the startup phase of your business? Need more guidance? Check out some of the other articles on this site for more startup advice.
