Are you searching for a pickup truck for work? If so, one of the most important characteristics to consider is durability. You want something as reliable as your best co-worker. Keep reading as our truck experts at Ciocca Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) of Hanover explain what to take note of as you search for the perfect truck and which are the most durable work truck models.
What Do You Need in a Work Truck?
Whether you're in farming, construction, or another similar industry, having a powerful and capable pickup truck can help you throughout your workday. That's why pickup trucks are common on work sites across America. With that said, there are several factors to consider when choosing your next work truck, including towing and hauling capacity, customizable features, and reliability.
Towing and Hauling Capacity
You must first understand the terms auto companies use to describe a pickup truck's capabilities to determine the towing and hauling capacity you'll need your truck to have. Some key terms to know include the following:
- Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR): This term refers to the maximum weight for your truck to operate safely without harming any components.
- Gross combined vehicle weight rating (GCVWR): This rating is the maximum weight of your vehicle and its attached trailer, including all passengers and cargo in the vehicle's bed and trailer.
- Payload capacity: The payload is everything your truck carries, including you, your passengers, and any cargo, not just the weight in your truck's bed. So your truck's payload capacity is the maximum weight it can safely carry. You can calculate a vehicle's payload rating by subtracting its curb weight from its GVWR.
- Towing capacity: This is the maximum weight your vehicle can safely pull. The figure changes depending on your vehicle's configuration, how much weight it is carrying, and how you distribute the load you tow.
- Hitching and towing equipment: Having the right equipment helps maximize your truck's towing capabilities and ensures you can tow as safely as possible. Equipment such as an appropriate hitch receiver, a wiring harness, and a trailer brake controller will all help you safely tow a heavy load.
Customizable Features
One of the primary reasons pickup trucks are popular on the job site is how easy they are to customize. Changing and adapting your truck allows you to create a vehicle that meets your needs. Features you can add to your vehicle to help you in the workplace include the following:
- Step bar: A step bar near or built into your truck's bed can make loading or unloading cargo much easier and safer. Step bars are especially critical if your truck has a lift kit, as the extra height can make getting in and out of your vehicle even more tiring.
- Toolbox: Many auto manufacturers give you the option of installing a toolbox in the bed of your truck, though you can also do it yourself. A toolbox means you can safely and conveniently store your tools without taking up space in the cabin.
- Lumber rack: If you're in construction or do a lot of DIY, a specialized rack can help you easily and safely transport lumber from the store to the job site.
- Bedliner: Bedliners, which come in multiple forms, help protect your truck's bed from scratches, dents, debris, and rust buildup.
- Towing hitch: You'll need a towing hitch if you often tow heavy machines or equipment. A heavy-duty towing hitch ensures your work truck can tow almost anything within its capacity.
- Trailer backup assist: Some trucks offer optional trailer backup assistance. This feature, which you usually activate with a button, makes it easier to guide your trailer to where it needs to go.
- Tailgate add-ons: Like a step bar, other tailgate features, such as a foldable inner gate, can make loading and unloading your truck's bed much simpler.
Reliability
One of the most obvious factors in choosing a durable truck is its reliability. When purchasing your next work truck, you'll want to look for one with the following:
- A reputation for quality.
- Proof of regular maintenance if pre-owned or used.
- High-quality parts and components.
- Worthwhile warranties that meet or exceed industry standards.
Ram 1500
One of the most consistently reliable and durable trucks for the worksite is the Ram 1500. It's the only full-size pickup truck Car and Driver included in the 10 Best Trucks and SUVs for 2023. The Ram 1500 has the perfect mix of all the amenities, features, and technology you desire, plus it has the necessary power to get the job done. The Ram 1500 has a towing capacity between 7,730 and 12,750 pounds, depending on your selected engine.
Get Your Next Work Truck at Ciocca CDJR of Hanover
Ciocca CDJR of Hanover is the best place to find your next durable work truck. Our family-owned dealership prides itself on providing a first-class buying experience. Whether you want a new Ram truck or a pre-owned Ford, we have you covered with the largest inventory in the area. And we're a comprehensive dealership, so we'll help you throughout your vehicle's life. From securing financing to servicing your truck, we have you covered. Contact us online, call 717-524-1797, or visit us at 200 Eisenhower Drive in Hanover, Pennsylvania.