Over the years, trucks have developed a reputation as hard-to-drive vehicles, especially for those who don't have much experience behind the wheel of a truck. While there is a learning curve, driving a pickup truck doesn't have to be as intimidating as you might think. Here's your guide to operating the best pickup trucks for hauling heavy loads.
Loading and Balancing Your Truck
One of the main reasons people purchase a pickup truck is to haul goods in the truck's bed. Before you load any cargo into your vehicle, it's essential that you protect it from potential scratches and dents. Bed mats and liners can guard your truck's bed when you use your vehicle for carrying bulky goods. Make sure any mat or liner you buy fits your truck's bed, as this will help protect your vehicle from rust, scratches, scuffs, and dents.
Once you've placed your bed mat or liner, you can begin loading your truck. The first tip to loading a pickup truck properly is to place the heaviest items closest to the truck's cab at the back of the truck bed. Moving the heaviest items closest to the truck's center will help evenly distribute your vehicle's weight. The more evenly your load's weight is distributed, the less wear and tear you'll put on your truck's suspension and drivetrain.
The next tip for balancing your cargo is to place more oversized, longer items on either side of the bed. You want these items near the bed rails and away from the center of the bed. Then, you'll want to load smaller boxes between the heavier items in the back of the bed and the longer, larger items on the sides. Put lighter boxes on top of heavier ones, being careful not to stack them too high. As you place these boxes, ensure you're attempting to distribute the total weight of your cargo as evenly as possible.
Tire Pressure
Before taking off with your cargo, you must double-check your truck's tire pressure. Loading a pickup truck with extra weight can cause your tires to bulge under the additional weight. Without an adjustment, this scenario can lead to worse steering and handling and an increased risk of accidents.
That's why you must add air pressure to your tires before loading your truck. Still, you need to be cautious when adding extra air pressure and ensure you're not overinflating your tires, as that can also increase your chances of an accident. Calculate the weight you're planning on hauling and use your owner's manual to determine how much air pressure you need to add.
Using Tie-Downs and Ratchet Straps
When you're hauling cargo in an open-bed pickup truck, you must tie or strap down everything to ensure it's as secure as possible. While you can use rope or bungee cords, a ratchet strap is the best tool to secure your payload.
High-quality ratchet straps will ensure you don't lose any of your materials while transporting them and that you protect others on the road from the potential of cargo falling off your truck. In addition to tie-downs and ratchet straps, you can use tarps, cargo nets, or covers to help protect your load.
Other Tips for Driving a Pickup Truck
Aside from hauling a heavy load, there are some general tips you'll need to know if you're not used to driving a pickup truck. These suggestions include:
- Reverse carefully: When backing up in a truck, remember you have a limited field of vision, especially compared to smaller vehicles. Backup cameras and mirrors help, but you should still reverse slowly and double-check the area you're reversing into.
- Use your gas judiciously: Compared to the average sedan, pickup trucks pack a ton of power. It's important to respect this power and not stomp on your gas. Using your gas judiciously will keep you safer and help improve your truck's fuel economy.
- Pay attention to your blind spots: As mentioned above, you have a severely limited field of vision in a pickup compared to smaller cars, and you must constantly be monitoring your blind spots because of this.
- Take your turns cautiously: Taking a sharp turn in a pickup truck can be dangerous, especially at higher speeds. Take turns slowly, and always account for the extra length of your vehicle.
- Be prepared for longer brake times: Because trucks are heavier than cars, it takes more time for them to come to a complete stop, especially if you're towing or hauling something. Make sure you're allowing plenty of space between your truck and the vehicle in front of you.
Best Trucks for Hauling Heavy Loads
Here are some of the best trucks designed to handle the heaviest loads. Which truck is best for you will depend on the attributes and features you desire the most.
Ford F-150
The 2023 Ford F-150 can produce between 290-700 horsepower and 265-640 lb-ft of torque, depending on the trim you select. Maximum towing and payload for the F-150 ranges from 8,200-14,000 pounds and 1,400-3,315 pounds, respectively.
Chevy Silverado
The 2023 Chevy Silverado can generate between 305-420 horsepower and 383-495 lb-ft of torque, depending on the trim. Maximum towing and payload capacity for the Silverado reaches from 8,900-9,500 pounds and 1,970-2,140 pounds, respectively.
Ram 3500
When it comes to towing and hauling, there's no truck better than the Ram 3500. You can choose the best engine for your needs with three different engines. These engines produce between 370-420 horsepower and 429-1,075 lb-ft of torque. The Ram 3500's towing and payload capacity range from 18,210-37,090 pounds and 6,570-7,680 pounds, respectively.
Buy Your Next Pickup Truck at Ciocca Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) of Hanover
Ciocca CDJR of Hanover is where you can find a pickup truck capable of carrying the heaviest load. With the largest inventory in the area, you're sure to find exactly what you're looking for. Plus, our family-owned business prides itself on providing every customer with a hassle-free and transparent car-buying process.
Additionally, as a comprehensive dealership, we'll assist you throughout your vehicle's life. Our expert team in the finance center will get you the perfect loan or lease for your situation. When your car needs maintenance or repairs, our trained technicians in the service center are here to help. Contact us online, call 717-524-1797, or visit us in person at 200 Eisenhower Drive, Hanover, PA, 17331-5212.
Image by Dmitriy Pashchuck is licensed with Unsplash License