When purchasing a pickup truck, careful consideration should be given to the features each truck offers. It will be easier to determine what features to look for in a pick up truck once it has been decided what the intended use of the truck will be.
Pickup trucks come in two different types. The compact pickup is a smaller vehicle that sits closer to the ground. It is aimed more towards those who are looking for a general use vehicle. A full-size pickup is geared more towards owners who will use it for work. It sits higher off the ground is used more for hauling and towing.
Full-size pickups come in three different weights. A half-ton pickup is good for light hauling and as an all around general purpose vehicle. The three-quarter ton truck is used for hauling heavier loads and pulling light-weight trailers and campers. The 1-ton is built to haul larger loads and for pulling heavier trailers and larger campers.
Engines come in three sizes: 4-, 6-, and 8-cylinders. Choosing the size of the engine should be determined by the work an owner expects to do with the vehicle. While fuel economy is better with a 4-cylinder engine, it is lacking in power when compared to the 6- and 8-cylinder engines. Pickups will also get better gas mileage with a manual transmission as opposed to an automatic. Automatic transmissions, however, are easier to use.
Trucks come with either a gasoline or a diesel powered engine. Gasoline engines are the most common while diesel engines are more commonplace in trucks used for heavy hauling and towing. A truck’s towing capacity is dependent not only on the weight of the truck and the size of the engine, but also on its gearing and whether an add-on towing package is installed.
Pickup trucks commonly have rear-wheel drive. This mean the rear wheels are what drive the vehicle and this is adequate for most drivers. If one will be encountering snow, ice, mud, or off-road conditions, a four-wheel drive vehicle will be more suitable. Some trucks come equipped with All-Wheel Drive or AWD. This allows for the front wheels to engage automatically when needed without the driver having to manually put the truck into 4-wheel drive.
Cab sizes vary. The least expensive option is a regular cab. It has two doors and minimal room behind the seat. Extended cabs can either have jumpseats or a regular back bench. The rear area is usually fine for children but adults may find it quite cramped. Trucks with extended cabs may or may not have doors to get into the back seating area. Crew cabs offer the most room. They have a full rear seat and regular doors to access the backseat.
Cargo beds in pickups range from four to eight feet in length depending on the truck style. The bed may have what is called a stepside or flairside. This is where there is an external flare to allow for the wheels giving the inside of the bed a straight box. Accommodations for the tires on a regular bed are inside the bed itself.
Modern trucks are equipped with several safety features. Shoulder and lap belts are standard as are anti-lock brakes. Driver and passenger side airbags are also available in pickups. Many new models also feature side airbags.
Extra features on pickup trucks can include rear view cameras, GPS systems and high end audio systems.
Whether purchasing a compact or a full-size pickup, careful consideration should be paid to the features that will help to meet the driver’s needs.