Cab & Chassis Truck Buying Guide

Jun. 24 2019 Miscellaneous By _____

As one of the most versatile and helpful vehicles on the market, cab & chassis trucks are preferred by many professional workers and private contractors. It’s easy to hook up whatever you need and be on the road instantly. That said, there are so many models out there that you’ll want to think carefully about which one is right for your work.

At Tri-County Truck Equipment, we love bridging the gap between people’s needs and the vehicles that are built for the job. We’ve compiled this guide to help you find a cab & chassis truck that will maximize productivity and help you grow your business. To find out more or to purchase a cab & chassis truck, stop by our dealership in Pompano Beach, Florida.

What’s A Cab & Chassis Truck?

First, you should be clear about what a cab & chassis truck is. If you’re not familiar with trucks, it can be a little confusing to understand the differences. Take a look at a pickup and you’ll see the features that qualify it as a pickup: it has a cab (the front part that you sit inside) and it has a bed behind that. Bigger heavy-duty trucks have a flatbed or a trailer instead of a pickup bed. 

Cab & chassis trucks differ from others because, when you look at the back part of one, you won’t see anything except the frame. There’s no trailer and no bed. You can see the back axle pretty easily because of this and that is why these vehicles aren’t considered the best-looking ones out there. However, they’re not made to look pretty—they’re made to get the job done!

Very Versatile

When it comes to handling a variety of jobs, you can’t beat a cab & chassis truck. The beds and trailers of most trucks actually limit what they can do. Cab & chassis trucks, with their open back end armed with a strong axle, are built for a wider range of applications.

Many owners will use these trucks for standard functions like big rig hauling and utility transport, but you can also use them as tow vehicles for hauling RVs or even as emergency vehicles. Big companies like Hino and Isuzu build their cab & chassis trucks to be powerful haulers; all you have to do is figure out what you can do with it. These trucks are even bought by private citizens for their utility value.

Specs to Consider

To get the best usage out of any vehicle you purchase, you have to know if its specs suit your needs. That is why you should have a clear idea of why you want to buy that particular vehicle. In case you have a hard time deciding, talk to our friendly staff about your requirements and they’ll help you select the right truck for the job.

When looking at cab & chassis trucks, keep in mind that each model has certain weight restrictions as specified by the manufacturer. Ask about the gross combined weight rating (GCWR), which gives you the weight capacity of the entire unit, including the weight of the truck, towed vehicles, cargo and passengers. If you need to haul cargo that exceeds this weight limit, then you'll have to make other accommodations. An overloaded truck is inefficient and dangerous, so if you know you need to haul heavier weight, get a truck that can handle it.

We hope this guide helped you understand what to look for when buying cab & chassis trucks. If you want to learn more or want to see some Hino and Isuzu cab & chassis trucks for sale, come by Tri-County Truck Equipment in Pompano Beach, Florida. We’re proud to serve the good people of Fort Lauderdale and Tri-Cities, Florida.