How to Choose the Best Utility Truck
Getting the right utility truck is all about finding a model that can accommodate the cargo you need to transport, as well as finding something with all the features to fit your needs. Not all trucks are built the same, so you’ll want to spend some time carefully researching your options. Tri-County Truck & Equipment has provided some starting points to help you out. If you’d like to take a look at our selection of utility trucks for sale, head over to our dealership in Pompano Beach, Florida.
Type of Cargo
Buying the best utility truck starts with understanding how you’ll be using it and what kind of specifics will affect the features needed. A big truck for big loads and small trucks for less cargo might seem like the best way to go about it, but this isn’t always the case. It’s one thing if you’re hauling a big load of small, loosely packed material, as opposed to a couple of pallets of cement blocks. The type of cargo you want to carry can influence the size and load to pick as well as rear door type, chassis wheel size, and cargo flooring.
When you’re careful and thorough in identifying your expectations, you’ll be able to effectively rule out models that don’t suit you. Additionally, you’ll be able to successfully identify the key features you need for your particular applications.
Look at Chassis Size
The size of the chassis will help to determine overall cargo space and weight capacity. You want a balance here as to avoid a too-big utility truck bed on a too-small chassis. As medium-duty vehicles, most utility trucks are going to fall into Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) classes 3 through 6, with the upper end giving you 26,000 pounds to work with. A truck larger than this will need the driver to have a commercial license, so take this into consideration when making your purchase.
Body Type and Dimensions
Among the various utility truck options, there are several body types that you can choose from. Once you’ve considered your applications for the vehicle, you’ll have a good idea of what body type you should look for. For example, service and utility bodies are most commonly used for electrical, HVAC, and general construction applications because they’re excellent for keeping tools organized. A flatbed should be your go-to choice if you’re moving heavy construction materials.
After you’ve chosen a body type, you may need to consider the dimensions of your truck as well as the areas you drive in. When you look at the dimensions, ask yourself if you’ll have clearance issues and if it will be easy for you to park the truck. You’ll also want to consider if you’ll have the required turning radius to navigate the job site without moving other equipment out of the way. You should keep all these factors in mind before choosing a particular model.
Budget
Making a budget for a big purchase, like a utility truck, can be tricky. Besides the sticker price, don’t forget to include the maintenance and service costs in your budget. Start by setting a price range for yourself that gives you some flexibility. This will help you get the most value for your money. Be ready to shoot a little higher on the price if you find a better model with useful features.
You can also look into used models to save a little money. Even gently used models shave off a significant amount of money on the price. Remember to ask your dealer about financing options that will help you make the payment in monthly installments.
Whether it’s identifying the right utility truck for the right job, or confirming that the cargo capacity aligns with what you’re trying to get done, Tri-County Truck & Equipment is here to help you find the perfect model! Visit us today in Pompano Beach, FL, and we will give you a full tour of our selection of utility trucks for sale. We proudly welcome all our patrons visiting us from Fort Lauderdale, FL, and the Tri-County area.