Tips For Buying New Light-Duty Commercial Trucks

If you absolutely depend on your truck to get work done, you should consider a brand new commercial truck. You’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a new truck warranty, as well as knowing the factory-fresh parts and components have yet to be worn down or stressed beyond their limits. Brand new trucks, of course, cost more than their used counterparts, but if the price is within your financial limits, the potential for greater reliability and support for the latest amenities make up for the cost difference. Below is a list of things you should consider before purchasing a new light-duty commercial truck.

Body Preference

Construction and vocational fleets use light-duty trucks for a wide variety of jobs. Ideally, you’ll want to select a new light-duty truck with a certain body type—such as a crew cab ute, van, service body, or tray back—that provides the carrying capacity and amenities you need to get the job done. For example, plumbers and electricians might prefer a light-duty van or a service body truck with built-in toolboxes to keep equipment secure and sheltered from the elements. On the flip side, a long, sturdy tray back would be a good option for hauling equipment and other materials that take up a good deal of space. Narrowing down your selection based on body type will help to ensure your choice of light-duty truck offers the features you need.

Capacity Concerns

To keep your new light-duty truck in top operating condition, you should avoid exceeding the maximum load. Research the weight of the times you regularly carry in order to make the right choice and prevent excessive wear and tear on the vehicle. Manufacturers often list gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which is the maximum operating weight of the vehicle including cargo, passengers, and the truck itself. Many trucks also list a gross combination weight rating (GCWR), which includes everything the GVWR does plus the maximum weight allowed for towing cargo in a trailer.

The GVWR and GCWR are helpful, but for our purposes, what we really want to know is the payload capacity. Manufacturers sometimes provide this rating, but you can also calculate it yourself. Start by identifying the trucks curb weight, which is how much the truck weighs without any passengers or cargo. Typically, the manufacturer will list the curb weight online, and your truck dealer should know. To calculate payload capacity, subtract the curb weight from the GVWR, but keep in mind that curb weight does not include passenger weight, which could affect your calculation.

Light-Duty Engine Options

Ongoing competition has driven up the power capabilities of light-duty pickups and utes. Depending on what needs to be accomplished, many light-duty commercial trucks can be equipped with exceptionally powerful engines that provide ample horsepower and torque. With a new light-duty truck, you can typically choose from a variety of V6 and V8 engines, and you can choose between gas and diesel options.

Power alone, however, should not be your sole engine consideration. In general, higher horsepower engines get lower fuel economy. If your job requires a lot of driving, relatively small differences in fuel efficiency can have a major impact on long-term costs. Seek an ideal balance of engine power and fuel economy so that the vehicle can power through the job while minimising fuel costs. You may also want to consider engines that support the use of alternative fuels for lower emissions, especially if your business is trying to “go green” and limit its environmental impact.

Regulations Check

Light-duty trucks may fall under local safety regulations regarding commercial vehicles. In Australia, there are rules for general mass limits and concessional mass limits that are applied under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). Typically, a new light-duty truck will not operate within the score of HVNL, but some loads and towing situations may require additional licensing. You should ensure that operators comply with the necessary licences and that the vehicle is correctly licensed for the jobs you’ll be doing.

Final Details

When selecting a new truck, you will likely see a few trim level choices, technology options, and accessory packages. Do your homework and find a model that provides what you need without going overboard on extras that you may not use, because those extras will certainly drive up the cost.