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Is bigger truly better? If you're talking about a stack ofbills, then no; but if your business calls for hauling or towingheavy loads, then a big truck is what you need.
Pickups are big business these days: Ford's F-Series modelsare the bestselling vehicles in the United States. The reason thepickup market has shot up like a rocket is great versatility in theform of six-person quad cabs, a variety of engines and 2,000- to15,000-pound cargo capacities. Diesel engines, which can add $4,500to $5,500 to your price tag, have a life expectancy of well over300,000 miles before they need an overhaul, are less costly tomaintain than gas engines and deliver impressive towingcapabilities.
Engines determine load capacity and the performance you canexpect. The bigger the engine, the better the performance. The mostpowerful engine now is the GMC Sierra's Duramax 6600 turbo V8diesel.
Need to keep cargo hidden? Your best bet is to stick with an SUVor minivan; however, some trucks, such as Dodge's Dakota, comewith a hard-top you can lock.
Here are some heavy-hitting vans, SUVs and pickups and theirmaximum payloads and towing capacities:
CadillacEscalade. Payload: 1,227 lbs. Towing: 6,600 lbs.Chevrolet Silverado3500. Payload: 5,810 lbs. Towing: 12,000 lbs.Chevrolet Suburban K25004WD. Payload: 2,840 lbs. Towing: 12,000 lbs.Chevrolet Tahoe4WD. Payload: 1,816 lbs. Towing: 8,700 lbs.Dodge Ram 2500.Payload: 3,498 lbs. Towing: 13,850 lbs.Ford Econoline WagonE-350. Payload: 4,140 lbs. Towing: 10,000 lbs.Ford Expedition.Payload: 2,035 lbs. Towing: 8,100 lbs.Jill Amadio has reported on the automotive industry for 24years as an editor and consultant.
