Buying a medium duty truck, often more simply called a box truck in Texas, is a lot more complicated than it used to be. New technology, features and options in these vehicles give people a lot more to consider, and taking the time to compare different manufacturers and models is critical.
Of course, when looking at medium duty trucks for sale, the newest models are going to offer the most in features. These features can be essential in more than just adding convenience. They can ensure safety, improve driver comfort and even assist in more effectively monitoring the vehicle and notifying the driver when upcoming maintenance is required.
Gross Vehicle Weight
There are different sizes of medium duty trucks and they typically fall into the classes that don’t require a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The benefit of staying with the class 3 to 6 trucks is that anyone can drive the vehicles, and insurance is often much more reasonable than for trucks requiring a CDL, the class 7 and 8 trucks.
Fuel Type
In most areas of Texas, and also around the country, both gas and diesel is relatively easy to find at most filling stations. However, diesel is going to be more difficult in some areas, particularly in urban settings.
On the other side of the coin, diesel trucks are typically lower maintenance and have a longer life cycle with proper care and maintenance. If you are not planning on keeping the vehicle for the full life cycle, this is not as much of a consideration. To add to the issues, gas engines, which are more common in class 4 and under, are often less expensive to purchase.
Cab Configuration
There are two basic options in cab designs. One is the standard cab, which looks like a bigger version of a pick-up truck. The cab sits behind the engine with a hood that opens to allow you to work on the engine.
The cab-forward option has a flat front with the cab sitting on top of the engine. To access the engine, the entire cab tilts forward. The design offers a bigger front windshield and side windows for increased driver visibility. The design also makes these medium duty trucks for sale easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
Finally, the specialized type of box or cargo area will need to be considered. Most offer a traditional box or cube cargo compartment, but there are also trucks with refrigeration units, utility storage racks or flatbed trucks for larger palleted loads.
By considering what you want, and spending some time talking to your truck dealership, you will find the right truck for your needs. Look at different models, options and features as well as carefully consider your current and future trucking needs.
