Commercial vehicles routinely play an important role in managing a business. They are bold, big, and competent vehicles that can handle the pressures of heavy-duty service. Ongoing advancements made them even better for professional truck driving and hauling tons of cargo, regardless of the distance.
Today, they have transformed into a booming business as many enterprises have them rented for various business needs. In Singapore, a world-class truck company offers 14 to 20-foot lorries with a generous number of models and stock selection.
Buying a commercial vehicle is tricky, with endless engine options, bed sizes, trim choices, and even colour palettes. They also differ not only in size but also in safety, price, performance, reliability, fuel economy, comfort, and other features.
With all the factors to consider, buyers should be honest and specific about how they plan to use it. For example, if you need a vehicle to deliver large loads or haul a huge trailer, you don’t need a heavy-duty truck for the job; a mid-sized or compact truck is a cost-effective option.
The right vehicle for your business depends on a number of factors. It’s best to start buying one that matches the needs of your business. In this article, we’ll talk about the important factors to consider when choosing the right commercial vehicle. Take note of the discussion to maximize the value of your vehicle purchase.
Bed size
Bed size differs across all commercial vehicles. An open truck bed is designed to accomplish the most demanding tasks, such as hauling bulky furniture, equipment, small vehicles (e.g., motorcycles), and outdoor cargo such as trash, manure, and wood chips. These are chores people couldn’t handle with an SUV or a minivan.
The standard bed size of a full-sized truck is at least eight feet, while extended trucks are only six feet. Crew cabs and compact pickups range between five to six-foot beds, depending on the cab configuration.
Cargo beds also include accessories, such as LED lights, stake pockets, tie-down loops, tailgate steps, remote tailgate releases, and stowable load ramps. For extra protection, you can opt for drop-in and spray-in liners for carrying loads in the bed. Among these components, the tailgate is the deciding factor in commercial vehicles. Ideally, a tailgate should be strong enough to prevent the items from falling out in the truck.
Seating and cab type
Standard cabs are the cheapest since they have only two to three seats. Extended cabs have jump seats behind the front seats, perfect for carrying groceries or tools. Crew cabs are good for five to six-seaters with enough legroom in the front and rear seats, but the downside is their small cargo bed.
Regular cabs can easily be modified to accommodate three passengers in the main seat. Extended cabs have limited legroom, making the jump seat ideal for kids or smaller adults. The biggest appeal of extended cabs is the extra interior storage. Meanwhile, crew cabs are best for businesses that carry more passengers than the number of cargo.
When it comes to trim lines, there are cooled and heated seats with adjustable levels. Other comfort features include infotainment systems, large sunroofs, and steering wheel heaters.
Towing and payload capacity
Another determining factor when picking a commercial vehicle is the towing capacity. It refers to the amount of weight a vehicle can tow safely.
Remember, towing capacity and payload capacity aren’t the same. The payload capacity refers to the amount of weight a vehicle can handle both with passengers and cargo. When it comes to payloads, commercial vehicles have three categories; light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks. Your choice depends on how much load a vehicle should carry.
On the other hand, the towing capacity depends on the vehicle size. Generally, heavy-duty trucks have the largest tow capacity. But it doesn’t mean that small trucks have smaller towing capabilities. Recent advancements have enhanced the towing capacity of small pickup trucks. Still, you can’t have the best of both worlds — a better payload and towing capacity. If you need a vehicle that can tow a big trailer, don’t focus on the payload or the amount of cargo and the number of passengers it can accommodate.
The type of vehicle you use for your business dramatically affects the quality of your service and delivered goods on the road. Whether buying used or new, it’s essential to research how to choose the right model suitable for regular operations. In the end, it’s not about getting a luxury vehicle, but owning a reliable truck that can stay on the road no matter the number of miles or the amount of load.