Whiteis agrees, noting, "Auto Crane works with its customers to make sure they fully evaluate both the lifting and payload requirements of the truck itself. We recommend that you have a clear picture as to what you will need to carry with you and what remaining cargo capacity you require. We find the most common pitfall is getting into a truck that is either too small to begin with or one that is quickly outgrown."

In fact, Auto Crane sales data shows a migration to larger Class 6 and 7 chassis. "While many customers do find [the Class 5 and smaller] size truck meets the bulk of their needs, we are beginning to see a percentage opting to move up to a larger class of chassis," says Whiteis. "With escalating costs of fuel, materials and labor, many businesses all across the country are stretching already tight budgets tighter. Some of them are weighing current needs with what they think they will require in the future, and are going with a larger size body to take advantage of the added flexibility. We find most of our customers who choose to go up a class are happy with their decision."