ForConstructionPros.com

Although many pickups and chassis cabs look similar sitting on the dealership lot, there are a lot of “hidden” options that can enhance their performance in your operations.

For instance, consider the variations in the General Motors offerings. “GM offers Chevrolet Silverado and Avalanche and GMC Sierra full-size pickups in variations to meet almost any customer’s needs,” says Dan Tigges, commercial product manager, full size trucks. “We offer three to four trim levels, three cabs, three drive types (2WD, 4WD and AWD), five light-duty engines and three box lengths. All of this adds up to over 280 combinations.”

Likewise, Ford offers many variants. “We offer more than 60 configurations of the F-150, and even more combinations of the Super Duty with F-250 to F-450 pickups and F-250 to F-550 chassis cabs,” says Tom Aubrey, marketing manager, F-Series Super Duty.

But not every option adds value in every situation. “The most important options are the ones that conform to the kinds of duties that the pickup will carry out,” says Kevin Mets, senior manager - vehicle development, heavy-duty Ram trucks & chassis cab programs, Chrysler LLC.

Considerations might include:

• The size and weight of payloads, or trailers to be towed (powertrain, gear ratios, dual wheels, etc.)
• Conditions on the jobsite, including potential traction issues (drive systems, axles, etc.)
• How many people or how much gear needs to be transported (cab configurations, box length, etc.)
• Whether the truck will be used uptown, as well as on the jobsite (interior amenities)

Engine options