ForConstructionPros.com

We always say you should job rate your truck," says Joe Veltri, director of Dodge Trucks, Chrysler. "Make sure you know exactly what you use the truck for, not just on average, but all of the time."

Based on your application, there are several points to consider when choosing the best powertrain for your pickup. According to Dennis Slevin, F-150 vehicle engineering manager, Ford, they include:

• base cost of the powertrain (engine/transmission combination);
• duty cycle (light payloads or towing vs. heavier payloads or towing);
• operating environmental conditions (on-road vs. off-road or construction sites);
• and desired options (some options offered only on specific powertrain combinations).

Sizing up gas engine alternatives
Picking the right engine for your 1/2-ton pickup involves balancing capability against fuel economy and price, says Joel Fukumoto, Toyota Truck product manager. "The first priority should be capability. [There is no point] in choosing a lower-priced engine that saves on fuel, but can't do what you need it to do," he says. "That's why large V8s still make up nearly 70% of the 1/2-ton market and V6 engines make up just over 10%."

It's also vital to understand exactly how much your truck and its engine can tow.

"Even if you have a big trailer, choosing the biggest engine isn't necessarily what you need to do," says Carl Hillenbrand, Silverado product manager, General Motors. "The towing ratings vary by models, by engines and by 2WD and 4WD. On some models between the 5.3-liter and a 6-liter, you basically aren't getting any extra if you don't have an extra towing package on it. You have already basically maxed out the chassis and cooling."