Heavy-Duty vs. Medium-Duty Trucks
Choosing the right truck can seem easy at first, but considering the wide variety of available options, you may find that there’s more involved than you had initially thought. Not all trucks are built the same, so you’ll want to spend some time carefully researching your options. One of the biggest decisions that you’ll have to make is whether you need a medium-duty or heavy-duty truck.
McCandless Truck Center has provided you with some starting points to help you out. Read on to learn more about heavy and medium-duty trucks, so that you can decide which one of these is the best option for your hauling needs. If you’d like to take a look at what we have in stock, or if your equipment needs servicing, stop by our locations in Colorado and Wyoming. Our friendly staff will be happy to help you with whatever you need!
Classification
Trucks are classified by the Department of Transportation (DOT) into eight different classes. The classes are determined primarily by the truck’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Medium-duty trucks are generally considered to fall into Class 4, 5, or 6 (sometimes Class 3 or Class 7 trucks can qualify, too) with a general hauling capacity between 16,000 and 26,000 pounds. This gives them a medium range of capabilities. You might find medium-duty trucks being used as dump models, tow units, cement trucks, or refrigeration rigs, among other applications.
Heavy-duty trucks are generally used to transport the heaviest loads, such as large fifth-wheel trailers, boats, and construction materials for a job site. They fall into one of these classes—Class 7 (GVWR of 26,001 to 33,000 pounds) and Class 8 (GVWR over 33,001 pounds).
Think About Your Needs
It’s best to know what you’re after before setting out to find it. Depending on the kind of work you plan to do with your new truck, you might need a vehicle capable of a lower or higher GVWR, or something that can fit attachments, make local deliveries, or can be driven across narrow streets. You’ll also want to determine whether you want a flatbed or a trailer, with a few variations in between. The answers to these questions will decide which truck you ultimately buy. A medium-duty truck offers more utility than heavy trucks, but heavy models are perfect for anyone looking to haul a huge payload.
Additionally, you’ll want to keep in mind the DOT’s requirements. If you work in multiple states, you’ll need a truck that fulfills those states’ DOT rules, too. Research what these requirements are ahead of time, so that you can find a suitable model.
Budget
Another important part of purchasing a heavy or medium-duty truck is establishing a firm budget so that you don’t overspend. You also want to be realistic about the sticker price, so look up models online to see what the market prices tend to be.
Heavy-duty trucks tend to be more costly as these vehicles use more construction materials, which increases the price. These rigs are also equipped with higher performance engines and other parts, which are expensive and cost more in maintenance. On the other hand, medium-duty trucks tend to have a lower sticker price and cost less in maintenance and fuel, too. If you have a tight budget, you can always consider pre-owned models that you can get at a much lower price.
When you’re thinking about your budget, don’t forget to factor in additional costs, like insurance, accessories, fuel, and maintenance. This will help you to be more prepared when you finally start inspecting some models.
If you want more information or you want to explore our selection of medium and heavy-duty trucks for sale, head over to McCandless Truck Center. We proudly welcome all our patrons visiting us from Colorado and Wyoming, so stop by today!