Top Features to Look for in a Used Truck for Towing and Hauling

If you’re one of the many who refuse to compromise when it comes to their vehicles, especially when it comes to a truck, chances are the used lot has intrigued you. The last thing you want is a truck that can’t keep up with your workload. This is why towing and hauling capabilities play a critical role in the truck you choose.

Those seeking out used trucks for sale near Spring Valley Village will want to shop here at Parkway Chevrolet. We have the inventory that area drivers demand. Let’s explore some of the factors you’ll want to consider when towing and hauling are top priorities.

Powertrain Capabilities

Spring Valley Village truck buyers have a vast array of work that they need to complete. Some are looking for trucks that can handle demanding ranch work, while others are seeking out adventure-ready trucks. This requires a used truck with a powertrain that meets your unique needs behind the wheel.

Torque Capacity

Torque plays a vital role in how much your truck can tow. It’s this low-end power that gets your truck moving, especially with a large load attached to it. This is why you’ll want to pay attention to the torque that’s generated by a truck’s engine.

We prefer hard-working trucks from Chevy here at Parkway Chevrolet, as models like the Silverado 1500 show off exceptional torque numbers to help you tow and haul with confidence. Fourth-gen Silverados, for example, provide you with 495 lb-ft of torque in diesel models, allowing properly equipped models to tow up to 13,300 lbs.

Towing & Hauling Potential

Speaking of towing capacity, many trucks on the used lot from various brands are able to provide you with the towing power you require. More recent Ford F-150 models can tow up to 13,500 lbs with certain engines, while midsize models like the Chevy Colorado show off class-leading towing capabilities of up to 7,700 lbs in many newer used models.

Payload is another factor that drivers are concerned about, and rest assured that the used trucks in our lineup won’t disappoint when hauling is on the agenda. If you need to load up your truck with hefty materials or equipment, you’ll be able to depend on the models offered here.

For example, the GMC Sierra 1500 can handle up to 2,240 lbs of payload in fifth-gen models. The F-150 can take on up to 2,445 lbs in many newer models, and the Ram 1500 fifth-gen models can accommodate up to 2,300 lbs of payload.

Light-Duty vs Heavy-Duty

You will find a range of trucks on our lot, including midsize, light-duty, and heavy-duty models. Although midsize models can tow with ease, many drivers who are concerned about towing and hauling tend to gravitate toward full-size models. When choosing a full-size model, you’ll need to decide between light-duty and heavy-duty options.

Those who need to be able to tow impressive amounts—think 36,000 lbs—will want a heavy-duty option. These models are larger and more capable than other trucks; however, they’re not for everyone, especially those who frequently find themselves on jam-packed city streets.

Heavy-duty models are more cumbersome to handle and aren’t as good on gas as smaller trucks. Full-size trucks, although easier to handle, aren’t as capable as HD options. This is why you’ll need to determine your towing and hauling needs before making your choice.

Bed Durability & Cargo Capacity

You may not be as concerned with towing as you are with hauling, which makes your truck bed a factor that needs to be taken into account. Many of today’s trucks are geared toward hard work, with durable builds, reinforced construction, and features to make carrying heavy loads easier for Spring Valley Village drivers.

Bed Size & Construction

You’ll want to find a truck with the right bed size for your hauling needs. After all, if you’re going to depend on your truck to assist you during the workday or on a weekend adventure to the campsite, it must be able to carry everything you need to load inside of it. Many full-size trucks come with various bed sizes to accommodate you, including short, standard, and long-bed configurations.

There are many used trucks out there that also offer the bed durability that drivers are looking for. The Silverado 1500, for instance, shows off an ultra-durable bed. Many newer models are made from a high-strength, roll-formed steel that can withstand the elements, as well as everything you’re loading into it.

Cargo Hauling Potential

With all the various bed sizes available comes different cargo capacities. You may think that every full-size or midsize truck shows off the same cargo numbers; however, it’s surprising how broad this number actually is, which is why you’ll need to choose wisely.

For those who require maximum cargo capacity, the Silverado 1500 shows off up to 89.1 cu.ft of cargo volume with the long bed in full-size light-duty fourth-gen models. These models can also be found with the game-changing Multi-Flex Tailgate, which can be configured in several unique ways. A similar version, called MultiPro, is found on Sierra 1500 models.

Trailering Tech

In order to make the most of your haul, it helps to have some advanced tech at your disposal to assist with your towing and hauling needs. The great news is that many used trucks in our lineup are highly intuitive and perfect for those seeking to make trailering an easier and safer experience.

Trailering Assistance & Safety

Models, like the Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra 1500, offer a significant amount of towing tools to keep you confident behind the wheel. From hitch assistance to backup help, you’re sure to find a truck that’s armed with what you need while towing.

You will also find that models like the Silverado 1500 offer trailering safety tech to enhance security while traveling on busy Spring Valley Village streets. From blind spot assistance to hands-free driving tech that can be utilized while towing, these trucks have it all.

Hauling Help

Models, like the Ford F-150, have helpful tools to ensure that you’re making the most of your hauling endeavors and you’re not overloading your truck. Many newer models feature Onboard Scales, which actively measure the weight of whatever you’re loading into your truck so that you can avoid an overloaded vehicle.

Trailering Apps

There are even apps available in many models, including the Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500, that allow you to keep a close eye on your trailer. From being able to set up customized trailer profiles to staying in tune with trailer health statistics, these integrated trailering apps are simply invaluable.

Camera Views

You will find used trucks armed with advanced camera tech as well to help you see better all around your truck and your haul. The newer lineup of Silverado models shows off up to 14 available camera angles, allowing you to see behind your trailer like it’s not even there, and even accessory camera views available inside your trailer to check on livestock.

Choosing the Right Truck for Towing & Hauling

As you can see, you have a lot to think about before you make your purchase. Trucks come with many capabilities, especially those that are geared toward towing and hauling. There’s a vast range of options to cater to a vast range of Spring Valley Village drivers.

The great news is that you’re able to find what you’re looking for with ease when you have a diverse lineup to shop from. This is the case here at Parkway Chevrolet, where we keep our used truck selection stocked with the models that today’s drivers demand.