Want To Buy A Truck: 4 Trucking Terms To Understand
When it comes to purchasing a used truck, you want to purchase a high-quality used truck that you can get a lot of miles and usage from. When it comes to purchasing a used truck, you need to make sure you understand a variety of trucking terms so you can find the right truck for your needs.
Trucking Term #1: Payload
The payload lets you know how much weight the vehicle can handle without being overloaded. This includes the weight of all the passengers, anything in the cab of the truck, and anything in the bed of the truck. If the payload on the truck is exceeded, that can cause damage to the suspension, brakes, and chassis on the truck. The payload varies from one truck model to the next, so be sure the truck you want to purchase can handle the payload capacities you need from the truck.
Trucking Term #2: Towing Capacity
The next term you need to understand is towing capacity. The towing capacity is different than the payload. This is how much weight you can pull behind your truck without damaging the truck. Once again, the towing capacity can vary greatly from one truck to the next.
Truck Term #3: Torque
When you purchase a truck, you want to know its torque. The torque measures the ability of the truck's engine to apply the maximum twisting force, which is really a measurement of the truck's ability to push or pull the weight of the vehicle. If you plan on hauling around a heavy load you need to make sure your vehicle's engine has the ability to support that weight. You want a vehicle with a high level of engine torque.
Truck Term #4: Light Duty/ Heavy Duty
Trucks are often categorized as either a light-duty or heavy-duty truck. A light-duty truck means that the truck can handle the daily driving duties as a passenger car would. That means that the truck is great at putting on the miles necessary for commuting.
The term heavy duty is a little more exclusive; heavy-duty trucks are those that can handle carrying heavier loads. Specifically, heavy-duty trucks have dual rear axles, which makes it easier for the vehicle to haul and tow heavy loads. Very few trucks are heavy-duty trucks; most are considered light-duty trucks.
Understanding the above trucking terms will help you find the right truck that will fit your needs. Knowing these terms will help you wisely choose the right truck for your needs. Keep this information in mind when checking out pre-owned trucks for sale.