Deciding on which work truck to buy comes down to one simple thing - which one can get the job done. No matter what your particular work needs, we are confident that you will find what you're looking for in one of the high quality, hardworking vehicles on this list.
Our editors at CarsDirect selected five work trucks that range from the super-tough to the super-practical. Whether you're a big business owner that wants to ride in a classy cabin and manage your fleet or a small business owner that needs a mobile truck with good gas mileage, we'll help you take the guesswork out of choosing your next work vehicle.
Named the 2012 Motor Trend Truck of the Year, the F-Series consists of the F-150, F-250, F-350 and house-hauling 450 models. The F-150 has best-in-class towing (11,300 pounds) and payload (3,120 pounds) capacities, and has the most spacious cargo box in its class. A class-exclusive tailgate step makes it easy for you to get in and out of the cargo bed when loading and unloading heavy items. Fuel economy ratings of 17/23 mpg for the F-150 are best-in-class. The super duty model is the top dog when it comes to tackling the biggest and dirtiest jobs. According to Ford, more heavy duty professionals (in livestock, law enforcement, forestry, highway maintenance, recycling/refuse and heavy construction, among others) drive heavy duty ford trucks.
We chose the Ram in this spot because of its upscale cabin and smooth ride. Impress clients or just enjoy your commute to the worksite in a plush interior that includes taupe silver accents, rugged floor mats with snap-in Berber carpet, and saddle-bag seatbacks (Laramie Longhorn trim). A smooth rear suspension and coil springs help give the Ram a carlike ride so you're not shaken about. The class-exclusive waterproof and drainable RamBox Cargo Management System is built into each rear wheel well and can carry all types of gear, including 280 cans of your favorite beverage. The 2012 Ram 1500 isn't all glitz and glamour. Ram Heavy Duty trucks bring more than just comfort and class to the worksite, with a 350-hp, 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine that generates a monstrous 800 pounds-feet of torque, a maximum tow rating of 10,450 pounds, and 1,909 pounds of payload.
Lacking the style of the Ram and the capability of the F-Series, the Silverado is still a competent work truck that can manage big ticket tasks. The Silverado can be used as a mobile WiFi hotspot, so you can manage your fleet or simply work from the site via your laptop. For easier access to remote job sites, the Z71 Off-Road Package features 46mm twin-tube high-pressure gas-charged shocks, a frame-mounted transfer case shield, and the GM segment- exclusive automatic locking rear differential. When fitted with a fifth wheel, the heavy duty Silverado can tow up to 23,000 pounds or haul 7,215 pounds of payload. According to Chevy, the Silverado's 36 gallon tank in the Duramax is so big that the 3500 can cruise for 680 highway miles before having to refill.
For those who want an everyday workhorse that can excel in and out of town, the 2012 Toyota Tacoma is far and away the top choice in the midsize segment. The Tacoma is smaller and more nimble than super/heavy duty models, making it the smart choice for city driving and maneuverability. The Tacoma is perfect for small business owners such as landscapers, handymen, plumbers, and electricians. Starting just under $17k, it is the most affordable truck on this list. The Tacoma doesn't have the insane power, towing, and hauling estimates that the other trucks have, but it is efficient to the tune of 21/25 mpg. Add Toyota's legendary reliability into the fold and you'll have a hard time finding reasons why the Tacoma isn't the right fit for your small business needs.
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