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Top 5 Heavy Duty Trucks
- By Saeed Sb
- Published 11/11/2009
- Automotive
- Unrated
Heavy Duty Trucks
Nobody buys a heavy-duty truck for its looks. In fact, like bulldogs, heavy duty trucks become cuter and more attractive as they grow more functional and just plain ugly. When a heavy duty truck gets covered in mud, concrete, and sawdust, it looks its absolute best. And you will find the very best gauge of trucks’ functionality and value by scanning contractors’ and public utilities’ fleets. Their trucks must stand-up under the heaviest loads in the worst conditions.
So, what are the big boys buying this year?
First, for the sake of clarity, “this year” means 2009. Although American manufacturers pay little attention to the calendar, because they have promised their loyal fans and stockholders they will deliver new, high-quality vehicles as quickly as they can produce them, nevertheless the 2009 model year is ending. Wise truck buyers, therefore, will shop year-end close-outs, picking up great bargains with complete confidence that trucks change very little from year to the next. A few cubic inches in the engine make very little difference, and the difference in tail-lights will not show under the mud.
So, for the end of 2009, the big boys are buying…
5.Toyota Tundra
In truth, Toyota Tundra barely qualifies as “heavy duty.” Tundra makes most analysts’ “top five” lists just because the lists require a fifth entry, and fairness requires a little Japanese representation. Of course, by Toyota standards, the 2009 Tundra seems huge, and it does claim distinction as the biggest pick-up with the biggest engine the Japanese mega-manufacturer ever has produced. Naturally, Toyota engineers designed and equipped it for the American market, and it does (almost) dwarf Ford Rangers, Chevrolet compact trucks, and Toyota’s own Tacoma.
Some of Tundra’s demotion probably stems more from political correctness than substantial objection to Toyota’s product. Nicely equipped, comfortable, and powerful as any truck ever should be, Tundra seems deficient only in size—a middle-weight trying to contend in the heavyweight class. Tundra simply will not carry the big load of 2x4’s or the miniature mountain of concrete the big boys need. Tundra has the horsepower, but it lacks the space. And judged solely on its interior, it probably can take top honors, because it comes equipped with a nice sound system, comfortable seating and plenty of passenger room even on the entry-level model. If you do not mind pulling a trailer with all the stuff that will not fit in the bed…
4. Ford F-350
Do not let F350’s fourth-place ranking on this list deceive you, because the list derives from averages of reliable reviewers’ ratings across several years of publication in print and on the internet. Many reviewers have ranked it number One in this class, and it continues to dominate sales, contributing substantially to Ford’s billion-dollar profit in 2009 Q3.
You can equip and outfit your F350 for almost any kind of heavy hauling or work. Like all genuinely heavy-duty trucks, F350 includes a “dually” option on the rear wheels, and it includes a high-performance diesel option among the engine choices. Outfitted with a towing package, the beast will pull four tons without sway or dangerous stress on the brakes.
Most buyers still prefer F350’s six-speed manual transmission, but the debut of a five-speed automatic caused a great deal of buzz among camionistos. All reviewers and test drivers appreciated its comfort and
handling; power steering and plush seating make a very big difference. Of course, fuel economy seldom comes up for consideration, because it is a big, big truck. For the record, however, there are no official fuel economy ratings, but users report combined mileage of about 14mpg, average for this class.
3. GMC Sierra 3500 HD
Back in the day, only exteriors and creature comforts distinguished Chevrolet and GMC trucks from one another. Times have changed, and the two General Motors nameplates compete with one another in a tough market. No analyst, reviewer, or test driver ever ranked GMC Sierra above its companion Chevy Silverado, but many pundits ranked them #1 and #2 in this class.
Judged strictly by specifications, GMC ought to hold an edge, because it comes with a bigger, more powerful engine as standard equipment: GMC delivers approximately 20 more horsepower, and the difference in cubic inches multiples with the effect of a bigger bore and longer stroke. Fuel efficiency, despite the greater power, is rated the same.
Two attributes distinguish Sierra from its competitors. First, outfitted with a 6.6 liter diesel engine, Sierra delivers the greatest torque with the best reliability. Ford diesel engines have become notorious for their unreliability. Second, agreeing that all big trucks have become far more comfortable and maneuverable in the last several years, they nevertheless gave props to Sierra for “every day drivability.” Several used the phrase “very easy to live with,” and several others applied the even higher standard, saying, “Even the wife loves the interior.”
2. Dodge Ram 2500
Everybody always has loved Dodge trucks. They have punch, power, and proven reliability. Many of the old Power Wagon trucks from the 1960s still go to work every day as if they had just rolled off the lot. The Ram 2500 and its bigger brother, the 3500, ought to dominate this class, because they out-perform all the other entries in every category and by every standard.
Only one problem dogs Dodge trucks: Chrysler makes them. No respectable, reliable analyst or reviewer confidently can recommend a Chrysler product while the company’s future seems dismal at best. Optimists say buy the Ram anyway, because it never will break down. Pessimists simply point out that Fiat, Chrysler’s current suitor, is the Italian word for “Edsel.”
1.Chevrolet Silverado
As you shop for a workhorse, you may take it as given that you easily can double the base model price with options and add-ons. Silverado rolls into the showroom with all the right credentials—fine acceleration, equally fine braking even on wet and slippery surfaces, all the right wheel and tire options, all the right transmission options, a proven record off the road, and toughest of all, excellent towing capacity.
The price tag discussion becomes relevant as analysts consider, with some strategic investment, the easy-handling, arguably handsome Silverado becomes full-on “Luxurious”. The reviewers’ word. Although Silverado does not yet offer built-in computer capability like Ford and Dodge, it has all the iPod and MP3 ports and connections stylish contractors require, and it has luxury seating and space options comparable with those you would find on a luxury SUV. Reviewers who commented “even the wife likes the interior” had to go the extra step, confessing about Silverado, “The wife loved it, and the kids thought it was ‘totally legit’.”
Nobody buys a heavy-duty truck for its looks. In fact, like bulldogs, heavy duty trucks become cuter and more attractive as they grow more functional and just plain ugly. When a heavy duty truck gets covered in mud, concrete, and sawdust, it looks its absolute best. And you will find the very best gauge of trucks’ functionality and value by scanning contractors’ and public utilities’ fleets. Their trucks must stand-up under the heaviest loads in the worst conditions.
So, what are the big boys buying this year?
First, for the sake of clarity, “this year” means 2009. Although American manufacturers pay little attention to the calendar, because they have promised their loyal fans and stockholders they will deliver new, high-quality vehicles as quickly as they can produce them, nevertheless the 2009 model year is ending. Wise truck buyers, therefore, will shop year-end close-outs, picking up great bargains with complete confidence that trucks change very little from year to the next. A few cubic inches in the engine make very little difference, and the difference in tail-lights will not show under the mud.
So, for the end of 2009, the big boys are buying…
5.Toyota Tundra
In truth, Toyota Tundra barely qualifies as “heavy duty.” Tundra makes most analysts’ “top five” lists just because the lists require a fifth entry, and fairness requires a little Japanese representation. Of course, by Toyota standards, the 2009 Tundra seems huge, and it does claim distinction as the biggest pick-up with the biggest engine the Japanese mega-manufacturer ever has produced. Naturally, Toyota engineers designed and equipped it for the American market, and it does (almost) dwarf Ford Rangers, Chevrolet compact trucks, and Toyota’s own Tacoma.
Some of Tundra’s demotion probably stems more from political correctness than substantial objection to Toyota’s product. Nicely equipped, comfortable, and powerful as any truck ever should be, Tundra seems deficient only in size—a middle-weight trying to contend in the heavyweight class. Tundra simply will not carry the big load of 2x4’s or the miniature mountain of concrete the big boys need. Tundra has the horsepower, but it lacks the space. And judged solely on its interior, it probably can take top honors, because it comes equipped with a nice sound system, comfortable seating and plenty of passenger room even on the entry-level model. If you do not mind pulling a trailer with all the stuff that will not fit in the bed…
4. Ford F-350
Do not let F350’s fourth-place ranking on this list deceive you, because the list derives from averages of reliable reviewers’ ratings across several years of publication in print and on the internet. Many reviewers have ranked it number One in this class, and it continues to dominate sales, contributing substantially to Ford’s billion-dollar profit in 2009 Q3.
You can equip and outfit your F350 for almost any kind of heavy hauling or work. Like all genuinely heavy-duty trucks, F350 includes a “dually” option on the rear wheels, and it includes a high-performance diesel option among the engine choices. Outfitted with a towing package, the beast will pull four tons without sway or dangerous stress on the brakes.
Most buyers still prefer F350’s six-speed manual transmission, but the debut of a five-speed automatic caused a great deal of buzz among camionistos. All reviewers and test drivers appreciated its comfort and
3. GMC Sierra 3500 HD
Back in the day, only exteriors and creature comforts distinguished Chevrolet and GMC trucks from one another. Times have changed, and the two General Motors nameplates compete with one another in a tough market. No analyst, reviewer, or test driver ever ranked GMC Sierra above its companion Chevy Silverado, but many pundits ranked them #1 and #2 in this class.
Judged strictly by specifications, GMC ought to hold an edge, because it comes with a bigger, more powerful engine as standard equipment: GMC delivers approximately 20 more horsepower, and the difference in cubic inches multiples with the effect of a bigger bore and longer stroke. Fuel efficiency, despite the greater power, is rated the same.
Two attributes distinguish Sierra from its competitors. First, outfitted with a 6.6 liter diesel engine, Sierra delivers the greatest torque with the best reliability. Ford diesel engines have become notorious for their unreliability. Second, agreeing that all big trucks have become far more comfortable and maneuverable in the last several years, they nevertheless gave props to Sierra for “every day drivability.” Several used the phrase “very easy to live with,” and several others applied the even higher standard, saying, “Even the wife loves the interior.”
2. Dodge Ram 2500
Everybody always has loved Dodge trucks. They have punch, power, and proven reliability. Many of the old Power Wagon trucks from the 1960s still go to work every day as if they had just rolled off the lot. The Ram 2500 and its bigger brother, the 3500, ought to dominate this class, because they out-perform all the other entries in every category and by every standard.
Only one problem dogs Dodge trucks: Chrysler makes them. No respectable, reliable analyst or reviewer confidently can recommend a Chrysler product while the company’s future seems dismal at best. Optimists say buy the Ram anyway, because it never will break down. Pessimists simply point out that Fiat, Chrysler’s current suitor, is the Italian word for “Edsel.”
1.Chevrolet Silverado
As you shop for a workhorse, you may take it as given that you easily can double the base model price with options and add-ons. Silverado rolls into the showroom with all the right credentials—fine acceleration, equally fine braking even on wet and slippery surfaces, all the right wheel and tire options, all the right transmission options, a proven record off the road, and toughest of all, excellent towing capacity.
The price tag discussion becomes relevant as analysts consider, with some strategic investment, the easy-handling, arguably handsome Silverado becomes full-on “Luxurious”. The reviewers’ word. Although Silverado does not yet offer built-in computer capability like Ford and Dodge, it has all the iPod and MP3 ports and connections stylish contractors require, and it has luxury seating and space options comparable with those you would find on a luxury SUV. Reviewers who commented “even the wife likes the interior” had to go the extra step, confessing about Silverado, “The wife loved it, and the kids thought it was ‘totally legit’.”