What to Know Before Buying a Work Truck

November 22, 2022 · 5 min read

So you’re interested in buying a new work truck? Whether you’re using the vehicle for personal projects, or adding a truck to your company’s commercial fleet, there are a lot of factors to consider before making a purchase. Work trucks come in a variety of sizes and styles, and offer a huge range of capabilities for drivers. Before heading to the dealership, make sure you take a look at these guidelines for selecting the right truck for you. Think about the following questions:

What is the max load that my work truck will need to tow or haul?

Consider what you plan on using your new work truck for. Do you need to have a lot of towing capability? Or will you be mostly carrying payloads in the truck bed? Regardless of whether you are towing or hauling, what is the maximum weight that you will need to carry? Thinking about these factors can help you start to narrow down your options.

When you consider hauling capability, work trucks are divided into three categories. These include light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles. These categories are determined using something called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (or GVWR). This value represents the maximum load carrying capacity of the truck. This includes the weight of the truck itself, fuel, and passengers, in addition to the weight of any payload that you may be carrying in either the truck bed or cab of the vehicle. Never ever exceed the GVWR. This is the absolute maximum weight that your vehicle can operate at before safety becomes an issue. Manufacturers cannot guarantee vehicle performance above this maximum load. Because of this, it’s essential that you know how much weight you plan on hauling prior to purchasing your new vehicle. There are eight weight classes within the GVWR system, as follows:

Light-Duty Trucks

Class 1: GVWR of 0 to 6,000 pounds

Class 2: GVWR of 6,001 to 10,000 pounds

Class 3: GVWR of 10,001 to 14,000

Medium-Duty Trucks

Class 4: GVWR of 14,001 to 16,000 pounds

Class 5: GVWR of 16,001 to 19,500 pounds

Class 6: GVWR of 19,501 to 26,000 pounds

Heavy-Duty Trucks

Class 7: GVWR of 26,001 to 33,000 pounds

Class 8: GVWR of 33,001 pounds or more

The GVWR classification of a truck is different from the vehicle’s towing capability. When towing, you are pulling weight, applying load to the frame in the horizontal direction. On the other hand, when you are hauling something in the truck bed, you are pushing down vertically on the vehicle frame. The towing capacity will vary depending on things like the engine, transmission, and suspension of the work truck. Typically, your vehicle will come with a sticker on the door that displays the towing capacity. If not, you can always verify using the owner’s manual. If there is ever any doubt, do not hesitate to ask the dealership about whether or not the truck you’re interested in is safe for the amount of weight you plan on towing. As a general rule of thumb, heavy-duty pickup trucks can tow upwards of 30,000 lbs. When it comes to light-duty trucks, that figure typically sits between 5,000 to 10,000 lbs.

Do I need a 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive truck?

Despite what those unfamiliar with work trucks may think, most light-duty vehicles are actually two-wheel drive. This includes many pickups, cargo trucks, and delivery vans. Benefits include less chance of transmission problems, increased fuel efficiency, and overall cheaper costs. In general, two-wheel drive is good enough for most work applications. However, consider the specific environments in which you will be driving. Do you work off road a lot, or have to deal with wintry conditions part of the year? If so, a four-wheel drive vehicle may be better suited to your needs, despite the higher price tag. A four-wheel drive truck is also a better option if you need to tow exceptionally heavy loads. This will provide you with more stability and control, particularly in slippery or off road conditions.

Do I need a gas or diesel engine?

The type of engine you have will play a big role when it comes to towing capability, payload capacity, and ultimate costs. Typically, diesel trucks tend to have higher towing capacity, since they have high torque compared to gasoline engines. These vehicles are often more durable and may last you a longer period of time. On the other hand, gasoline engines are cheaper to both buy upfront and maintain over time. They also tend to have higher payload capacity.

What size truck bed is required for my work?

Think about what you plan on carrying in your vehicle. What type of payloads will you primarily have? What size? Dimension your truck bed based on expected payloads. Typically, truck bed lengths are divided into:

Short bed: 5’5” to 5’8”

Standard bed: 6’3” to 6’6”

Long bed: 8’ to 8’1”

Depending on what you plan on carrying, you may want an open or closed truck bed. Closed truck beds include roofing and walls to better protect and contain cargo. This may also be a consideration if you work somewhere with frequent bad weather conditions.

How much room do I need in the truck cab for my passengers?

Work trucks come with a variety of cab types and sizes. The type of cab you ultimately select should depend on the number of passengers you plan on transporting. Typically, cab types include the following:

Standard cab: This traditional truck typically only has two seats. Sometimes a third middle seat is provided, but does not offer a lot of comfort.

Extended cab: These trucks have jump seats behind the front row. Based on the small size, these may not be comfortable for a normal-sized adult to use on a regular basis. These vehicles only have two doors.

Crew cab: These work trucks can accommodate up to 6 people in the front and rear seats. They have four doors, and are a great option for work crews that need to travel to the job together.

Conclusion

It can be confusing buying a work truck – especially if it’s your first time! Follow the above guidelines to help steer you in the right direction. If you are ever unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional at Vann York. And make sure that you check out our specials for Truck Season!

Posted in:

Apr 21, 2025 in Blogs

Experience Heavy-Duty Performance with the GMC Sierra 2500HD

Few trucks can live up to the term “heavy-duty” when it comes to their performance both on and off the job site, but the GMC Sierra 2500HD is one of them. With the perfect combination of power, capability, and comfort, the Sierra 2500HD can back up its reputation as one of America’s favorite heavy-duty full-size trucks. Experience Heavy-Duty Performance with the GMC Sierra 2500HD The Power to Complete Any Task The 2500HD’s powerful engine and transmission are at the heart of its lofty performance profile, as the engine options give drivers everything they need on the job site. The standard 2500HD has a 6.6-liter V8 gas engine that generates an impressive 401 horsepower and 464 foot-pounds of hard-working torque. When matched with the Allison 10-speed automatic transmission and a 3.73 rear axle ratio, the 2500HD is up to any task on or off the job site. For those who prefer the steady power and torque provided by a diesel engine, there is an optional 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 that generates 470 horsepower and 975 foot-pounds of torque. The diesel version has other related features, such as a 3.42 rear axle ratio, an exhaust brake, an engine block heater, and an engine after-run feature for cooling performance. Plenty of Payload and Trailer Capability The 2500HD converts that raw power produced by either engine into hard-working performance. The 2500HD has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,150 pounds when properly equipped. The GVWR is the total combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, cargo, and equipment. The payload bed is spacious, with a volume of 69.50 cubic feet, and it can carry up to 3,637 pounds of cargo. The Sierra 2500HD is also adept at towing, whether hauling a trailer full of materials to a work site or towing your boat to the nearest launch. Depending on its optional equipment, the 2500HD can easily tow up to 22,500 pounds thanks to amenities like a standard integrated trailer brake controller, a trailering package, and hitch guidance. There’s an optional in-vehicle trailering app that boosts the 2500HD’s towing capabilities. Modern Safety Features to Protect Drivers and Passengers The 2500HD has standard features that make it safer to get to the job site, such as its integrated SierraHD Pro Safety package. That package includes a Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert, a Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front and Rear Park Assist, a Bed View Camera, HD Surround Vision, and Trailer Camera Provisions. Other safety features found on the 2500HD include a full array of front and side-curtain airbags, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Fill Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, a Following Distance Indicator, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, HD Rear Vision Camera, and a Lane Departure Warning system. If you’re seeking a hard-working, heavy-duty truck, look no further than the 2500HD’s for power, performance, and safety. You can explore the Sierra 2500HD by test driving it yourself. Contact Vann York Chevrolet Buick GMC in High Point, NC, to schedule yours today.

Oct 08, 2024 in Blogs

Introducing the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD: Power and Precision Combined

Is the Sierra 2500 the best heavy-duty pickup on the market? Take a deep dive into the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD and find out why it's one of the most popular trucks at our dealership! more Introducing the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD: Power and Precision Combined Engine The Sierra 2500 comes with a 6.6L V8 gas engine that's paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers a whopping 401 HP at 5200 rpm and 464 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. For increased towing prowess, there's an available 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 engine that provides a maximum towing capacity of 22,070 pounds. You can reach an impressive 470 HP at 2800 rpm and 975 lb.-ft. of torque at 1600 rpm with this combo. Exterior The GMC Sierra 2500 is a full-size pickup truck with a sturdy structure and convenient exterior features. The PRO base trim comes with 17-inch steel painted silver wheels, all-season blackwall tires, cab-mounted cargo area lamps, and animated LED headlamps. The chrome bumpers add a striking touch to the aesthetic. The CornerStep rear bumper gives you more stability when accessing cargo in your truck bed. Interior The GMC Sierra 2500 has a 40/20/40 split front bench with built-in storage under the seats. The back seat is a 60/40 split bench that can be lifted up on either side to expand your cargo space. The 2500's cabin has a 6-speaker audio system, 4-way manual front seating, rear air vents, USB charging ports, and a 3.5-inch driver information center that displays important vehicle insights. Entertainment Inside the Sierra 2500 HD, there's a 7-inch GMC Infotainment system with various entertainment features and helpful tools. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can sync your smartphone to the truck and access most of its features. Bluetooth audio streaming allows you to use these features hands-free while driving. The Sierra 2500 is also Wi-Fi hotspot capable, offering internet access on up to ten devices. Within fifty feet of your truck, you can stream TV shows and movies on a smartphone, laptop, or tablet. Safety Trucks in the Sierra lineup have their own exclusive safety package, Sierra HD Pro Safety. The Sierra HD Pro Safety package includes Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, and Buckle to Drive. It also comes with Front Pedestrian Braking, IntelliBeam automatic high beams, Lane Departure Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking. Additional safety features in the Sierra 2500 include an HD rear vision camera, rear seat belt indicator, Teen Driver, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, and six airbags situated throughout the cabin. Explore everything the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD has to offer by visiting our dealer! Stop by Vann York Chevrolet Buick GMC in High Point, NC, to take the Sierra 2500 for a test drive.

Jul 18, 2024 in Blogs

Your Chevy Dealer's Guide to Professional Oil Changes

We all know that we need oil changes for our cars, but why exactly? What does the oil do, why does it need to be changed, how often should that happen, and what kind of oil do you need to be using? Your Chevy dealer explains. more Your Chevy Dealer's Guide to the Oil Change What and Why What does oil do in your engine exactly, and why does it then need to be changed? The first thing it does is lubricate the engine's moving parts, reducing friction and preventing wear and tear. Without proper lubrication, engine components can overheat and seize up, and no one wants that. A seized engine usually can't be fixed. Next, your engine oil helps dissipate heat generated by the engine, preventing it from overheating. Over time, oil breaks down and loses its ability to absorb heat, making regular changes necessary to maintain engine temperatures that are good for your vehicle. Another thing that oil does is to collect dirt, debris, and contaminants as it circulates through the engine. Regular changes ensure these harmful particles are removed, and that means you won't get a sludgy buildup. Finally, clean oil simply reduces friction, which allows the engine to operate at peak efficiently, leading to better fuel economy. Regular changes can help you save money at the pump by ensuring your engine runs at peak performance. Getting Your Oil Changed at the Chevy Dealer While DIY changes might seem cost-effective, there are several advantages to having your oil changed professionally by your Chevy dealer: Expertise and Experience Our Chevy technicians are trained and certified to work on your specific vehicle model. They know the correct type and amount of oil to be used (and oil is finicky: just a bit too much or too little is bad for your engine), just how tight to make that drain plug, and what to do with all the old oil. With us, the job is done quickly and right the first time. Comprehensive Inspection During a professional oil swap-out, our technicians perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle. They check for potential issues like leaks, worn-out parts, and other maintenance needs, helping you address problems before they become serious. Proper Disposal Used oil is hazardous waste and must be disposed of properly to avoid environmental contamination. We follow strict guidelines for the safe disposal and recycling of used oil. Understanding Oil Types and Recommendations Choosing the right oil for your Chevy is important if you want to get optimal performance. Here's a breakdown of the main types of oil and what we might recommend: Conventional Oil Conventional oil is the standard choice for many older vehicles, and it does provide reliable performance and protection under normal driving conditions. It's suitable for older Chevy models and those with lower mileage. If you go conventional, each change is a bit cheaper, but you have to get the oil swapped out more often. Synthetic Oil Synthetic oil offers superior protection and performance, especially in extreme temperatures and high-stress conditions. It's designed to provide better lubrication, reduce engine wear, and improve fuel efficiency. Many modern Chevy models are made to work with synthetic oil. Synthetic oil is more expensive, yes, but it also lasts a lot longer than conventional. It's often the best choice unless you have an older model not made to work with it. Synthetic Blend Oil Synthetic blend oil combines conventional and synthetic oils, offering a balance of performance and cost-effectiveness. It provides better protection than conventional oil and is suitable for a range of driving conditions. High-Mileage Oil High-mileage oil is specifically formulated for vehicles with over 75,000 miles on the odometer and contain additives that help reduce oil consumption, minimize leaks, and improve engine longevity. If you've got an older Chevy model with a lot of miles on the clock, this might be the right choice for you. How Often Should You Change Your Oil? This is going to depend on several factors, including your driving habits, vehicle model, and the type of oil you last used. First, always follow the intervals recommended in your Chevy owner's manual. These guidelines are based on extensive testing and are designed to keep your engine in optimal condition. If you frequently drive in severe conditions, such as extreme temperatures, in heavy stop-and-go traffic, in dusty environments, or towing heavy loads, you may need to change your oil more often. Talk with us about the best interval for your specific driving conditions. And, as mentioned earlier, synthetic oil typically lasts longer than conventional oil and may extend the time between changes. Overall, if you're using conventional oil and have an older model Chevy you use hard, you might be swapping out oil as often as every 3,000 miles. If you have a newer model and use synthetic oil, you could go up to 10,000 miles before a change. Signs You Need Fresh Oil Check Engine or Oil Light If your check engine or oil light comes on, this one's obvious. Schedule service with us as soon as possible. Noisy Engine If your engine becomes noisier than usual, or you hear knocking or ticking sounds, it may be due to old or low oil. Fresh oil can restore proper lubrication and reduce noise. Dark or Dirty Oil Regularly check your oil's color and consistency. If it appears dark, dirty, or gritty, it's time for a change. Fresh oil should be a light amber color and free of grit. Try to check on your oil at least once every two weeks if you drive frequently. Decreased Performance If you notice a decline in your vehicle's performance, such as reduced fuel efficiency or sluggish acceleration, it could be due to old or degraded oil. Changing out the oil could fix things and also save you money at the pump. Follow your manufacturer's recommendations and stay attentive to the signs that indicate it's time to get your oil changed out. For the best results, always come see us at Vann York Chevrolet Buick GMC in High Point, NC for advice and maintenance. We'll make sure your Chevy always performs like you expect.