Much to consider before buying new truck

There was a lot fanfare when the first ever aluminum body Ford F-150 rolled off the assembly line at the massive Dearborn Truck Plant in mid-November.
The much-anticipated vehicle marks an industry milestone. Long a staple material in the aircraft industry, aluminum has always been considered too weak for the bodies of trucks, an opinion that seems to have been more perception than fact.
Light trucks have long been a best-selling product for automobile dealers on Nova Scotia’s South Shore. Their versatility — the ability to go from indispensable work vehicle to family car to weekend recreational vehicle — has a huge appeal, particularly in the rural market.
But despite their popularity, many consumers still aren’t entirely sure what kind of light truck really fits their needs and their lifestyle.
There are a few things to consider. First off, before you buy, you should first decide exactly what you’re going to use your truck for.
It may sound like obvious advice, but its something that too many truck buyers don’t consider, especially first-time buyers.
If you’re buying your truck primarily for work, you probably already have a list of specifications you need; but recreational truck buyers don’t always think that far ahead.
Often it comes down to a trade-off: Towing or carrying. Many recreational users purchase trucks to tow a boat, a fifth wheel, horse trailer or some other type of recreational trailer.
If you’re going to be hauling a boat up and down a steep, slippery boat launch ramp, four-wheel drive is a good idea. A large fifth wheel RV trailer might require a setup with two rear wheels on each side to provide better towing stability.
Check towing capacity to make sure the truck you’re considering will meet your needs. A light-duty truck will usually tow between 3,000 and 7,000 pounds, while a fully configured heavy-duty model can have a massive hauling capacity ranging in the neighbourhood of 30,000 pounds.
Size means a lot when it comes to choosing a truck. Most truck brands sell three sizes (usually listed as light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty), three cab sizes and three bed sizes.
If you’re likely to be transporting the whole family a regular cab with one row of seats won’t do.
A crew cab comes with a four door configuration with two rows of seats; and some medium and heavy-duty models also offer an extra-large cab with expanded legroom and storage space.
Bed sizes also vary significantly. Make sure the truck you’re buying has a bed size that will fit your needs.
Engine capacity is another important consideration. Truck manufacturers today are constantly trying to find the sweet spot between fuel efficiency and hauling power (the aluminum F-150 is one of the latest forays into the fuel efficiency quest).
It’s a delicate balance for consumers as well. Buying an engine that’s more powerful than your needs will be a sacrifice on your bank account.
On the other hand, when it comes time to haul your boat out of the water for another year, you don’t want to be spinning your wheels on the boat ramp.