Guide to Choosing the Right Work Truck
Pickups are the most popular type of vehicle in America. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and offer an equally wide range of capabilities. This can make it tricky to know exactly what type of truck you should buy for your needs.
At Temecula Valley Buick GMC, we sell three capable GMC truck models: the Canyon midsize pickup, Sierra 1500 full-size pickup, and Sierra HD heavy-duty pickup. Each of these have different cab sizes, bed sizes, trim levels, and other factors to consider. Below, we’ll help you sort through these factors and guide you toward choosing the right work truck for you.
Assess Your Towing Needs
The first question to ask yourself when buying a truck is how much towing capacity you need.
The 2024 GMC Canyon is straightforward: most trims have a maximum capacity of 7,700 pounds, the highest tow rating of any midsize truck. The off-road-focused Canyon AT4X models has a reduced capacity of 6,000 pounds. This is more than suitable for towing lightweight campers, off-road vehicles, and utility trailers.
The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500’s towing capacity has more variety due to its numerous configuration options. That said, all Sierra 1500s are more capable than the Canyon. Its max towing capacity ranges from 8,700-13,300 pounds. The highest capacities are achieved with the 6.2-liter V8 engine or the 3.0-liter Duramax® turbodiesel.
The heavy-duty 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD can tow up to 22,070 pounds, while the 3500HD can tow up to 36,000 pounds. However, reaching these figures requires a gooseneck hitch, which will take up space in the bed. Most drivers should see their needs met with the Canyon or Sierra 1500, but for commercial work or towing heavy equipment on the farm, the Sierra HD is a top choice.
Consider the Size of the Bed
Tow capacities are useful, but what truly sets trucks apart is the open bed. There are many factors to consider when buying a bed, such as the obvious ones: length, width, and depth. But what about tie-down points, bed durability, accessibility, and tailgate features?
The Canyon is offered with two bed sizes: a 61.7-inch short bed and a 74-inch long bed. It can haul up to 1,580 pounds in the bed and comes with eight standard tie-downs. Available features include a CornerStep rear bumper, remote locking/unlocking tailgate, spray-on bedliner, 120-volt outlet, MultiStow® tailgate storage system.
The Sierra 1500 and HD share standard and long bed options: 79.4 and 98.2 inches respectively. The Sierra 1500 is also offered with a 69.9-inch short box. Its maximum payload is 2,150 pounds, while the Sierra HD can haul up an impressive 7,290 pounds. They have a CornerStep bumper, 12 standard tie-downs, available CarbonPro composite bed, and six-function MultiPro tailgate.
When it comes to beds, you can’t go wrong with a GMC truck. They’ll all be quite handy for DIY projects or contractor work. Choosing between the Canyon, Sierra 1500, and Sierra HD is primarily a question of how much space you need and how much weight you expect to haul.
How Large Should the Cab Be?
GMC trucks come with Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab options. For solo drivers on the job, a Regular Cab may be suitable, though a Double Cab does have the perk of increasing interior storage space even if you’re not hauling passengers. If you do expect passengers, though, the Crew Cabs and their full-size second-row doors are unbeatable. They offer awesome rear passenger legroom and are ideal for working drivers who need an all-in-one ride that can haul family just as effectively as it does construction material.
Explore Other Tech and Features
All GMC trucks come with various trim levels that prioritize different things. For example, the AT4 and AT4X trims offer exceptional off-road performance that you may find useful if working in rural settings. Alternatively, the Denali trims are known for their premium features and luxurious feel, ensuring you can ride in style and comfort without compromising capability.
For more information about GMC work trucks, and to help you decide which model to buy, visit Temecula Valley Buick GMC in Temecula Valley, California! Our team will help match you with the pickup best suited for you.
May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price.