Your Work Truck Just Got Promoted With These Top Five Picks

The rise of the automotive industry answered society’s need to make getting from one place to another more efficient. The automobile put the world on wheels and gave us the freedom of travel, but the pickup truck revolutionized how we work. Your search for a used work truck dealer is proof of that as you’re looking at what options you have that will not only meet the demands of the road, but that will also make your job easier when you’re behind the wheel. At Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat, we understand that entirely and are here to show you five great options that are built to last.

One: Ram 1500

“That thing got a HEMI?” Since its split from Dodge, Ram focused its attention on delivering the unthinkable–a luxurious workhorse. The Ram 1500 is a celebration of Ram’s success and is not only one of the most luxurious trucks on the road, but it’s also among the most capable. Balancing luxury with versatility and practicality, the Ram 1500 is a true road warrior with a host of available powertrains that range from a 3.7-liter V6 and a 4.7-liter V8 to the HEMI itself.

For the best bargain, keep an eye out for models like the 2017 or 2018 Ram 1500. Ram paired the HEMI with an 8-speed automatic transmission in 2017 and made the truck more capable than ever. This pairing, along with the 2018 Ram 1500’s heavy-duty rear axle and massive four-wheel disc brakes, are the perfect recipe for all your towing needs. Add in Ram’s exclusive RamBox truck storage system, and it’s easy to see why the Ram 1500 is a top seller.

Two: Ram 2500 and 3500

When a truck like the Ram 1500 isn’t heavy-duty enough to get the job done, look to its bigger siblings–the Ram 2500 and 3500. Ram’s Cummins turbodiesel is one of the most powerful in the segment and is praised for its capability and its longevity. This is why any Ram 2500 or Ram 3500 with a Cummins under its hood holds its value incredibly well long after you drive off the lot. Even when pushed to its limits, the Cummins continues to deliver.

With the Cummins guaranteeing the truck’s capability and longevity, shopping for a Ram 2500 or Ram 3500 comes down to your preferences and what you’re looking for in a truck. This means focusing more on conveniences, features, and technology that will make your job easier and your time behind the wheel more enjoyable. Thankfully, Ram delivers big with technology like smartphone integration and a host of safety, driver-assist, and towing technology that make every truck from the entry-level Tradesman to the opulent Limited an excellent investment.

Three: Nissan Frontier

A staple in the Nissan lineup since the late 1990s, the Frontier didn’t become popular in America until the truck joined the midsize segment with its 2005 redesign. This marked the beginning of the Frontier’s second generation and the start of a 15-year hiatus on any major improvements to the truck. While this hiatus left many to wonder why and how Nissan forgot the Frontier, it speaks volumes to the truck’s versatility and what you’ll find in a used model.

The Frontier is designed as a utilitarian workhorse and has built its reputation as such. Between its durable chassis, overall build, and powerful V6 engine, the Frontier is more than capable of traveling across any terrain with ease. This, believe it or not, also makes it a great trail runner that’s far more affordable than other more popular and far more expensive models.

Unlike competitors like the Ram 1500 and GMC Sierra, the Frontier isn’t laden with innovative technology or luxuries whether you’re behind the wheel of a 2015 or a 2019 model. However, it doesn’t apologize for this and, instead, makes the best use of its cabin by ensuring you have plenty of room for passengers and cargo. This makes it ideal for those looking for an affordable work truck that’s sole purpose is to meet the demands of the road.

Four: Chevy Silverado / GMC Sierra

Chevy and GMC have close ties in the industry since they both share a coveted place in the General Motors lineup. This makes the Silverado and Sierra siblings in the truck segment with only minor differences across the models. Where Chevy delivers affordability, GMC delivers luxury; both deliver capable and versatile road warriors that make outstanding work trucks.

The Silverado and Sierra are obvious choices as a work truck; even their entry-level trims are named as such. The trucks are great options because Chevy and GMC have exceptional reputations in the industry, and they’re renowned for their commercial lineup of fleet vehicles. Businesses around the country rely on trucks like the Silverado and Sierra to serve their customers, which attests to their longevity and capability as well as the availability and affordability of replacement parts.

You’ll also find a wide range of power on both models, as well as an array of cutting-edge technology and functional design features. On newer models like the 2020 Sierra/Silverado, this looks like the MultiPro/Multi-Flex tailgate that builds on the traditional tailgate design by extending its use with six unique functions to make it easier to access the bed and load or unload cargo. The tailgate is revolutionizing how Americans work and truly sets models like the Silverado and Sierra apart in the segment.

Five: Ford F-150

The best-selling truck in America for over four decades, the F-150 is one of the most popular work trucks on the road today, and that makes it an even greater find on the used lot. The F-150’s long history in the Ford lineup gives you plenty of options to find the perfect truck for your needs. Are you looking for a four-wheel-drive F-150 that can handle rough terrain? Do you need something more efficient and capable like the F-150 with the Power Stroke diesel under its hood?

With so many options to choose from in terms of configuration, bed length, and powertrain, you’ll also find that the F-150 offers an array of features. Ford introduced its SYNC infotainment system in 2007, which means most F-150s come equipped with some version of the system. Newer models, as expected, offer easier connectivity and smartphone integration via the SYNC 3 system, along with an array of cutting-edge towing technology that makes you look like a pro regardless of your experience or skill level behind the wheel.

Like the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, the Ford F-150 is no stranger to commercial use. The F-150 is a staple in Ford’s fleet line and reflects the truck’s overall versatility and capability to get any job done. And, as with the Silverado and Sierra, it also means parts are readily available for most year models.

It’s Time for an Upgrade

How happy are you with your current work truck? Is it efficient, capable, and versatile? Does it make your job easier and allow you to work smarter, not harder? These are important questions to ask yourself as you start your search for a used work truck to add to your garage.

Here at Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat, we believe that a truck should work with you and for you to make your job easier. More importantly, we don’t believe that you should settle for anything less than exceptional, and that means getting exactly what you want and need in a truck. We’re here to make that happen and show you what it means to upgrade your work truck and your time in the driver’s seat.