There’s no doubt about it. Pickup trucks are the top work vehicle choice for most general contractors, new construction companies, and other industry professions. What is it that makes them so desirable? Well, many factors like versatility, power, and storage ability. However, not all trucks are made equal, and we’ll share what we feel are the best pickup trucks for work use in 2022.
Best Pickup Trucks for Trades
According to a study done by “Tools of the Trade,” 56% of General Contractors used a pickup truck as their work vehicle. And it is no surprise that trailers ranked number two as the vehicle used for trade jobs. Trucks are natural work horses, with the greatest capacity to tow a trailer and carry heavy payloads. The advantages of trucks over work vans and cars are the following.
- You can tow a bumper pull or gooseneck trailer. Yes, a car, SUV, or van can be hitched to a bumper pull trailer, but they are not adaptable for gooseneck or “fifth wheel” style trailers. Why is that important? For the most part, gooseneck trailers offer better maneuvering and can hold more weight than their bumper pull counterparts. This enables you to haul anything your truck can tow behind you without limitation.
- You can convert the standard truck bed into a service body, dump body, or pickup flatbed design. Although utility vans can be customized with shelves and outside compartments, it comes with the cost of space. Service body truck beds can offer the same kind of enclosed storage combined with an open floor and racks to lay down large equipment, pipes, carpet, or other odd-shaped items. And if you just need more space to drop bulk building items like lumber, bricks, hay bales, or bags of soil, then a regular pickup flatbed may do just fine. In addition, having the option to add a dump body for construction or landscaping is a big plus that you won’t get with a car or work van.
- Trucks are now being made with bigger cabs to accommodate more passengers or storage, in sizes and seating comparable to small to mid-size cars. Small crews can arrive together at a job instead of having to spend more on fuel for taking separate vehicles.
- Trucks separate the cargo area from the cab, which can keep the smell of the dirty tools, materials, or chemicals from affecting drivers as they travel. Also, it is easier to load and unload cargo in the back of a pickup truck than a van or car.
Best Pickup Trucks – Heavy Duty
2022 Ram 3500
$38,565 MSRP
Payload Limit: 4,644 lbs.
Max Towing Capacity: 37,090 lbs.
With some models offering six seats, you get plenty of seating and power with this truck. Winning a J.D. Power award in “Quality Among Large Heavy-Duty Pickups,” the Ram 3500 has enhanced features like a digital rearview mirror to show the road behind you if your view is obstructed by cargo or a trailer. If you are looking for a truck with plenty of tow power for the price with great safety features, the Ram 3500 is a good choice.
2022 GMC Sierra 3500 HD
$40,095 MSRP
Payload Limit: 4,572 lbs.
Max Towing Capacity: 36,000 lbs.
Having almost semi-truck like strength, the GMC Sierra is a five-seater that comes in many models. The more popular model is the Denali Crew Cab with a 6.6L V8 engine which will run you close to $70,000. If you are looking for a similar option with slightly lesser price tag, you can check out the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD. The Silverado offers the same towing abilities and brings an additional seat to the cabin, but lacks some of the Sierra’s visual thrills in its design.
2022 Ford Super Duty F-350
$39,705 MSRP
Payload Limit: 7,850 lbs.
Max Towing Capacity: 35,750 lbs.
This five-seater is as impressive inside as it is on the outside, with tech to impress any passenger. If you want a F-series truck that pulls out all the stops, then this is the pickup truck for you. With a comfortable ride, luxurious interior, and incredible power, the F-350 will get you between jobs in style.
2022 Nissan Titan XD
$48,000 MSRP
Payload Limit: 2,240 lbs.
Max Towing Capacity: 11,040 lbs.
The Titan XD offers a smoother ride than most competition and bridges the gap between regular full size and heavy-duty pickup trucks. This Nissan model has definitely carved out a niche for those who want a balance of power and drivability. However, with recent advances in full size pickup technology, the Titan XD is failing to show its worth. Yet, it remains a respected name that can get the job done.
Best Pickup Trucks – Full Size
If you are looking for something a little less overpowering and more affordable, here are some great full size pickup options for getting the job done.
2022 Ford F-150
$31,685 MSRP
Payload Limit: 3,250 lbs.
Max Towing Capacity: 14,000 lbs.
No list of best pickup trucks can exclude Ford’s flagship F-150. Whether you are a contractor, ranch owner, or just a truck enthusiast, the F-150 has the looks and features to appeal to all. In addition to versatility, it’s one of the most affordable trucks in its class. And for those who desire to go green, there is the full electric Lightning model which boasts 10,000 pounds of towing and 300 miles of driving between charges.
2022 GMC Sierra 1500
$32,495 MSRP
Payload Limit: 2,240 lbs.
Max Towing Capacity: 13,000 lbs.
With high tech features like Hands-Free Towing, Automatic Lane Change, and enhanced voice activated navigational systems, driving a truck has never been easier. The Sierra also incorporates the world’s first Six-Function MultiPro Tailgate which allows you to have several configurations of the tailgate to load or secure cargo in the truck bed. The Sierra combines superb luxury, absolute comfort, power, and drivability together into one masterpiece.
2022 Ram 1500
$34,400 MSRP
Payload Limit: 2,300 lbs.
Max Towing Capacity: 12,750 lbs.
When outfitted with a 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine with eTorque, the Ram 1500 easily wins as one of the best pickup trucks in its class. And when towing a trailer, you can rely on the Trailer 360 Surround View camera, Trailer Reverse Steering Control, and Trailer Hitch Light for maximum awareness around your vehicle. The entry level Tradesman model starts at $34,400 and the price tag goes up from there.
All these pickup trucks are great choices to assist you in getting the job done. However, sometimes the standard pickup truck beds limit your payload carrying capacity or the way you can arrange your tools and cargo. If you are looking to convert your pickup truck bed to a service body, dump body, or pickup flatbed, contact Country Blacksmith Trailers. We carry hundreds of new and used truck beds from trusted brands like Bradford Built, Zimmerman, and CM Flatbeds for sale. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about compatibility with your truck and ensure you get the best pickup truck bed for your job!