In the market for a new light-duty truck for your transportation needs? Light-duty trucks, also known as light trucks, have different licensing and operating requirements than standard cars. Consequently, the purchase criteria for these trucks differ from the ones you would follow when buying a car. 

With the many different trucks available on the market, finding one that matches your needs can be daunting. Here are some crucial factors to consider before buying a light-duty truck. 

Payload Capacity And Towing Capacity

Unlike cars, which are used primarily for passenger transport, light-duty trucks lean towards towing and cargo transport applications. To choose the right truck for your needs, consider its payload and towing capacities. 

The payload capacity of a truck describes the maximum amount of weight you can safely carry on the bed of the vehicle.

To calculate this figure, subtract the truck's curb weight from its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR): the weight of a fully loaded truck minus the weight of an empty truck. On the other hand, the truck's towing capacity refers to the maximum weight it can pull with a loaded trailer attached to it. 

Consult your vehicle owner's manual to know the GVWR, curb weight, and towing capacities of different trucks.

Whether you require a truck for towing or hauling cargo, ensure your vehicle can handle the task. If you exceed your truck's rated working capacity, you can cause extensive damage to the engine, transmission, brakes, and other vital vehicle components.

Fuel Efficiency

Because light trucks are designed and used primarily for towing and cargo-hauling tasks, they are not bound by the same restrictive fuel economy regulations that apply to regular cars. 

While you need a truck powerful enough to let you tackle any task or conquer any terrain, caring about your truck's fuel economy will help you save money on fuel costs. 

Engine size and driving habits are not the only factors influencing the fuel consumption of trucks. 

Truck fuel consumption spikes significantly with the weight of the vehicle. Choosing a lighter-weight truck, for example, one with aluminum cab frames instead of standard steel frames increases your payload capacity and reduces the fuel used when driving an empty vehicle. 

A new light-duty truck does not come cheap, so it is imperative that you choose the right one for you. The truck sales team at your local auto dealership can help you make an informed purchase decision if you are still undecided.  

For more information, contact a local dealer that has options like a GMC Sierra for sale.