Choosing a truck for towing is no small feat. You want a ride that is capable, has a solid cargo management system and can haul the amount of inventory you need. Sometimes, this means going with a commercial vehicle and other times it means visiting the auto auction for a used ride. Whatever your specific needs, here are a few ways to pick the best truck for your towing job.
Explore the Options
When it comes to picking out tow trucks from car dealers, you’d be surprised at just how many makes, models, and styles are available. This applies to accessories and cargo management systems as well, especially if you need to remain organized during your hauls. Unlike trucks of the past, modern pickups offer a lot more convenience and include many of the amenities and accessories that come from more luxury cars you’ll see at a dealership. This blend of form and function can make it particularly difficult to choose, so you need to know exactly what is available to you.
For example, not every cargo management system is made equal. Some are advertised as “one-size-fits-all” when that couldn’t be further from the truth. Others come with handy accessories that make it easier to sort your gear and get on your way. Doing a little research before you ever meet with a seller can keep you from a bad case of buyer’s remorse down the line. Once you’ve done this, it’s always a good idea to list out your wants and needs. If you’re getting a commercial vehicle, this could vary greatly from something you bid on at one of your local car auctions. Once you have that list in place, you’re ready to start budgeting.
Set a Specific Budget
This is another area where commercial vehicles and private-use trucks can differ. Naturally, commercial vehicles may have trademarks property of their owners that you need to negotiate, a privacy policy included, or even a leaseplan you’ll have to sign. If you’re going the used route, it’s possible a leaseplan could still factor into the equation but it’s more likely that you’ll be buying outright if you’re choosing to use a dealer car auction. All of these factors can add up to more dollars spent so it’s important to understand what your spending limits are.
Remember that list of wants and needs? Use that to calculate a reasonable budget. Start with the items you absolutely need to have. These go into the budget first. If you can get some wear items and knock the prices down a bit, that’s even better. Keep in mind that, if you’re using an online auto auction, you’re going to have to tack on additional costs if they aren’t a shipper.
Shipper auctions sometimes factor in the cost of delivery into the bidder’s final price, though this isn’t always the case. If you’re going the dealership route and are struggling to find the right price, you may want to sign up for their newsletter and keep an eye on your preferred vehicle.
Then, you can move onto your wants. If there are any things that you could add on down the line or don’t have to have when you drive a car off the lot, they should be saved for last. If they’re pushing past your budget, some accessories and features may need to be scrapped. For auto auctions, it’s good to pad your budget a bit in case you spot your ideal truck but bids start climbing.
Choosing the best truck for towing takes some work, research, and persistence. Don’t settle for a truck that isn’t going to do the work you need. Put in the effort to find the one that will fit for you.
