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A red 2022 GMC Sierra 3500HD is shown from a rear angle parked in a forest.

Are Heavy-Duty Haulers Really Necessary?

Pickup trucks can do a lot these days, from hauling people and materials to the job site to pulling some incredibly heavy loads, but you don’t always need the largest, most powerful truck to be able to do this, right? Well, that all depends, and it’s a common misconception that any size pickup truck can pretty much do it all, especially when the task at hand is a bit more demanding. This may call for a heavy-duty truck to be able to take the reins and get the job done, and two popular trucks on the road are from GMC and Ford. If you’re wondering whether full-size pickups are necessary or if they’re even worth the price, we’re here to shed some light on the world of heavy-duty haulers by comparing the 2022 GMC Sierra 3500 HD vs 2022 Ford F-350. You may just have a change of heart about heavy-duty pickup trucks.

Who Needs a Heavy-Duty Truck?

There are everyday jobs, and then there are jobs that require more. By more, we mean more power, more energy, and a stronger physique in order to complete a particular task, and a midsize truck isn’t going to cut it here. If heavy loads and bigger hauls are required, then that’s where a heavy-duty truck comes in to handle it. Heavy-duty trucks are larger, more powerful, and more capable than their smaller counterparts, offering better max towing ratings, better payload capacities, and more durable builds to be able to complete a task and move on to the next. Heavy-duty trucks are built for work, which is why you’ll find many on job sites across the nation because when hard work needs to be completed, workers know which truck to turn to for maximum success.

That being said, not everyone will need a heavy-duty truck for their everyday tasks, and there are plenty of midsize options out there that can handle daily work. However, when a heavy-duty truck is needed, we know exactly which one we’re choosing, so what’s your opinion on the matter? Between the Sierra 3500 HD and the F-350, when a heavy-duty hauler is a must, which one can you trust?

A black 2022 GMC Sierra 3500HD is shown towing a camper on a highway.

Why Choose the 2022 GMC Sierra 3500 HD?

The 2022 Sierra 3500 HD may be known as the king of the job site, with its rugged build, unhindered capabilities, and added features to make any workday go by in a flash. With many best-in-class accolades, like best HD cargo bed volume and front head and legroom, as well as industry-first features, like Transparent Trailer View and a six-function MultiPro Tailgate, the Sierra 3500 HD is a trendsetter in the industry. If heavy loads are part of the workday, rest assured that the GMC Sierra 3500 HD can certainly handle anything, with its available Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 able to tow a maximum of 36,000 lbs with ease. Plus, with a maximum payload rating of 7,442 lbs with its 6.6L V8, handling more people or cargo is a breeze.

Perhaps what really sets this truck apart from the rest is its innovative trailering tech, designed for more control over your haul. Its Transparent Trailer View feature, an industry-first, allows you to see past your trailer to the road behind you, which provides increased safety to your travels, especially when you’re hauling a large load. You’ll also find that the Sierra 3500 HD can offer up to 15 camera views around it so that no matter where you’re traveling, you’re able to know what’s going on around your vehicle, making for an improved ride. You may be thinking, what does all this have to do with being a heavy-duty truck? Well, the Sierra 3500 HD not only makes everyday tough tasks easier, it’s also the first-ever HD truck to offer many of these features.

In addition to its untouchable strength and abundance of helpful tech, the Sierra 3500 HD offers one of the best beds in the industry, equipped with the famous MultiPro Tailgate. Now, no job is out of reach, with the ability to configure its tailgate in six unique ways, including a full-width step, work surface, and primary gate with a load stop. This means that large loads, oddly shaped loads, and even completing paperwork on the job site are easier. Combine these key features with the unmatched strength of this heavy-duty hauler’s powerful engine selection, and you’ve got one impressive truck that’s quite literally ready for anything.

A white 2022 Ford F-350 is shown towing a boat during a 2022 GMC Sierra 3500 HD vs 2022 Ford F-350 comparison.

Why Choose the 2022 Ford F-350?

Ford has been around for a long time, so it’s pretty much just a habit to believe that Ford trucks are the best around, but is that really true? When it comes to heavy-duty trucks, Ford offers a nice selection of hard workers, including the F-350. With a variety of engines, enhanced capabilities, and a timeless design that’s built for work, Ford delivers. The F-350 has a maximum towing capacity of 35,750 lbs with its 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo-Diesel engine, while its 6.2L V8 offers an impressive payload rating of 7,850 lbs, perfect for tackling any job your workday or weekend explorations entail. Its durable frame and chassis help the F-350 take on more menacing tasks, which makes it a great option when you’re comparing heavy-duty trucks.

The 2022 Ford F-350 also boasts some best-in-class nods, including best-in-class horsepower, as well as the best 5th-wheel and conventional towing in its class. Like the Sierra 3500 HD, you can expect to find helpful tech to assist with your haul, including Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which allows for maximum confidence when maneuvering your trailer. Its lightweight body provides enhanced performance, offering a strong alternative to traditional steel body components, instead being replaced by a high-strength aluminum alloy material. Not only is this material ultra-durable, it’s less prone to dents, as well as rust, which makes the F-350 a strong truck to be able to take on the elements. All in all, the F-350 showcases a well-built body, powerful engines, and enhanced tech to make any day on the job site and beyond more productive.

2022 GMC Sierra 3500 HD vs 2022 Ford F-350

So, when it comes to which heavy-duty hauler is the top pick, we have our favorite; how about you? Obviously, there are tried and true GMC fans and loyal Ford fanatics everywhere, but all bias aside, on paper, which truck offers more capabilities, options, and features to provide an all-around better experience? For us, it’s the 2022 GMC Sierra 3500 HD, with better maximum towing capabilities, as well as some of the best tech that’s offered in the industry. Plus, you can’t beat the MultiPro Tailgate, which is not offered on any Ford model at this point, which makes the Sierra 3500 HD one of the best heavy-duty trucks around. In addition, the F-350 has been reported to be a bit less responsive and rougher on the road, making it tough to sit back and relax on the commute home from work.

With class-leading camera views, industry-first features, and undeniable capabilities, the GMC Sierra 3500 HD is hard to beat, even for Ford. The thing about pickup trucks is that they need to be constantly evolving to keep up with the demands of work and travel. The Sierra 3500 HD does this exceptionally with its use of tech to allow for better views during any drive, as well as new features added to its design to maximize productivity during any day. Whether you reside in the GMC or the Ford camp, one thing is certain, both trucks deliver more than many others on the road, and when it comes to heavy-duty hauling, neither one of these trucks disappoint. The Sierra 3500 HD just does everything a little bit better.

 

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