People are purchasing heavy-duty trucks more than ever before. And those who keep track of industry numbers estimate that one in every four pickup trucks on American roads are of the heavy-duty variety. In fact, heavy-duty trucks are so popular that they outsell several other segments of the industry, including luxury cars and sports cars. Of course, one of the biggest reasons people are drawn to heavy-duty trucks is due to towing capacities, which makes perfect sense, especially if you are utilizing the truck for work applications. However, there is also a certain percentage of the population who gravitate towards these massive trucks for other reasons, like the fact that they are big and intimidating. Therefore, before you commit to purchase a 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 HD or any other heavy-duty truck, it makes perfect sense to determine if you really do need such a big truck. After all, buying a heavy-duty truck is quite the investment, and you don’t want to make a mistake.
Light-Duty Trucks
More than ever, drivers are ditching sedans and SUVs for pickup trucks. There are several reasons why pickup trucks are so popular, but a lot of that starts with the fact there are tasks you can do with a truck that you can’t with any other type of vehicle. Aside from towing and hauling capabilities, trucks are also good in off-road conditions and can plow through mud and snow without much effort.
That said, deciding whether to go with a light-duty or heavy-duty truck is a big concern for enthusiasts. One of the more notable benefits of a light-duty truck is the smaller price tag. If you are going to drive around in a big truck with a ton of power and exceptional capabilities, you are going to pay for it. So you might wind up opting for the smaller truck simply because you can’t afford a heavy-duty model.
From a practical standpoint, it just might make better sense to buy the smaller truck. Light-duty trucks are a very capable segment, they offer powerful drivetrains, towing, and hauling capabilities, and they are crazy good in off-road conditions. So unless you need the added power and capabilities of a heavy-duty truck, you might want to stick with the smaller choice.
Another reason why the smaller truck is a good choice is fuel economy. A heavy-duty truck is going to be powered by a heavy-duty engine, which means more stops at the gas station and more money missing from your bank account. So it is worthwhile to do a little soul-searching before deciding which truck best fits your needs.
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck Pros
Should you need a solid pickup truck for work applications, there is no denying that the Sierra 2500 HD or any other heavy-duty truck will suffice. This is the main reason why when you pass a construction site or other worksite, you will no doubt notice several big trucks on the premises. Sure, there are light-duty trucks that are good workhorses, but they pale in comparison to the mighty heavy-duty truck.
You can expect your Sierra HD, with its heavier and stronger frame and chassis, to outperform its smaller counterparts. In addition, the suspension, brakes, and several other components of an HD truck are far superior in strength and durability compared to light-duty trucks. This means that you are able to work with your HD truck under extreme conditions day in and day out without worrying about breakdowns.
In most cases, HD trucks will have more powerful engine choices than their smaller counterparts. You won’t find a heavy-duty truck that offers a four-cylinder engine, and you can bet that you will have high-displacement V8 choices, not to mention diesel options as well.
In no way can light-duty trucks compete with HD trucks in payload and towing. This is one area in which HD trucks win hands down every single time. The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 HD is quite capable of towing as much as 18,510 pounds, with payload capacities as high as 7,442 pounds. Opting for a one-ton truck like the Sierra 3500 HD will boost those figures even higher. Payload and towing are the biggest reasons why people will opt for the HD truck.
The Downsides
Not everything is rosy red for owners of HD trucks; there are a few downsides to owning one. For starters, with a big and powerful engine comes a lack of fuel efficiency. In other words, you can expect to spend some time and money at the gas station. But things are improving. Many modern HD models offer advanced turbo-diesel engine options that do much better in fuel economy and don’t sacrifice power or torque.
When you are choosing an HD truck with a powerful drivetrain and durable and superior components, you can expect a high price tag. That’s right; an HD truck is going to set you back a few bucks, to be sure. But, because HD trucks are so well built, you can expect them to remain on the road or on the work site for many years to come. Even with an initial cost higher than light-duty trucks, you might still come out ahead in the long run.
If you have ever peeked inside of a modern GMC Sierra HD or any other recent HD truck, the interior looks stylish and comfortable. And to be fair, they are quite comfortable and offer many of the creature comforts you get in a light-duty truck or even a luxury sedan. But no matter how soft the seats are, and even with lumbar support, you are still driving a big truck that is going to give you a less comfortable ride than the smaller models.
We may as well and go ahead and state the obvious here; driving and parking an HD truck isn’t for the timid. There will be times when beads of sweat drip down from your brow when trying to squeeze an HD truck into a small parking spot. But, again, these are problems that are getting better with the times. Modern HD trucks offer cameras that help you see behind you, parking aid features, and a slew of driver assistance options that make driving easier.
A Few Tips
Before you rush to the nearest dealership and buy yourself an HD truck, you might want to go to a weigh station with your trailer to see what you need to get. Once you discover what your trailer weighs when it is fully loaded, you will have a better idea of which powertrain you need. You might even discover that you don’t need an HD truck at all as a smaller truck will handle the load.
If you are getting an HD truck as a commuter truck that will be towing your big boat to the lake on the weekends, it’s a good idea to take some measurements. Heavy-duty trucks are big and wide, and some of them have really long beds. This means that you may want to choose a shorter bed and smaller cab to maneuver through the streets of your city. It is also worth noting that an HD truck might not fit in your garage – just a few things to think about.
Heavy Duty trucks are a popular choice for Americans, and there are plenty of good reasons to own one. However, before committing to purchasing one, you should do your research and better understand what you are getting yourself into. Buying an HD truck might be the best decision you have ever made. But, of course, there is always the possibility that you would be better off with a light-duty truck.
