2 Features To Look For When Planning To Buy A Pickup Truck For Towing
Posted on: 12 April 2021
Whether for work or leisure, you may be planning to start towing a trailer behind your truck on a regular basis. However, since your current vehicle is not equipped to handle such a job, you may be looking around to buy a new pickup truck as well.
However, since not all pickups are designed to tow heavy loads, you need to make sure that you select one that is able to do the job safely. Below are a couple of features you should look for when choosing a pickup truck to buy for your towing needs.
1. Look for a Pickup Truck That Has Rear-Wheel Drive
One feature that you need to consider carefully when selecting a truck to tow your trailer is the drive train system. Initially, you may believe that a four-wheel-drive system would be ideal for the job. However, a rear-wheel-drive truck would be better suited for towing. Because the back end of the truck will be handling the most weight and will be most responsible for the trailer's maneuverability, you need the most control at the rear of the vehicle.
In a rear-wheel-drive system, the back axle is reinforced. This allows the axle to bear the extra weight while helping to keep the trailer steady even while driving on rough terrain or curvy roads.
2. Opt for a Ladder-like Frame Over a Unibody Design
Another feature that should be included on the truck you pick out for towing a trailer has to do with the frame's construction. Typically, pickup trucks come in either a ladder-like or unibody frame, depending on the design, make, and model.
With a unibody frame, the frame is welded together into one piece. While this may seem to be a stronger option, this type of construction puts weight and stress on the body panels of the truck instead of a solid framework. However, a ladder-like is made up of several pieces, with the ones in the back reinforced. The back piece of the frame is able to bear the brunt of the weight and stress without causing potential damage to the body.
If the primary reason why you are buying a new pickup truck is for towing, find one that has a rear-wheel-drive system and a ladder-like frame to give you more control and stability while pulling a trailer behind you. For more information about trucks, such as a Ford F150, contact a dealership.
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