Whether you are hauling lumbar and furniture or need to pull a trailer, a truck can be helpful. While you may already know which make and model you would like, buying a truck requires a few other decisions that you may not consider. Thankfully, with proper understanding and research, your truck purchase will be a worthwhile investment that is free of stress. Before you head to the dealership, here are a few things to consider before buying your new truck.

Cost

Today, most pickup trucks will be thousands of dollars higher than a car or SUV, so you need to keep that in mind before getting to the dealership. On average, full-size, high-end pickup trucks can cost over $50,000. In some models, prices can pass the $60,000 mark.

Since the cost is so much higher, you will need to decide if a truck will be a smart investment for your finances and your specific needs.

If you are buying a new truck for your own personal use, make sure you can realistically afford the monthly payment. Ensure your credit score is considered the top tier to receive the best interest rate possible.

If you are buying a new truck for use at your business, reconsider luxury amenities and opt for a more affordable truck that has basic features.

Light, Medium, or Heavy

You will also need to decide whether a light, medium, or heavy duty truck is right for your needs. 

For regular hauling, a light duty is usually sufficient. Light duty trucks have a payload capacity of between 1,500 and 3,000 pounds and the ability of towing 12,000 pounds, making light duty models suitable for hauling landscaping elements, furniture, and light construction items.

Heavy duty pickup trucks are also options to consider because they have larger engines and stronger transmissions that are capable of hauling heavier loads and pulling trailers and boats.

Of course, heavy duty trucks are also more expensive, so you will need to weigh out the pros and cons of each make and model.

Bed and Cab Size

The size of the truck bed and cab are also important elements to consider when shopping for a new truck. While all pickup trucks have one, the bed's length will determine what you are capable of hauling in the truck.

Short  truck beds measure between 5 and 6 feet in length, which is great for normal hauling. If you will plan to carry longer and larger items in your truck, a long bed that measures up to 8 feet may be necessary.

The size of the bed is directly connected to the size of your truck's cab, as well. A regular cab offers one row of seats. If you have a family or need a truck with additional seating, you will most likely need a crew cab, which has two rows of seats. The larger the cab space, the shorter your bed may need to be.

Certain makes and models feature both a longer bed and a larger cab. However, these trucks are built with a larger wheelbase, which is more difficult to park and maneuver.

DMV Expenses

Last, but not least, certain trucks may require additional license plate and registration fees.

A larger, heavy duty truck that will be used to carry heavier and bulker items will require a special license plate and registration that will be more expensive to renew each year. While the cost difference is not dramatic, it is something you will need to budget for.

To determine the costs of registering your specific make and model, you will need to contact your local department of motor vehicles.

Buying a new truck can be exciting, but proper research is important to ensure you make the right decision. This guide will help you narrow down your choices before making the purchase. Head to a dealership that sells trucks like the Chevy Silverado for more help.