The contractors of the world live and die by their trucks. With a reliable work truck, you’ll be able to make it to the job site in any road condition carrying all the tools, material, and personnel you’ll need to get the job done right. Every job and every workday begins and ends with a solid work truck, which means taking the time to research the best work vehicle for a contractor is of utmost importance.
If your truck isn’t running, you can’t expect your business to run either. That means you should consider only new contractor trucks with a track record of proven reliability. Since your truck is often your primary resource for transportation, materials acquisition, and even office space, you’ll only want to consider the top new contractor trucks within the three categories we have selected.
The best work vehicle for a contractor depends on the requirements of the job. Usually, a full-size pickup is up for most jobs, aside from heavy hauling. If towing heavy materials and equipment is part of your normal operations, the towing capacity offered by heavy-duty pickups may be just what you’re after. For contractors that want to maximize fuel economy, a midsize truck may be best.
1. Full-Size Pickup: Chevrolet Silverado
Starting at $28,600
If you are looking for a solid work truck that can handle various tasks, look no further than the Chevrolet Silverado. The last update to the Silverado was in 2019. That means all the familiar features that have made this latest generation of Silverado such a success are back in 2021.
Power and Towing
The maximum published towing capacity of 13,300 pounds when equipped with the upgraded, 6.2L V8 gas motor. The base-level 2.7L turbocharged gas power plant delivers an impressive 9,300 pounds of towing and an admirable 310 horsepower.
You’ll need to spring for the 6.2L V8 gas motor to get the maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds. The base 2.7L turbocharged gas power plant still delivers an impressive 310 horsepower, enough to handle towing jobs up to 9,300 pounds.
Diesel fans know and love the legendary 6.6L Duramax turbodiesel. With 9,500 pounds of towing capability and an EPA-estimated 33 miles per gallon on the highway, the mighty “D-Max” is a blend of power and fuel economy.
Payload
The Chevy Silverado offers loads of payload capacity across three different bed options. You can store up to 89.1 cubic feet of tools and materials in the long-bed version, and the Silverado’s payload capacity is an impressive 2,280 pounds, regardless of bed size or trim package.
Trim Options
Chevy offers the Silverado in a Work Truck option for those who prefer a more resilient interior, which features durable vinyl floors and seats. If you find you like a touch of luxury, consider the High Country trim package, equipped with heating and cooling leather seats, a power sunroof, premium Bose speakers, and an automatic tailgate.
Connectivity
Standard equipment includes Bluetooth, voice recognition, and an in-dash satellite navigation system. Fans of both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can enjoy seamless connectivity with their favorite mobile devices.
2. Heavy-Duty Pickup: Ford F-250
Starting at $34,230
The Ford F-Series Super Duty has long served as an icon of the American work truck. If you’re curious if these trucks are really “Ford Tough,” read on. You won’t be disappointed in what the Super Duty lineup has to offer.
Power and Towing
The F-250 Super Duty has three available engines, including the powerful 6.7L Power Stroke turbodiesel that generates a massive 475 horsepower and 1,050 foot-pounds of torque. That’s enough power to haul 24,200 pounds. The 6.3L and 7.3L gas V8 power plants both can handle up to 15,000 pounds of trailer weight.
Payload
The F-250 Super Duty can handle 3,940 pounds in cargo. Contractors can choose between 8-foot or 6-foot, 8-inch bed length options, offering 78.5 cubic feet of cargo volume and 65 cubic feet of cargo space, respectively.
Trim Options
Ford offers the Super Duty in several trim packages. The XL package is a no-frills work truck. It features a vinyl interior that’s easy to clean and maintain while retaining popular features like a tailgate-mounted backup camera, auto-dimming headlights, and air conditioning.
Ford offers more luxurious options, including the King Ranch and Platinum Edition Super Duties. These trucks feature leather-wrapped heated steering wheels and seats, adaptive cruise control, and guidance systems for backing up trailers.
Connectivity
All Ford F-250 Super Duty trucks come standard with a 4G wireless modem and a 2.3-inch display. Optional features include voice and touchscreen navigation via Ford’s SYNC 3 interface and an upgraded 8-inch in-dash display. Other upgrades include 110V outlets and integrated tailgate steps.
3. Midsize Pickup: Nissan Frontier
Starting at $26,790
The Nissan Frontier is a reliable truck at an affordable price. While it may not have a dozen trim packages and powerplants to choose from, it is a reliable work truck that will get you and your tools from job to job.
Power and Towing
The Nissan Frontier is available with a 3.8L Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) DOHC 24-valve V6 engine. This motor can generate 310 horsepower and 281-foot pounds of torque and offers a maximum towing capacity of 6,720 pounds.
The fuel-efficient 3.8L motor gets an EPA-estimated 24 miles per gallon highway.
Payload
The Frontier can handle up to 1,460 pounds of cargo in either a five or six-foot bed length.
Trim Options
Keyless entry, power door locks, power windows, and traction and traction control are all standard features on the Frontier. While this work truck doesn’t offer many luxury items, there is an optional hill start assist, auto-dimming headlights, and multiple cargo rack configurations to choose from.
Connectivity
The Nissan Frontier features a nice 7” touchscreen as standard equipment and an additional 5.8” display with the optional Nissan Navigation System. Bluetooth connectivity, an aux jack, and a USB port also come standard on the Frontier.
