If your business is in the market for new commercial vehicles, I’m here to help. There are plenty of models to choose from, and with so many options it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. You might be looking for a specific feature, or just interested in an overall upgrade. Whether it’s for plumbing, construction, electrical work, or something else entirely, there’s a perfect vehicle somewhere, and it’s my mission to help you find it.
2018 Chevrolet Colorado
Starting at just $20,200, this year’s Chevy Colorado is the most affordable option on this list. Don’t let that fool you, though; the Colorado has more tricks up its sleeve than you might expect. With three engines to choose from, you can tailor the Colorado based on how much power you need. By choosing the 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine you unlock the vehicles full potential, as well as grant yourself access to its exceptional fuel economy. (30 MPG on highways!)
Good mileage isn’t enough to warrant being used for work, though, and that’s where my favorite available feature of the Colorado comes into play. The internet has quickly become an integral part of running a business, and oftentimes a smartphone alone won’t be enough to do the job. With a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, the Colorado can easily become a mobile office, substantially bolstering management and communication across the board. Honestly, this feature is great even for personal use, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw this slowly become the standard in vehicles over the next few years.
2018 RAM 2500
It may seem silly, but my favorite parts of Ram trucks are usually their incredibly handy storage features. The crew cab of the 2500 trims come equipped with segmented under floor storage, which is perfect for keeping tools or supplies organized and out of the way. Even better is the brand exclusive “RamBox Cargo Management System,” which adds lockable storage compartments to the sides of the truck bed. While this sounds relatively basic, the fact that these containers are weatherproofed and drainable means that they can be used not only for tools but as a cooler for perishables as well. The RamBox system also features a cargo divider/extender to increase the length of the truck bed, most likely due to the fact that the bed’s cargo space is slightly diminished by the presence of the side storage. Depending on your intention, though, the cooler/cargo combo can definitely be worth the reallocation of that space. If you’ve ever worked a job that really makes you sweat, then you already know the value of that built-in cooler.
That isn’t the only thing the Ram 2500 trims has to offer; their towing capabilities are also worthy of recognition. Their maximum towable payload is about 17-18,000 lbs depending on which trim you’re looking at and how well equipped it is, and their truck beds can handle up to 3,990 lbs. If your main purpose is hauling things then you might feel inclined to go for another brand with a slightly higher weight capacity, but I think the cargo system is so practical and convenient that it makes up for any disparity.
2018 Chevrolet Silverado HD
I know what you may be thinking, and yes, there are two Chevy’s on this list. But in cases like this, I prefer to talk about vehicles that I have some experience with, that way I’m able to speak with a bit more authority on the subject and deliver solid facts. That in mind you might have already guessed that I’ve spent a good deal of time with Chevy vehicles, and you would be right. My butt has been to the seat of a Silverado and back so that I could deliver this message to you: The Silverado is a smooth, spacious, and (most importantly when work is involved) quiet ride and the ability to answer your phone with controls on the steering wheel makes management on the go just that much easier.
Like the Colorado, the Silverado also offers built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi, so if you liked the idea of a modern mobile workspace but didn’t think that the Colorado had the power or size you needed, then look no further. Depending on whether you’re looking at the 2500HD or the 3500HD, your towing capacity can max out at either 18,100 lbs or 23,300 lbs respectively. For reference, 23,300 lbs is over 11 tons, which is enough to pull two average sized adult elephants, or three other Chevy Silverados. Since we’re talking about the most current models here, that means they come standard with all the modern conveniences in towing. From Hill start assist to prevent rolling back after being stopped on an incline, trailer stability control to keep things steady during sharper turns, these features are passive but you’ll still notice an active change in comfort and confidence when towing in a Silverado.
2018 Ford Transit Cargo Van
In case you haven’t noticed, this list is a bit heavy on trucks. While a solid pickup truck will likely serve the purposes of most types of companies looking for new commercial vehicles, there are of course certain businesses that require a different style of transport to complement their operation. Driving Ford’s Transit Cargo Van is like rolling around with your backyard storage shed sitting behind you, and with three roof heights to choose from, even taller people should be able to stand comfortably in the rear of the vehicle. While the towing abilities of the Transit are significantly less than the aforementioned pickup trucks, the capability is still there, albeit in a smaller capacity. It can be easily outfitted with shelving and other storage essentials, making it easy to keep organized and on top of things.
Closing
There’s still a ton of great commercial vehicles out there, and though I’ve barely scratched the surface, hopefully, I’ve given you an idea of the things that you’re interested in so that you know what to look for. As long as you’re able to make an informed decision by the time you make your choice, I’ll call it a success.
