Whether you are a contractor who needs a truck that can live up to your daily business demands or a DIYer who is always working on a project, you might be looking for a great do-it-all pickup. When you shop for used trucks for sale, you can find amazing deals on reputable pickups at great prices. Plus, many of them already boast aftermarket upgrades and modifications. Why pay to customize your truck with great packages and features when you can get a used one that’s already souped up?
When you begin your shopping process, you might be a bit overwhelmed. There are so many names, models, and generations to choose from. Below, we will cover three terrific do-it-all pick-ups from three beloved brands and go over specific generations to check out if you are shopping used.
The 2021 and Newer Silverado 1500
The Chevy Silverado has been a mainstay of the Chevrolet family since 1999. It is a full-size light-duty pickup that offers impressive capabilities that are more than ready for professional jobs, along with great everyday driving dynamics and fuel economy. Whether you’re a contractor or occasional handyperson, you’ll appreciate the chameleon nature of this truck.
Why do we like the 2021 and newer models so much? Chevy introduced the Multi-Flex Tailgate in 2021, a highly versatile tailgate now available on the 1500, 2500, and 3500. The heavy-duty trucks don’t have the all-around daily utility the 1500 does, so we will focus on that for now.
The Multi-Flex Tailgate has six useful positions that help make hobbies and work easier and more efficient. First, there is an inner gate with a surface. This is the perfect place to review blueprints with a client, fill out invoices, sign contracts, or even have a standing lunch on the job. Additionally, there is an inner load stop, perfect for keeping items in place on bumpy roads. A primary gate load stop keeps longer items in place. The tailgate can fold down and out of the way, allowing easier access to items deeper in the bed. It can also fold down into a full-width step, making getting in and out of the truck bed easier.
Once you have experienced the Multi-Flex Tailgate, a regular tailgate just won’t do. You will love having it if you are constantly loading and unloading bulky and heavy items out of your pickup or even need to handle some tasks in the pickup bed. Since it’s on 2021 and newer trucks, if you’re interested in a newer and gently used Silverado, including a 2022 or 2023 model (Chevy is already working on the 2025 model, so some people might be turning in their 2023 sooner than you think) you can get all of the safety features of the Silverado with this tailgate for a used price.
The Silverado hit markets in 2021 with a few other new surprises that have remained the mainstays of this great pickup. One of these is a trailer length indicator and trailer angle with guidelines, which can help you line up your truck hitch with your trailer more precisely so you don’t have to try several times before you connect to your trailer and are ready to go. Also new for 2021 is the cargo bed with zoom camera angle. This is particularly helpful when connecting your truck to a fifth wheel or gooseneck trailer or monitoring your cargo.
Overall, the Silverado 2021 and newer models have up to 15 available cameras, including side cameras, a rear camera, a front grille camera, and other views that make it easy to monitor your pickup, your trailer, and your surroundings at all times.
The 2019 and Newer Ram 1500
The next model on our list is the Ram 1500, specifically models from 2019 and newer. One feature of the 2019 Ram 1500 that stood out was the eTorque system. Part of the V6 and V8 powertrains, the eTorque system increases the towing capacity and fuel efficiency of this great pickup truck. In fact, since eTorque’s introduction in 2021, it has been the reason the Ram 1500’s towing figure jumped to a maximum of 12,750 lbs, which it remains at today. Its ability to enhance both towing capability and fuel efficiency certainly earns this generation a spot on our do-it-all list. Manufacturers often force shoppers to choose either incredible towing powers or solid fuel economy, but that does not encompass the spirit of a do-it-all truck. With the 2019 and later Ram 1500, you can drive around to all of your job sites without spending too much at the pump and have the power you need once you get there. The last feature we will cover from 2019 and newer Ram 1500 models is the RamBox cargo management system. It contains a 115-volt outlet, giving you even more ways to plug in tools on the go, and additional storage space for tools and other items.
Find a 2020 or newer Ram 1500, and you might enjoy all of the features introduced in the Rebel Safety Group that year. One such feature is adaptive cruise control with a stop, go, and hold function. It works in conjunction with cruise control, maintaining your desired speed when safe but also slowing to keep a safe distance between you and a slower vehicle ahead when you catch up to it. It can also come to a complete stop if the car in front of you does, and can resume driving when the vehicle in front of you moves. Lane Departure Warning is also included in the Rebel Safety Group, which uses visual alerts to notify you if you drift from your lane and guide your vehicle back into its lane. Also included is a forward collision mitigation system and automatic high-beam headlamps.
The 2015 to 2022 GMC Canyon
Lastly, we arrive at the GMC Canyon. We will look at a slightly older generation of this midsize truck, specifically from 2015 to 2022. There are a few things that happened during these years that make the Canyon a really terrific used truck. In 2017, the GMC Canyon became available with the luxury Denali trim. If you ask us, anyone looking for a do-it-all truck has some long and grueling days and deserves to get in a cab that melts their worries away. The Denali trim, also available on other GMC vehicles, is known for doing just that with its upscale materials and phenomenal comfort and convenience features.
Also in 2017, the maximum towing figure for the Canyon jumped from 7,000 lbs to 7,700 lbs when equipped with the Duramax diesel engine. That’s a substantial increase and an impressive towing figure for a midsize truck. Naturally, because the Canyon is a midsize truck, it offers solid fuel economy figures for everyday driving, so it can be both your work truck and great for running errands or taking kids to school.
In 2021, GMC added the AT4 trim, the off-road model. Rolling on massive Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires and donning a large skid plate for under-body protection, the AT4 trim is just right for DIYers who want the freedom to explore remote destinations on the weekends or even need to travel unpaved paths to get jobs. We also like the versatility of the GMC Canyon. For this generation, it’s available with two cab sizes (extended and crew) and a short or long box. So you can decide how passenger- or cargo-forward your model is.
Enjoy Modern Features With Used Car Prices on These Great Used Pickups
Pickup drivers demand a lot from their vehicles. They travel down rougher roads than most sedans, tow huge trailers, and transport heavy goods. So many pickup drivers today appreciate features that assist them in staying in control, staying safe, and helping them tackle bigger jobs with ease. The pre-owned models we listed above contain features that should keep up with today’s drivers’ standards while still boasting appealing price tags, thanks to their pre-owned status. From sturdy work trucks to off-road beasts, we covered a good range of models today. We hope you find the right truck for your needs on this list.
