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Introduction to Longbed Pickup trucks
The longbed pickup truck is widely considered the quintessential symbol of Americana. Manufacturers first began building longbed pickup trucks in the early 1900s, with several companies soon offering their own versions. Initially they were simple products consisting of a flat bed with a passenger cab and none to few options available. These vehicles eventually grew in popularity and style, with some models beginning to feature amenities like a bench seat for passengers and/or radio as early as 1930s.
As longbed pickup trucks evolved throughout the decades, both manufacturers and consumers demanded more from them. This changed the nature of these vehicles from simple workhorses to an iconic symbol associated with adventure and exploration. Today, manufacturers offer a wide range of trim packages allowing for numerous configurations including extended cabins, spacious interiors, and powerful technological features like 4-wheel drive.
When comparing traditional trucks with various generations of longbed pickups there are several key differences that stand out. First and foremost, the length of the beds is typically the biggest distinguishing feature. Traditional trucks usually feature shorter beds while extended cab styles are available in longer lengths up to 8 feet in some models. Longbed pickups also often have sturdier frame construction and can come equipped with higher cargo capacities as compared with traditional Trucks. Additionally, more recent generations of these vehicles have seen advancements such as aerodynamic design elements that help reduce wind drag during travel along with improved levels of comfort due to larger cabins with additional seating space or options such as air suspension systems on many trims.
Overview of Designs and Configurations
Body Style: Longbed pickups typically come in two body styles: Regular Cab, which has a single row of seating and one entry door, and Extended Cab (also known as Crew Cab), which has two rows of seating and two entry doors.
Cab Size: Cab sizes for the longbed pickup vary depending on the model. Common cab size options include compact, standard, and full-size.
Bed Lengths: The bed lengths are typically longer than a regular or crew cab pickup due to its tailored design for hauling bulky items and larger payloads. Common bed lengths include 5.5′, 6′, 6.5’, 8′ & even 10′ options depending on the specific vehicle’s model and capabilities.
Choice of Engines: Longbed pickups usually offer more powerful engine choices , such as V6, V8, ultralightweight diesel as well as turbocharged engines for better towing capacity than most other pickup models . Options will vary according to the specific make and model but generally provide more robust performance choice .
Additional Performance Features: Many longbed pickups now come with suspension enhancements such as independent front suspension or four-wheel drive option with selectable low range transfer case capabilities , a wider stance providing improved stability , larger tires with improved load carrying capacities , upgraded off-road packages that include shock absorbent grille guards , add-on air snorkels for better water wading abilities , tow/haul packages for improved trailering capabilities , integrated trailer brakes for easier downhill control when pulling heavy loads , etc.
Advantages of Owning a Longbed Pickup
More Cargo Space. One of the biggest advantages of owning a longbed pickup is more cargo space. Depending on the size and model, many longbed pickups offer more cargo room than a standard-sized pickup. This allows owners to store more materials such as large appliances, furniture and other bulky items. High Towing Capacity. The size of the bed also means that longbed pick-ups can handle bigger and heavier objects meaning that you can tow larger trailers for heavier loads or boats for camping or fishing trips with ease.
Improved Fuel Economy: While some people think that driving a longbed pickup truck means less fuel economy simply because it’s bigger, that’s not actually true. Longbed pick-up trucks are designed with aerodynamic components which helps them to glide faster on open roads and highways while consuming less fuel in comparison to other vehicles, resulting in improved overall fuel economy.
Better Off-Road Performance: The additional length of a long bed can also help with off-road performance due to the increased wheelbase and superior ground clearance from its unique design, making it easier for adventurous outdoorsmen to tackle rugged terrain or traverse harsh trails.
Convenience and Safety Features: Due to the popular demand for extra features and convenience in modern pick-ups, nearly all manufacturers cram their models full with advanced safety features such as stability control systems or backup cameras along with spacious interiors providing amenities like Bluetooth streaming audio and cruise control capabilities allowing owners to enjoy their rides even more!
Top Models of Longbed Pickup Trucks Available in 2021
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a reliable longbed pickup truck available on the market. This model has been a best-seller for decades, and it continues to be one of the most popular choices for drivers who need an affordable and hearty vehicle. Customers find that its 5.3-liter V8 engine provides ample power and abundant comfort, while its spacious double cab ensures ample storage space. The truck also offers good fuel economy ratings, reaching up to 23 mpg in highway driving. In terms of infotainment systems, you get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Key features include numerous advanced driver aids like Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and more. Prices for the Silverado start at $29,000.
Ford F-150 – The formidable Ford F-150 is a heavy-duty truck designed to tackle any rugged terrain or job. Powered by a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine capable of generating 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, this truck boasts impressive power comparable to some upscale SUVs or sports cars — yet it still offers fuel economy ratings of up to 26 mpg highway in its 2WD XLT trim level. Top safety features include adaptive cruise control as well as Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Coverage and Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB). Its SuperCrew Cab is known for its abundance of interior room (including roomy legroom), alongside impressive luxury amenities such as heated leather seats and sunroofs . Prices range from $35,000 – $85,000 depending on trim levels selected.
Accessories for Longbed Pickup Trucks
Additional accessories for a longbed pickup truck can significantly improve functionality and efficiency. Here is a list of recommended upgrades that can help customize the vehicle to better suit your needs:
1. Bed Extender: Adding an extender to your longbed will give you the extra space needed to haul items that may be too long for a traditional bed size.
2. Bed Liner: A bed liner helps protect your truck from dust, dirt, and other particles that may damage it when carrying items, as well as helps keep it looking great for longer.
3. Tool Box: If you’re often hauling tools with you in your truck, a tool box is essential! It helps organize and store tools safely at all times and provides easy access when needed.
4. Cover/Tonneau Cover: Installing a cover or tonneau cover over the bed will protect items stored in the truck from inclement weather such as rain, snow and wind during transport.
5. Hitch Accessories: Adding various hitch accessories (a ball mount, winch receiver, bike rack etc.) will make hauling larger items less of a task by providing an extra storage area or platform on top of your existing trailer hitch assembly.
6. Lights & Lighting Kits: For visibility on unlit roads or late night tasks, installing some heavy-duty lighting fixtures around the body of the truck will do wonders for improving safety and overall visibility around dark areas while still maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Maintenance and Repair Tips
1. Regularly inspect fluid levels: This should be done weekly or every few weeks depending on how often you’re using your longbed pickup truck, as well as its age and condition. Popular fluids that need to be checked include oil, coolant, transmission fluid and brake fluid.
2. Change oil regularly: This is one of the most important things you can do to keep your pickup running smoothly, and should be done every 5000-7000 miles or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (whichever comes first). If you want to make sure it doesn’t get overlooked, consider setting reminders for yourself in a planner or calendar.
3. Check tires regularly: The tires of your longbed pickup are an essential part of the vehicle’s maintenance since they directly affect performance and safety. Check both the tire pressure and wear pattern frequently with a quality tire gauge so that you can rotate them when needed, monitor tread depth/replacement time frames etc.
4. Clean air filter often: Clogged air filters will reduce engine performance, decrease fuel economy, and increase emissions; so this is a critical item to check before it causes damage in your truck’s engine system. Be sure to clean out and replace it as necessary throughout its lifetime (more often during dusty conditions.)
5. Perform regular tune-ups: Scheduled tune ups for longbed pickups helps ensure that there are no underlying issues lurking underneath the surface with problems like poor mileage or lost power from wrongly timed sparkplugs/other emissions control systems etc being able to be pinpointed quickly. So don’t forget to follow up with these regular checks about once a year or per the manufacturers instructions for best results!
Conclusion
A longbed pickup truck can be a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a dependable and versatile vehicle. It offers plenty of room for hauling, towing, and transporting large objects with ease. It is ideal for collecting firewood, helping friends move furniture or carrying home a big purchase from the store. The large size also gives it an advantage when tackling off-road terrain or towing a trailer across rough terrain.
In conclusion, owning a longbed pickup truck offers many advantages over traditional vehicles. Not only does it provide excellent space for hauling and towing heavier items, but it is also great for conquering off-road conditions with ease. With the right model, you can be sure to get value for your money for years to come.
When shopping for a used longbed pickup truck, always do your research first by reading reviews of the make and model that you are interested in buying. Consider its power rating, cargo capacity and its safety features such as stability control systems and airbags as well its overall reliability rating from experts before making your final decision on which longbed truck to purchase. Additionally, if you are going to buy from a private seller make sure that you have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic prior to making any purchases. By taking these important steps before purchasing you can ensure that you get the right truck at the right price and enjoy it safely on roads and terrains all over Canada and beyond!
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