Cab Chassis vs. Pickup Truck
Cab Chassis vs. Pickup Truck
Some jobs require the versatility of a chassis cab, while others need the raw power of a pickup truck. Compare chassis cabs vs. pickup trucks below, and learn what’s best for you at Lynch Truck Center!
| Cab Chassis | Category | Pickup Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower and Torque | ||
| Towing Capacity | ||
| Payload Rating | ||
| GVWR / GAWR | ||
| Requires Upfitting | ||
| Fuel Usage |
Cab Chassis vs. Pickup Truck
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect work truck near Northern Chicago, you already know that you have an extraordinary range of options to consider. However, whether you’re hoping to drive with RAM, Ford, GM, or another make entirely, you absolutely need to compare cab chassis vs. pickup trucks in order to find the perfect model! The Lynch Truck Center is here to help.
Pickup vs. Cab Chassis: Pros and Cons
The table above provides you with many of the general guidelines that drivers use when comparing pickup vs. cab chassis configurations. However, there are always exceptions to the rule! Read on to get an even closer look at this essential commercial comparison:
Power and Fuel Economy
- Comparing the average chassis cab to the average pickup, you’ll find that the latter usually offers more horsepower and torque.
- This is true even when the two models offer very similar engines. However, a cab and chassis truck–almost exclusively used in commercial settings–will usually have a larger fuel tank, and better fuel economy.
- This is usually a conscious choice on the part of the manufacturer, who understands that fuel economy is very important in the competitive commercial market.
- Drivers who choose a pickup for personal use generally want something that feels powerful, and they’re willing to pay a little more for gas.
Towing vs. Payload
- Some might say that a chassis cab truck is just a pickup with the bells and whistles removed. This is partly true, and it also partly accounts for the higher payload ratings, gross vehicle weight ratings, and (rear) axle ratings that cab and chassis trucks tend to offer.
- Most drivers who purchase chassis cab trucks do so with the intent to pursue heavy upfitting options and haul heavy payloads, so most makers of chassis cab trucks prioritize these needs.
- Pickups, partly due to their higher horsepower and torque ratings, tend to deliver more impressive towing capacities.
- Since plenty of pickup trucks need to be flexible for personal use, manufacturers tend to focus on providing a balance between towing and payload capabilities.
Upfitting Options
- Drivers who choose a more conventional pickup can certainly choose to upgrade their ride with options, accessories, or even a lift kit.
- However, any driver comparing pickup vs. cab chassis trucks should know that almost all chassis cab models will need to be optioned with whatever back-end suits the owner’s unique needs!
- For example, if you need a dump truck, a tow truck, or a flatbed truck for work in Milwaukee or Racine, you’ll start with a cab chassis.
Chassis Cab vs. Pickup: Making the Right Choice
Now that you’ve got a sense of why you might choose one type of truck or the other, we’re sure that you’ll have even more questions on your mind! If you’re trying to decide between the RAM 3500 pickup vs. chassis cab, or between the Ford chassis cab vs. pickup, check out our hub of information on commercial and heavy-duty vehicles. You can also reach out to us at any time, and get direct answers to your questions from a Lynch Truck Center expert.
If you’re not ready to start browsing our inventory of new commercial vehicles, consider learning about the differences between diesel and gas-powered trucks or comparing Duramax vs. Cummins engines.
No Matter What You’re Looking For, Find it Here
The Lynch Truck Center has an incredible selection of pickups and chassis cab trucks, and that means that there’s no better place to start your search. Even if you’re still narrowing down your options, we hope that you’ll check out our inventory today. Looking for something unique? Take advantage of our vehicle finder service, and let us hunt it down for you.