By Mitch Rice
Calgary is considered the best place for the natural, rugged beauty of the never-ending prairies and Canadian Rockies. If you are a local family in this high-altitude, vibrant city, having a truck of your own is mandatory to haul hefty campers to Kananaskis and Banff. The hills of Southern Alberta demand a vehicle that can handle steep inclines without causing any hassles. You could be climbing the mountain passes or moving through the Deerfoot, the towing capacity of your truck will decide your weekend freedom.
Looking for used trucks for towing
The first step in finding used trucks in Calgary is understanding your towing requirements. You have a wide range of pre-owned trucks on the local market, from light-duty to heavy-duty. You can typically find a higher-trim used truck with a trailer brake controller at a much lower price than you would if you were purchasing a new one. Always check the door jamb label for the exact tow rating before making a final purchase in Alberta or Calgary.
Benefits of Mid-Size for Lightweight Travellers
Mid-size trucks, such as the Ford Explorer and Toyota Tacoma, offer ample cargo space for those who prefer a small, modern camping trailer. All these agile vehicles typically tow between 5,000 and 7,500 pounds. It makes them the best choice for the pop-up campers and the teardrop models. It has the following benefits:
- Easy parking in any crowded shopping center in Calgary and garages at home.
- Ensures reduced maintenance costs for brakes and tires over the vehicle’s lifecycle.
- Improved fuel effectiveness during your everyday commute along Stoney Trail.
Switching to full-size power for hefty loads
If you have a large travel trailer or fifth wheel, full-sized trucks, such as the Ford F-150, you can rule the Alberta streets. They offer an extended wheelbase to provide stability when towing and to prevent swaying from buffeting by high winds. Many models feature advanced cooling systems and stronger suspensions designed to support towers weighing several pounds over long distances.
Additionally, you will appreciate the torque they provide when pulling a heavy weight up the Coquihalla Highway. A few other advantages include:
- Diesel engine or V8 options offer excellent low-end and torque for climbing the hills.
- The higher payload capacity enables you to carry additional gear in the truck bed.
- The wider cabins provide great comfort on long road trips with the entire family.
Evaluating costs of long-term ownership
When deciding between these two classes, do not focus only on the maximum weight listed in the glossy brochure. Think about how often you will actually use the truck throughout the year, compared to how often you will drive in an average city. Full-sized trucks are very powerful but will cost much more in fuel and insurance than you would pay in the city. Many people who sell their used cars in Calgary upgrade to a pickup truck.
Conclusion
Therefore, selecting the right truck requires a balance between your adventurous hill-towing needs and your daily lifestyle. Mid-size trucks can offer smaller setups and ample versatility. On the other hand, the full-size trucks offer the raw power required for heavy-duty campers. You need to devote some time to inspect the transmission and frame of any used vehicle to ensure it is ready for the trails. When your research is correct, you can come across a dependable truck that makes Calgary camping tours a success.