Semi Trucks For Sale in California

Buyer’s Guide to Commercial Trucks

Preparing to purchase your first commercial truck? With so many different categories available, the options can seem endless. The following guide from California Truck Centers provides an overview for newcomers to the wide world of commercial trucks.

When you’re ready to shop, head to your nearest California Truck Centers location. We offer the best selection of new and used commercial trucks for sale in California.

Commercial Vehicle Classes

Commercial vehicles in general fall into eight classes based on their gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR. These classes are then grouped more broadly into the categories of light duty, medium duty, and heavy duty.

Light duty vehicles are those belonging to Class 1 and Class 2, with GVWR values that top out at 10,000 lbs. These are your standard pickup trucks, vans, and sport utility vehicles.

The medium duty category covers Class 3 through Class 6. These trucks can haul anywhere from 10,001 to 26,000 lbs. Vehicles in this category include dump trucks and delivery trucks.

Trucks with GVWR values up to 33,000 lbs belong to Class 7, and anything with a higher capacity belongs to Class 8. Designated as heavy duty, these vehicles are primarily used in long-haul trucking and for industrial applications such as logging.

Gas Vs. Diesel

When you have decided which category of truck to purchase, your next step is to choose between gas and diesel. Both fuel types have their advantages and disadvantages. Gasoline is more affordable than diesel, and gas-powered vehicles are easier and cheaper to maintain. However, diesel engines offer better mileage and superior performance. Diesel is less corrosive than gasoline, so the components of a diesel engine last longer.

The majority of commercial vehicles run on diesel fuel, but recent innovations like turbocharging, direct injection, and multi-cylinder controls have increased the appeal of gasoline engines. Generally speaking, gas models are more efficient for making short trips, whereas diesel models are better for hauling heavy loads over long distances.

New Vs. Used

Buying any commercial truck is a substantial investment, and going with a used model can save you thousands of dollars. There are plenty of pre-owned commercial trucks in good condition available from reputable dealerships like California Truck Centers. Meanwhile, buying a new model gives you all the latest features, and the protection of a manufacturer’s warranty. You can also expect to get more years of service out of a newer model.

Looking for more advice? Feel free to ask the experts at California Truck Centers. Our qualified staff can help you find the perfect vehicle for your needs and budget.