You love trucks. You love the way they look, the way they drive, and the utility you get from them. Whether you're looking to buy your first truck or you're trading in for the newest model, you want to make sure you get the perfect one. One of the main decisions is what cab size you want. Should you go with a crew cab or a quad cab?
You might not know the difference, and you wouldn't be alone. Both have four doors and a full back seat, so really they're the same, right? Well, sort of. While they are similar, there are pros and cons to both. Here's a rundown of the features of each to help you make an informed decision.
What Are My Cab Options?
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Choosing anything in life is about assessing your options and then deciding based on a predetermined set of criteria. So you should have all the information regarding cabs before you can decide.
Cab names vary by manufacturer. They might use the name crew cab, super crew, standard crew, or quad crew differently. The first crew cab was introduced by International Harvester in 1957. Dodge began producing them in 1963, and over the next 10 years, Ford and Chevrolet entered the truck market.
Regular Cab
Since the inception of the truck, they've been built with a regular cab. In fact, that was the only option for decades. A regular cab features two doors and one bench seat, although variations with a center console have popped up in the last 30-40 years.
Crew Cab
Today, a crew cab is defined by having four doors and two rows of seating. They usually have two bench seats in the front and rear, but bucket seats in the front are an option that varies by manufacturer, and you might have the choice between bench or bucket. A crew cab will also have larger doors in the rear. Typically, they open in the same direction as the front doors like cars and SUVs. They also have much more space in the rear for passengers. While you can ride more comfortably in the back seat of a crew cab, the cargo volume is typically smaller.
Quad Cab
A quad cab shares the same features but to different degrees. Two bench seats in the front and the rear allow for the same number of passengers. You still have options for front bucket seats but the cargo volume in the rear is usually larger. The sacrifice comes primarily in passenger legroom. To create the cargo space, manufacturers tighten up the space for passengers. The doors are usually smaller, too, and in many cases open in the opposite direction as the front doors.
Which Can Tow and Haul More?
This is a good question, especially if you work your truck. Your tow capacity is reduced with the more spacious crew cab. The crew cab is larger and therefore is made with more material, which adds weight. The quad cab is smaller and weighs less so the towing capacity is greater.
The powertrain has a maximum gross vehicle weight rating that it can move. If your cab weighs less, then your powertrain can haul that much more. A regular cab can haul the most because it has the least amount of weight allocated to the cab.
Will the Cab Size Affect My Bed Size and Maximum Cargo Capacity?
These days the bed size on your truck is optional. Many manufacturers offer multiple bed sizes for any cab. You'll find 4-, 5-, and 6-foot bed sizes for just about any truck cab. As for cargo capacity, while you might think a larger bed can carry more, you're only partly right. You can fit more in but your powertrain can only move so much. A larger bed will weigh more and therefore lower the gross vehicle weight rating. A smaller bed will have the opposite effect.
Which Costs More To Purchase?
Costs can vary for multiple reasons. Options like wheels, engines, and technology can make it difficult to ascertain exactly how much one costs versus the other, as well as an individual manufacturer's truck configuration options. In general, you should pay less for a quad cab than you would for a crew cab simply because there is less material used in the construction if you are comparing all the same features.
Should I Choose a Crew Cab or a Quad Cab Truck?
Why Choose a Crew Cab?
The term crew cab began because people needed to transport their crew to the job site. If you need to bring three or more people along with you then the crew cab is roomier and more comfortable for everyone. Additionally, there are usually more comfort features for second-row passengers.
Another reason to choose the crew cab is if you don't carry a lot of cargo regularly. If you only occasionally need to transport people you could opt for the crew cab and simply use the rear seat as cargo space.
Why Choose a Quad Cab?
If your commute is a long one or you find yourself driving long distances often, then a quad cab makes sense. It's lighter and therefore more efficient, so you'll save at the pump. If you need plenty of cargo space rather than passenger room then the quad cab is the choice for you. While they both can carry the same number of passengers, the quad cab passenger space is smaller.
Compare Crew Cabs and Quad Cabs for Yourself in Grand Forks
If you'd like to see for yourself the features and benefits of the different cabs you should come visit Rydell Chevrolet GMC today. One of our friendly, professional staff members will be happy to take you through our extensive inventory of trucks and answer any questions you might have. Or you can visit us online and browse the many features available on any of our trucks and get your new truck delivered to your door.
Vehicle maintenance is vital if you want to keep yours running smoothly throughout the year, but solid maintenance means different things during different seasons. With winter on the way, you'll need to take care of a list of tasks to ensure that your vehicle is in top condition for winter driving. more Keep an Eye on Tire Pressure and Condition It can be easy to overlook, but the condition of your tires says a lot about whether you can drive safely during the winter. If your tires' treads have been reduced considerably, it may be time to get new ones. Place a penny between your tire's treads with Lincoln's head top-down. If you can see the top of his head, it is time for tire replacement. If your tires bulge in odd areas or do not return to normal shape when your pressure gauge says they're full, replace them. Make sure you put the right amount of air into your tires. Too little pressure will make your vehicle lose traction, while too much can cause them to burst when moving over imperfections in the road. Many cars now have tire pressure monitoring systems that take the pressure of each tire into account. Make sure you pay attention to those alerts so you know which tires need work and which can be safely left alone. Check and Maintain Fluid Levels If you live or work in an area with frigid winters, seriously consider searching for fluid options that are cold resistant. Certain wiper fluids are helpful in cold climates, while others are sure to freeze. Maintaining sound antifreeze fluid levels is a must if you want to make sure your vehicle doesn't become too cold to start. Test your antifreeze levels at the beginning of the season and top them off if needed. The proper fluid type and filling level are listed in your owner's manual. In freezing climates, even engine oil begins to freeze. Many synthetic and semi-synthetic oils are far more resistant to cold than the average varieties. They'll cost a bit more, but they're worth the price if they'll keep your conveyance from becoming useless. If your oil seems frozen, do not attempt to start your engine repeatedly, as may be your first impulse. Starting it can do severe damage to your engine block, and repairing that will be far more costly than an oil change. Make Sure you are Prepared for Emergencies Some advice for all kinds of travelers, with or without vehicles, is to prepare supplies as though you expect to be stranded. None of us know what the future holds. You could be caught in a snowstorm, a snowdrift, a complete white-out, or in a position where driving is impossible due to heavy icing. When this kind of emergency comes about, having a well-stocked emergency supply kit in your vehicle can be the immediate or long-term difference between life and death. Your battery will only run your vehicle's heat for so long, so make sure you pack blankets, chemical heating pads like those commonly used by hunters, and fire-starting tools. It is also wise to include heavy winter clothing with good insulating properties like coats, gloves, hats, and mittens. Make sure you pack light sources for personal and emergency use, like flashlights, chemical road light sticks, and a flare gun. These items will alert others to your presence and need for aid and help you find your way should you have no choice but to move out on foot. Also, make sure you pack extra batteries for your flashlight and go with one that has a powerful beam. If the beam is too weak or runs out of power, it won't be helpful to you in winter conditions. Of all of the items in your emergency kit, a first aid kit is among the most important. You'll probably be tempted to go with the most affordable version, but these smaller kits often lack vital components like suture kits, epi-pens, heavier bandages, and coagulation sprays. Packing non-perishable food and drink that will last a day or two is also a wise choice. Make Sure your Vehicle is Debris-Free Leaves and twigs may seem inconsequential, but if they get stuck in your engine bay, they can cause water to collect, giving it a place to freeze in winter. This sort of freezing can damage your vehicle's exterior venting systems, hoses, and cables severely, making your vehicle unusable. Make sure you clear debris from your vehicle's exterior and engine bay whenever you notice any. That simple action could save you a stack of cash in the long run. Equip your Vehicle with Winter Tires Tires marked as all-season are standard on the vast majority of vehicles these days, off-road varieties aside. This name is misleading, as a tire that is a jack of all trades excels at nothing. Winter tires feature unique treads meant to maintain traction as much as possible in cold conditions, particularly with snow and ice present. It is far cheaper to get winter tires than replacing a vehicle that costs thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars when it is lost to a traction slip, so get your hands on them before winter comes. Get a Battery that is Rated for Winter Conditions All batteries are not created equal where winter operation is concerned. Most have more difficulty working properly during winter than in any other season, but some options are far more dependable than the standard versions. The absolute best type of battery for vehicle operation during winter is an absorbed gas mat battery. These batteries produce far more starting power standard flooded batteries so that the charge will cut through counter-factors more easily. In addition, these batteries use a mesh of absorbent glass and a fiberglass mat to do battery work in a solid rather than liquid state, so they aren't going to freeze on you like liquid batteries. All of these tips will help you find your way to driving safely and effectively during cold winter months. Keep each one in mind, and you'll be far better off than if you had maintained your car as you do in warmer months. If you know of other helpful winter vehicle tips, please contact us and let us know so we can add them to our list. We at Rydell Chevrolet want all drivers to hit the road as safely as possible.
When shopping for a new or used vehicle, understanding the longevity capabilities of your different options is an important part of finding the right vehicle for you. If you think it might be the right choice for you to buy a new truck in Grand Forks, then it's important to know what that means for the life span of your next purchase. If you have questions about how many miles pickup trucks can last, the good news is that we've got answers, not just for what to expect, but how to maximize the life span of your truck if you buy one. more How Many Miles Do Pickup Trucks Last? While the exact mileage of any vehicle you purchase will vary based on a number of factors ranging from the model you choose, how you care for it, what you use it for, and more, that doesn't mean you can't have a good estimation of your expectations. While 100,000 miles was once considered a fantastic return on the vehicle, most modern trucks expect to hit this level when properly cared for. With a mixture of luck and care, you may even be able to reach 200,000 miles or more. How To Improve the Longevity of Your Pickup Truck If you currently own a truck, or are considering buying one, keep these tips in mind to maximize its life span: Choose a reliable vehicle: One of the most important factors in determining how long your pickup truck lasts is the quality it leaves the manufacturer with. Choosing a vehicle with a proven track record of long-lasting capability, like the Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra, the next time you shop for a used truck in Grand Forks allows you to buy with the confidence of knowing you have a truck that is built to hit six figures on the odometer while showing no signs of stopping. Listen to your truck: Another key component of extending your truck's life is to make sure you are addressing any issues quickly. This means learning what to watch for, including not only warning lights on your dashboard but also changes to normal operations, like strange noises or sensations behind the wheel. These can be indications of a potential problem for your truck that requires prompt servicing to avoid future damage. Monitor your levels: Your truck's fluids are crucial elements for protecting it and keeping it working the way it is supposed to. Performing regular checks of your fluid levels underneath the hood, and filling your reservoirs up if needed, ensures that your vehicle has the fluids it needs to operate correctly and protect it against further damage in order to extend its life. Complete your scheduled maintenance: No matter how well you treat your truck, and even if you don't notice any apparent warning signs, it's still important to get your scheduled maintenance as intended when you hit key mileage milestones. This allows the service professional to examine your vehicle and identify any potential areas for concern in order to keep your truck working efficiently and reduce wear and tear. Trust in professional care: There's no better way to extend your truck's life than to schedule a service appointment with a reliable truck service center when you need repairs or maintenance. Professional care ensures your truck is treated right, and it helps you to get the maximum life span out of it. Rydell Chevrolet GMC Is Grand Forks Best Pickup Truck Service Center If you have a truck in or near Grand Forks that needs servicing, let Rydell Chevrolet GMC help. Whether you have a warning light that is turned on, are noticing strange behaviors when you drive, or are simply due for routine maintenance, trusting your vehicle to our professional staff is the best way to keep it operating at its best. Benefits of choosing Rydell Chevrolet GMC for your truck servicing include: Experienced professionals: The team at Rydell Chevrolet GMC automotive service center is the best in the business. If you need servicing for your pickup truck in or around Grand Forks, look no further than the expert staff at Rydell Chevrolet GMC. Our experienced professionals will examine your vehicle, identify any causes for concern, and provide you with the high-quality care that keeps our customers coming back to us whenever they need routine maintenance or repair work done on their trucks. Premium auto parts: The work an auto professional can perform on a car is only as good as the tools and parts available for them to do it. That's why at Rydell Chevrolet GMC we believe in using high-quality OEM parts on all of our repairs and replacement jobs. When you bring your vehicle in to our service center, you can do so confidently, knowing that you are getting not just the best service but also the best parts installed as well, so the work you get done provides you with long-lasting improved performance and safety. Fantastic prices: While we take immense pride in being the best automotive service providers in Grand Forks, that doesn't mean we charge you like it. By choosing Rydell Chevrolet GMC for your truck servicing, you receive our fantastic truck care, all at prices that our competition cannot match. It's the best of both worlds when you choose our service professionals for your truck's needs. Dealership specials: Getting our great rates for unbeatable service is a fantastic opportunity, but doing so with a dealership special is even better. We offer specialties on a variety of our automotive service offerings, and your truck's next appointment may just be covered under a special at the time, so don't be afraid to ask. With our special rates and offers, the premium service at Rydell Chevrolet GMC only gets better. Find Your Next Truck and Keep It Running Well at Rydell Chevrolet GMC At Rydell Chevrolet GMC, we love providing our customers with outstanding vehicles that are designed to last. If you have questions about finding a long-lasting truck near Grand Forks, you can call us or contact us online and we will be happy to answer them. Better yet, come out to see us in person and try out our amazing truck options for yourself.
If you're in the market for a new truck, you have a lot of options to choose from. Two of the most popular manufacturers are GMC and Chevrolet. Both manufacturers offer quality trucks but have some key differences. However, at first glance, it may seem like there isn't much difference between the two. Below, we'll outline some of the differences and similarities between GMC and Chevrolet trucks to help you with your purchasing decision. more The Basics There's a reason that GMC and Chevrolet trucks seem so similar, and that's because they are both under the same parent umbrella - General Motors. The brands started as separate entities but eventually combined into one. Chevrolet merged with General Motors back in 1918, and then in 1943, General Motors completed the purchase of GMC. Over the years, General Motors has owned many different vehicle brands, but Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac remain. Up until recently, GMC and Chevrolet offered very similar vehicles. However, in 2019 Chevrolet launched its Silverado truck, and GMC released its Sierra truck. This was the first time that the two brands created something so different from one another, and that trend has continued on to today. The Similarities Let's start by discussing the similarities between the Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra trucks. The biggest similarity is that both brands use the same GMT1000 platform. A vehicle's platform is essentially the critical dimension. These include the front axle centerline, the cowl, and the driver's hip-point. Since it takes a lot of work to engineer a new platform, many manufacturers share platforms among different vehicle brands. The Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra are just one example. In addition to the same platform, GMC trucks and Chevy trucks also have the same drivetrain. This means they essentially function the same way when it comes to powering the vehicle. However, even within the drivetrain system, there are some differences between the trucks. After this, the similarities are roughly the same similarities you'd see between any other two cars. For example, they both have some of the more modern entertainment and safety features; however, you'll also find these in other trucks, not just those from GMC and Chevrolet. This is essentially where the similarities end. The Differences Now, onto the differences between the two brands. The biggest difference between GMC and Chevrolet trucks is who they are designed for. Generally speaking, GMC trucks are more for luxury users, while Chevrolet trucks are more for the average truck buyer. By aiming for two different markets, General Motors can reach more people without having their trucks compete against one another. It's this differentiation that produces many of the other differences you'll find between these trucks. For example, in the GMC Sierra, you can get a 6.2L V-8 engine perfect for offroading, while the similar Silverado Chevrolet comes with a 5.3L V-8 engine. Therefore, if you want a more powerful engine for offroading, you'd likely go with the GMC Sierra. In addition, on a truck like the GMC Denali, you'll find magnetic ride control dampers as a standard feature, while this is only an optional upgrade for the Chevrolet High Country. Some features are also unique to their specific brand. For instance, the GMC Sierra offers the carbon fiber CarbonPro pickup box, which isn't available in Chevrolet models. In addition, GMC offers the Multi-Pro tailgate while Chevrolet offers the MultiFlex tailgate. Both perform similar functions but are different features nonetheless. Therefore, if you prefer one type of tailgate over the other, you'd have to go with that brand. How To Decide Between GMC and Chevrolet Trucks To decide between a GMC or Chevrolet truck it really comes down to your personal preferences. Since both manufacturers offer quality truck options, you'll need to think about what you are specifically looking for in a truck. If you're looking for a more luxury-like truck, then you'll probably want to consider something from the GMC lineup. These trucks tend to have more features available and offer a more enjoyable ride. However, these additional features also come with a higher price tag. You, therefore, need to decide how much these extra features are worth to you. If you want something a little more affordable, then you should take a look at the Chevrolet lineup of trucks. These trucks still have plenty of features but are designed more for the average truck owner. For this reason, even the more luxurious trims on the Chevrolet trucks are often around the same price as the lower-end trims of the GMC lineup. Let Rydell Chevrolet GMC Help Still not sure which truck brand is right for you? Not to worry. We here at Rydell Chevrolet GMC of Grand Forks, ND, can help you find the perfect truck for your needs. We have all the latest GMC and Chevrolet trucks available, along with some older models. All you need to do is tell us what you're looking for in a truck, and we can help you find one that fits your needs and your budget. There are a few ways to get started. First, if you want, you can begin browsing our current inventory online and see what trucks we have available. You can use this online listing to start getting an idea as to what truck you might like. Then, whether you find some options or not, you can contact us today to schedule a visit to our dealership. Once you come in, we'll show you any truck you're interested in and take you out for a test drive. Sometimes seeing a truck in person is the best way to tell if it's right for you. So, whether you know exactly which truck you want, or you're still trying to decide between a GMC truck or a Chevrolet truck, let Rydell Chevrolet GMC of Grand Forks, ND assist you. There's a lot to love about each of these brands, but it's still important to ensure you get a truck that's the perfect fit for your needs.
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