Additional features to look for

Beyond the basic specs, you’ll want to carefully evaluate several additional features that can really make a difference in your long-term satisfaction with the truck.

Seats
Your driver’s seat is a critical piece of equipment. Modern truck seats offer a level of comfort unheard of 20 years ago – and with that comfort comes a range of options you may not have expected.

Until recently, the typical truck seat was 21" wide and made of high-grade upholstery foam over wood or metal. But seats have been increasing in size: depending on cab space limitations, you can upgrade to seats as large as 24" wide in some cases.

Also, you’ll find some seats with coil springs for more balanced support, as well as many seats with adjustable air chambers to create the exact fit you’re looking for.

Of course, the most critical characteristic of a truck seat is how it feels to you. We’ll talk about test-drives later, but you should take careful note of how the seat feels in each truck you’re considering. Take the time to adjust the seat exactly to your liking, for the best visibility and ergonomic support. Pay attention to how many different types of adjustments you can make and how precisely you can control each change.

Other extras
There is a huge range of extra features to consider. Here are just a few:

• Additional mirrors provide extra visibility where you need it most. Convex mirrors mounted low on the fenders help when you’re maneuvering in tight spaces.
• Instruments and gauges should be easy to read and understand.
• Tool boxes mounted outside the cab can provide valuable extra storage capacity without taking up interior space.
• Additional fuel tanks let you reduce the amount of stops you need to make to gas up.