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Cab Chassis vs. Pickup Truck

Cab chassis vs pickup truck

Cab Chassis

Pickup Truck

Horsepower and Torque

Towing Capacity

Payload Rating

GVWR / GAWR

Requires Upfitting

Fuel Usage

In contrast to cab chassis trucks, pickups come with a built-in box or bed. On the other hand, cab chassis trucks have customizable back-ends that you can upfit for almost any industry. Although that may be all you need to know to start exploring our stock of commercial vehicles, the cab chassis vs. pickup matchup doesn’t end there. We’ve gone into detail on specs, capacities, and relative advantages, so you can find a model with everything you need.


Pickup vs. Cab Chassis: Pros and Cons

GM, Ford, and RAM all offer full lineups of pickup trucks and chassis cab trucks, while other brands like HINO and ISUZU are known primarily for their chassis cabs and box trucks. Naturally, precise specs and capabilities will vary by significant margins, depending on the brand or model that you select.

Despite this variance, there are some areas where pickup trucks tend to excel, and other areas where cab chassis trucks have a clear edge. Here’s what you need to know:

Upfitting and Customization

  • By virtue of the fact that they don’t come with a standard box bed, chassis cab trucks are much more customizable than pickup trucks.
  • If you’re looking for a dump truck, a flatbed, a tow truck, or something else entirely, starting with a chassis cab makes it much easier to move forward. Our guide to commercial upfitting options for work trucks can help you take the next steps.
  • It’s still possible to customize a pickup truck, but your options are more limited. Lift kits and specialized towing solutions are the most common with drivers in Chicago and Madison.

Towing and Payload Capacities

  • Pickup trucks tend to be better at towing, while chassis cab trucks usually have the edge where payload capacity is concerned.
  • Adding heavy upfit options to a cab chassis truck can definitely have an impact on your payload capacity, gross vehicle weight rating, and axle rating.

Horsepower and Efficiency

  • Pickup trucks generally offer higher horsepower and torque ratings, while chassis cab trucks tend to have larger fuel tanks and higher fuel economy estimates.
  • This has as much to do with manufacturer choice as it does with the specific characteristics of each type of truck. Cab chassis vehicles need to be competitive in the commercial market, where fuel costs can add up quickly, while pickup trucks need to appeal to commercial fleets and individual consumers alike.

All this information should give you a good idea of what drivers consider when comparing cab and chassis vs. pickup trucks, but there are a few more things to keep in mind when you’re searching for the perfect model. If you decide to buy a pickup, you might need to compare crew cabs vs. quad cabs. You can also continue your research with Badger Truck & Auto Group by learning about truck weight classifications or comparing diesel trucks to their gas-powered counterparts!


Compare Cab and Chassis vs. Pickup Trucks at Badger Truck & Auto Group

Whether you’ve settled on a pickup truck or you think a chassis cab is better suited to your needs, it’s easy to find exactly what you’re looking for with Badger Truck & Auto Group. We’re easy to reach from anywhere near Milwaukee or Waukesha.

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