LEBANON, MO – For years, a key criterion for spec’ing medium-duty trucks has been the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Users select trucks primarily on the basis of their class. So a Class 6 vehicle may be suitable for one application and a Class 7 may work better for another, according to www.truck.net. Medium-duty trucks fall into the Class 5 (16,001 to 19,500 lb. GVWR), Class 6 (19,501 to 26,000 lb. GVWR), and Class 7 (26,001 to 33,000 lb. GVWR).

Kenworth Truck Company recommends that companies know their payload, terrain conditions, and body requirements to better spec medium-duty trucks for business applications. While the vehicle’s GVWR is still important, buyers are increasingly focusing on other factors when making their selection, according to Judy McTigue, medium-duty marketing manager for Kenworth Truck Company.

“Customer expectations of medium duty trucks have continued to increase in recent years,” McTigue said. “Many users look for a business solution that provides superior uptime and reliability. An increased focus on fuel efficiency and efforts to reduce the environmental footprint are driving interest in hybrids, such as the Kenworth T270 and T370 straight trucks for pickup and delivery and utility applications and T370 tractor for local haul applications, including beverage, general freight and grocery distribution. Dependability is also high on the list because, day in and day out, medium duty trucks are work trucks and customer satisfaction is based on making timely deliveries, pick-ups, or service calls.”

Some of the first things to consider are the type of load, annual mileage, and type of operating environment. Buyers can choose from a wide range of bodies that can be mounted differently depending on the truck’s wheelbase and local weight regulations.

McTigue said that Kenworth dealers use a special vehicle spec’ing software called Prospector that makes it easier for a salesperson to put together the right spec.

“We always review every order that comes in to make sure the spec will meet the customers requirement,” she said. “Some clients want to over spec or under spec their vehicle. This won’t necessarily improve the truck and may add to the operating costs and result in poor fuel economy and performance.”

Other important driver factors are driveability, startability, maneuverability, visibility, and ease of entrance and exit into and from the truck.

Also, a carefully spec’d drivetrain can lower your total operating costs over the truck’s life. Be careful not to over-spec the engine, McTigue added.