Light-duty truck OEMs are focusing on offering best-in-class capabilities. Beyond consumer showrooms where pick-up trucks remain highly popular, Ford, GM and Ram remain focused on serving the needs of commercial users of their light-duty offerings.

At Ford, F-Series Super Duty trucks for 2013 feature increased towing and payload capacities, as well as brake system improvements that enable higher payloads. Conventional towing capacity for the Super Duty model is now 18,500 lbs. and the payload capability is 7,260 lbs. A larger parking brake and an increase in brake rotor swept area of 16.4% front and 14.5% rear helps dissipate heat, especially on long downhill grades. These changes also support a 700-lb. increase in maximum gross vehicle weight rating to 14,000 lbs.

The 2013 Ford F-150 is available with several engine choices, each mated to an electronic six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode. Included are a 3.7L V6, rated 302 HP at 6,500 RPM, and 278 ft.-lb. of torque at 4,000 RPM; a 5.0L V8 at 360 HP at 5,500 RPM; a 6.2L V8, rated 411 HP at 5,500 RPM and 434 ft.-lb. of torque at 4,500 RPM; and a 3.5L EcoBoost engine at 365 HP at 5,000 RPM and 420 ft.-lb. of torque at 2,500 RPM.

For fleet customers, Ford also has introduced a no-charge Special Service Vehicle (SSV) package. Available on SuperCab and SuperCrew, 4×2 and 4×4 models, and with 5.0L V8 or 3.5L EcoBoost engines, the SSV includes a high-capacity 220-amp alternator to support electrical needs and a 40/20/40 seating package with the center 20% omitted to maximize space for in-cab aftermarket equipment.

Production is now underway for bi-fuel 2013 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500 HD extended cab pickup trucks. The vehicles feature a compressed natural gas (CNG) capable Vortec 6.0L V8 engine that has a combined CNG and gasoline range of more than 650 mi.

GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickups for 2013 include job-ready Work Truck models in crew cab and extended cab, and 2WD and 4WD configurations. Engines in the trucks, all mated to six-speed automatic transmissions, include a 4.3L V6 rated at 195 HP and 260 ft.-lb. of torque; a 4.8L V8 E85-capable 302 HP, 305 ft.-lb. of torque model; a 5.3L FlexFuel V8 E85-capable, rated 315 HP and 335 ft.-lb. of torque; and a 6.2L V8 E85 FlexFuel capable at 403 HP and 417 ft.-lb. of torque.

GMC Sierra and Chevrolet 2500HD and 3500HD trucks include ten 2500HD and eight single- and dual-rear-wheel 3500HD models in regular, extended and crew cab body styles in 2WD and 4WD. All are available with either a standard gas V8 or the Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel rated 397 HP with B20 biodiesel capability and equipped with an Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2013 Ram Heavy Duty is offered with a B20 bio-fuel capable 6.7L Cummins diesel that produces 370 HP at 2,800 RPM and 850 ft.-lb. of torque. That engine, and the standard 5.7L Hemi V8 that delivers 383 HP at 5,600 RPM and 400 ft.-lb. of torque, are offered with six-speed automatic and manual transmissions.

For 2013, Ram’s chassis cab lineup has upgrades to powertrain, frame, suspension, body and electrical architecture. Diesel power with new six-speed automatic and manual transmissions comes from a 6.7L Cummins producing 325 HP at 3,000 RPM and 750 ft.-lb. of torque that is backed by an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission with PTO capability.

The 2013 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs feature a new 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, rated at 42% more horsepower and 13% more torque compared to the manufacturer’s previous 3.7L V6. Also available is a 5.7L Hemi V8 that provides 395 HP and 407 ft.-lb. of torque.

To meet the demands of fleet customers, OEMs are offering pickup trucks and chassis cabs engineered to higher standards for a variety of market segments.