If you're a farmer, you know that what you need isn’t a used car – it’s a used pickup truck. How else are you going to haul around hay, implements, garden produce, fertilizer, and all the other things you need to keep your operation going? Generally speaking, most farmers will want a full-size pickup, and our choices in that category are the Dodge Ram 1500, the Ford F150, and the Chevy Silverado. Smaller operators may be able to get by with a compact, and our top picks in that class are the Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma.
Dodge Ram 1500: This outstanding truck features a Hemi V8 engine, a workhorse of a power train, and 5-ton towing capacity. Coil springs in the rear give you a much smoother ride than the usual leaf springs. You’ll also appreciate the comfortable cabin, with ergonomic seats that ease your tired bones after a hard day’s work.
Ford F150: There is a reason why the F-150 has been near the top of its class for more than 30 years. Available in V-6 or V-8, and with three different bed styles, you can easily find an F-150 that perfectly suits your specific purposes. The interior is comfortable enough that you could take it on a road trip, but you can believe us when we say that there’s nothing “sissy” about the F-150. This truck gets the job done, whatever that job happens to be.
Chevrolet Silverado: The only complaint some drivers seem to have about the Silverado is that the design hasn’t changed much over the years. But then, others would likely say, “if it ain’t broke, don't fix it.” This truck has proven to be a solid, reliable work vehicle over the years, and delivers a nice, quiet ride. It’s a little lighter in towing capacity than the Ram or the F-150, but not by enough to really make a difference.
Nissan Frontier: If you are looking for a slightly smaller, affordable truck for your farm, the Nissan Frontier is a great choice. It can handle light towing and hauling duties, and is available in standard rear-wheel drive or 4x4.
Toyota Tacoma: The Tacoma is similar to the Frontier in terms of towing capacity and payload, but if you want a light truck that can double as a passenger vehicle, the Tacoma offers a bit more in terms of cabin configurations. It also has a somewhat smoother ride. It is also available in rear-wheel drive or 4x4 (with the exception of the X-Runner model).
