So what are the most important qualifications when it comes to the features of your next pickup.

There are 3 sizes of truck

Compact truck – Which is smaller than a full size truck with usually up to a 3,000 lbs towing capability.  If you  plan on hauling any thing heavier you need to step it up to a mid size truck.

Mid size -  This truck is a mix of compact and full size with a towing range from 3,000 to 7,000 lbs . Mid size trucks are great middle of the road choice for many buyers.

Full size – ‘King of the road’  This truck is what you will need to haul those  heavy loads. Perfect for farmers and construction workers at 8,oo0 to 18,000 total lbs. of total towing capability these vehicles can handle pretty much anything you throw their way.

Engine Selections

In most compact vehicles you will find 4 cylinders and 6 cylinders. These engines save you at the pump but can limit the owner  when it comes to horsepower and towing capabilities.

In most full size trucks you’ll have six, eight, and even ten cylinders. These truck are  work horses not just for daily driving; they are perfect for hauling heavy trailers, towing and hauling materials. These trucks generally rate poor on gas mileage but deliver performance that there smaller counterparts simply cannot.

Drive train options

Most  trucks on the market are available with either a manual or automatic transmission and your choice of two wheel drive or four wheel drive. You’ll find many trucks offer limited-slip or locking differentials and electronic traction control. Improved safety options are becoming increasingly popular on new pickup trucks.

The right truck for your seating needs

Standard – No second row seat and very little storage room. This cab hold s 3 people safely.

Extended – This cab usually has a bench seat in the back.  It has good storage room and the truck can hold six people safely though when loaded down with passengers they might find themselves a little cramped.

Crew cab – This option has full second row seating with 4-doors that swing open towards the front. Crew cabs are gaining in popularity as more and more buyers use pickup trucks as their primary vehicle. Some even have enough room for the back seats to recline. This cab holds six people comfortably.

Truck bed configurations

Step side - These trucks have  flared fenders with the flares providing space for the rear wheels. Step sides have straight edges along all interior bed sides but you will lose the short spaces in line with the wheel arches in a standard box.

Straight bed -A typical truck cargo box has fairly straight exterior sides with arched areas just inside the bed to accommodate the rear wheels. There’s room to tuck shorter cargo in the spaces in front of and behind each arch.

How long should your truck bed be?

Pickup trucks are available in variety of bed lengths from about five to eight feet.

You’ll need a long bed truck to haul building supplies or other cargo of significant length. If you haul heavy and bulky items most owners can get by with a shorter bed, but you’ll need a truck that will handle the weight.

Lets talk budget

Yes, we have to. Like anything truck prices have a wide variance , with full size base models and some compacts starting well under $20,000. Luxury and performance trucks typically cost considerably more (although you’ll find some deals during the current economic downturn our country is facing). It might be a good idea to ask yourself  if you really need a truck for hauling or for typical driving when trying to make a decision regarding the price tag.

Whatever the choice your selection of the right truck for you is often not just an indication of your needs but also a direct reflection on your personality.

First, you are going to want to make sure that your new apartment is centrally located between your work, home, and your families school if you have children. Next, you are going to want to make sure that you are also located around plenty of shopping, to ensure that you aren’t going to have to travel far distances to go to the grocery store. Last, you are going to want to make sure that your neighbors in your new apartment are friendly, and sociable.

By ensuring that your new apartment is centrally located between your childrens school, your work, and your home, you are going to make sure that you spend a lot less time commuting, and more time enjoying the finer things in life. Sitting behind the wheel of a car in rush hour traffic isn’t a dream of anyone.

Next, you are going to have to make sure that the apartment you are thinking about moving into is located near plenty of shopping centers, grocery stores, and convenience stations. Having to drive for far distances to get dinner is discouraging, especially if you are grabbed unexpected, last minute items. Because of this, you want to make sure you have easy access to life necessities.

Lastly, you are going to want to ensure that your new neighbors are sociable and friendly. Apartment complexes bring together all walks of life, and unfortunately, this means that sometimes people don’t always get along.

If you are looking for an apartment near the UW-Madison campus, then you will find lots of downtown Madison apartments available if you start your search early enough. If you slack off, you’ll end up with the least desired apartments. The downtown area is located on an isthmus, so space is limited down there.

By taking the time up front to investigate, and make sure that you are going to have a good relationship with your neighbors, you can make living in apartments in Madison, WI a much better lifestyle.