ISUZU COMMERCIAL TRUCK OF AMERICA, INC.

Will Your Next Work Truck Be Gas-Powered?

Gas powertrains have long been a popular option for light-duty work trucks. Construction sites are often filled with various pickups or modified cab-chassis versions that essentially just haul tools and materials. However, when the work calls for heavier duty applications, diesel power has long been the preferred method, historically due to the higher torque output, towing capability, and the GVWR offerings of the chassis, just to name a few. But, are gas-powered work trucks getting the respect they deserve?

Do a quick search online and you can find a number of reviews comparing the benefits of gas and diesel powertrains; they will breakdown everything from gas-powered vehicles having a lower acquisition cost to their environmental impacts. We want to put to rest the myth that gas-powered trucks aren’t built for heavy-duty applications. It just isn’t the case. 

Isuzu knows the demands of the worksite can vary drastically. Isuzu is known for its durable diesel engines, but also offers a durable and powerful gas powertrain. The 6.0-liter V8 engine generates 297 hp and 372 lb-ft of torque and has a 200,000 mile design life. Whether you need more payload capacity, a specific body upfit, or more power to move the load, an Isuzu gas-powered truck should be at the top of your list. 

PAYLOAD IS JUST PART OF THE STORY

Isuzu offers gasoline powertrains in the NPR (12,000 lbs GVWR) and the popular NPR-HD (14,500 lbs GVWR). Historically, these chassis have been a great fit for dry van bodies, but today, they used for so much more.

Utility bodies are a perfect upfit for a gas chassis. Service providers like plumbers, HVAC, carpenters, and the like drive modified pickups and cargo vans that lack the organization, payload capacity, quiet ride, and security of an Isuzu truck with a utility body. To meet the demand, Isuzu recently added the Knapheide KUVcc and the Supreme Spartan utility bodies to its Road Ready Body Program, giving dealers and customers quicker and easier access to these quality bodies.

Utility bodied trucks have to provide ample cargo space for the numerous tools and materials with good organization, but they also need adequate payload for the heavier items they haul to the worksite like water heaters, pumps, and AC units. On the NPR, you get over 4,300 lbs payload and over 6,500 on the NPR-HD with a Knapheide KUVcc or Supreme Spartan. To compare, a conventional cab chassis (14,000 lbs GVWR) with the same body would provide about 4,700 lbs payload and be on a longer wheelbase than the Isuzu. The conventional cab lacks the maneuverability and visibility of the Isuzu truck as well.

Other upfits that work well with a gas chassis are a dump body and a landscape dump body. Both are available in Isuzu’s Road Ready Program. These bodies are popular with landscapers, roofers, and construction crews hauling dirt and debris. The larger bodies offer more space on a smaller wheelbase and in the case of the Isuzu NPR-HD Gas provide more payload. The NPR-HD can carry over 6,600 lbs of payload with either body. The same bodies on a 14,000 GVWR conventional cab with a gas engine can only haul around 4,800 lbs. That’s nearly a ton difference. To match the payload of the NPR-HD with a conventional cab chassis, you’d have to go up to a 16,500 GVWR which will cost you more. Truck buyers often make the mistake of buying a larger GVWR truck than they need. Work closely with an Isuzu Sales Associate to spec your next truck correctly to the intended application. 

ISUZU DEPENDABILITY IS THE STORY

Isuzu owners can rest assured that they have a great powertrain backed by a class-leading warranty. The 200,000 mile design life of the gasoline engine shows that it is built for years of hard work. The 5-year 75,000 mile engine warranty says Isuzu has you covered every step of the way.

Isuzu gas-powered work trucks are reliable and capable for a number of heavy-duty applications. So much so that Isuzu recently announced they will be adding a Class 5 gas-powered truck to its lineup in 2020, giving customers a higher GVWR option.