Our Five Favourite Used Trucks for the Trail
Whether you're here in Edmonton with us or nearby in Red Deer, Whitecourt, or Athabasca, you know that one of the most amazing parts of living in this area is being surrounded by so much natural beauty. There are so many opportunities for hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, or simply going off-roading in a great vehicle that we can't even begin to list them all. But to really take advantage of the gorgeous area around us and throughout Alberta, you need to have the right vehicle that can take you wherever you want to go.
There are a huge number of options for vehicles that can go where you want, but we think that used trucks make a terrific choice for going off-road or otherwise hitting the trail. You might suspect we think that way because we're a used truck dealer, but the reality is that a high-quality pre-owned pickup gives you tremendous power, the ability to tackle any trail, and the muscle to take a camper or trailer with you. Choosing the right truck is not always easy, so let's look at our five favourite options when shopping for a used pickup that will let you leave civilization behind and tackle anything the trail throws at you.
#1 - Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is our favourite full-size truck across almost every category, so it should be no surprise that it's one of our favourites for going off-road. The Ram 1500 just does everything right, with powerful engines, bold performance, plenty of muscle to handle towing, and an exterior design that says it all. This makes it a terrific option when you're looking at used models because you know that you're going to get something special––look for a used model with a HEMI V8 engine to really feel everything this truck can deliver.
Ram trucks have been getting a lot of attention for years due to their comfortable interiors and advanced technology. This might seem unnecessary out on the trail, but innovative tech and comfort can make a day of off-roading a lot more relaxing. One thing to note is that the current generation of the Ram 1500 has been around since the 2019 model year, but the previous generation is still offered as the Ram 1500 Classic. This is important to keep in mind as you're looking at used models because the year matters, and you want to make sure you know if you're looking at a current-gen Ram truck or a Classic.
#2 - Ram 1500 TRX
No, there's not an echo in here and we're not repeating ourselves; the Ram 1500 TRX is such a different beast from the standard Ram 1500 models that it deserves to be mentioned separately. The TRX is the pinnacle of Ram engineering and performance, giving you a truck that is an absolute monster out on the trail. Honestly, this thing is designed to go pretty much anywhere and is packed with the most powerful engine ever loaded into the body of any production truck. The Ram 1500 TRX has a supercharged 6.2L Hellcat V8 engine that delivers 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, with standard four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It's the fastest, most powerful truck out there, but more than that, it was built to tear up the trail.
The Ram 1500 TRX features a reinforced steel frame and a monster suspension with more than 35 cm of travel. It has six TRX performance drive modes, including settings for Snow, Mud/Sand, Rock, and more, letting you adjust to different conditions you encounter on the fly. There are available 46 cm beadlock wheels wrapped in exclusive 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires, though you may not find the original tires on a used model. The TRX has only been around a few years now, and it is certainly not a cheap option, but there's nothing else quite like it on or off the road.
#3 - Jeep Gladiator
Of course, we can't talk about off-road trucks without mentioning the remarkable Jeep Gladiator, our favourite option if you're looking for a midsize pickup rather than a full-size model. For decades, truck fans begged and pleaded for Jeep to make a pickup truck that lived up to the Jeep legacy. They were finally answered a few years ago with the Gladiator, a truck that draws its design and engineering inspiration from the rugged Wrangler.
Much like that impressive model, the Jeep Gladiator has a removable roof and doors, letting you completely open it up to the great outdoors. While you might not take advantage of this much in December or February, it's perfect for warmer days and feeling connected to nature in a way you simply can't with any other used truck. You'll find numerous trims while looking at used Gladiator models, though the Rubicon and Mojave are definitely the ones to watch for if you want a no-compromise off-roader. It might not have the kind of raw power that the Ram 1500 TRX delivers, but few off-road trucks can match the capability and adventurous spirit of the Jeep Gladiator.
#4 - Chevy Silverado 1500
The Ram 1500 isn't the only full-size truck for hitting the trail, and the Chevy Silverado 1500 can be a great choice as you're looking at different used options. Chevy might still be trying to catch up to Ram in terms of interior features and gorgeous design, but a used Silverado 1500 is a terrific option that can still have a lot of life left in it. Chevy is well known for making trucks with impressive engines that deliver the capability and muscle to handle anything you need. The Silverado 1500 has had a huge number of engines available in recent years, so pay careful attention to what is under the hood when shopping for used models.
One thing we want to mention is that the Silverado 1500 has also been available in a number of impressive off-road trims. Look for a Trail Boss model to enjoy upgraded suspension and other off-road features. While it's difficult to find used, the new ZR2 is one of the best off-road trucks out there. If you can't find one of these dedicated off-road trims, try to get a used truck with Chevy's Z71 Off-Road Package, as this makes for an excellent pickup for getting to a campsite or for use on the trail.
#5 - Ford F-150
A used Ford F-150 can also be a terrific choice for an off-road truck if you want a full-size model and want to expand your options. Not all F-150 models are equally up to the task of going off-road, and the model year you're considering can affect which ones are available for hitting the trail. The Tremor trim is a good choice for recent model years, giving you impressive power and some great off-road features. If you need something more serious, look for an F-150 Raptor model, which is Ford's answer for off-road performance and can come close to what Ram and Jeep offer.
The key to finding a great used off-road truck is to know where you want to go and to let that guide what you're looking for. If you want something that can handle dirt roads and will let you get to your favourite campground, then you'll have a lot of good options. On the other hand, if you want to do some serious off-roading involving rock crawling, splashing through creeks, and dealing with a lot of unknown obstacles, you want to look for something with far greater capability. Come visit us at Londonderry CDJR today, and we'll help you find the perfect used truck for your next adventure.