
Pickup trucks are part of what keeps this country going. Wherever there’s a tough job to be done, you’re sure to find a pickup truck. With the ability to tow and haul, tough frames, and high clearance, pickup trucks are just made for rugged environments. Traditionally, pickup trucks often top the list of the most long-lasting vehicle types from many manufacturers. Within that body style, a handful of generations of used pickups have stood out as really standing the test of time. If you’re in the market for used trucks for sale in Castroville, TX, our team would be happy to walk you through the options on our lot.
We carry the most reputable names in pickup trucks like GMC, Chevrolet, and Ram. We know our trucks, and our team knows the ins and outs of every make and model from every generation. We also make sure to keep heavy-duty trucks on our lot for Castroville residents who need pickups that can handle heavier loads and tougher jobs. We’ve done our research and have a long history of selling and buying used trucks, so we know which ones hold up the best. Here are the four best used heavy-duty trucks, in our opinion.
1: The 2011 Silverado 3500 HD
The Silverado is a favorite among truck drivers and has been around for decades. Drivers love it because of its seemingly infinite number of configurations. Between the regular cab, extended cab, and crew cab, along with available two-wheel and four-wheel drive, we count a total of 11 frame assemblies, so it’s a really customizable option we’re happy to recommend to all sorts of drivers. There are even dual-wheel options available for those needing that extra stability when trailering.
The 3500 HD is going to be a serious workhorse. It is available with both a gas V8 and a turbo-diesel V8 engine. If you find one with the turbo-diesel, you’re going to get incredible power––397 horsepower and 765 lb-ft of torque, to be exact––without sacrificing too much on fuel economy. With the fifth wheel trailer in place, you can also expect a maximum trailering capacity of 20,000 pounds and a maximum payload of 6,335 pounds. Many drivers love the 2011 Silverado HD lineup because it came out with a fully boxed frame, making it a much tougher, much more durable pickup than previous generations.
This truck is also going to have standard trailer-sway control to help you stay in command of whatever you’re trailering. This system will reduce the amount that your trailer or camper goes from side to side, helping prevent major accidents. The 2011 Silverado 3500 HD comes in five trims. This was before the High Country era, so the top-of-the-line is the LTZ.

2: 2012 Ford F-350
The Ford F-Series has also long been a popular option among pickup truck lovers. It also boasts many possible configurations, thanks to short and long bed options, along with regular cab, crew cab, and extended cab. It’s easy to customize this truck to be more cargo-forward, passenger-forward, or both. In fact, it can seat up to six passengers. It also has rear-wheel or four-wheel drive options, so you can choose which one helps you stay in control in your environment.
You’ll see a gas and diesel engine option here as well, so you can opt for that diesel engine if you need the top towing and hauling abilities of this truck. This truck did come with an available fifth wheel trailer package when it first came out, so if you can find a used one with that, you can do more with this pickup. Inside, you’ll find some creature comforts that make it a joy to ride, especially if you snag a Lariat trim, which has things like heated and cooled seats as well as a memory driver position seat. The bench splits for extra interior storage when you need it, too, and you’ll find lockable storage under the seat for your valuables.
3: 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 HD
The 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 HD is the epitome of choice. You get five trims, tons of cab configurations, and, if you can find it, the luxury Denali trim. The Denali trim has long been praised as one of the best luxury trims in any pickup. Drivers often say it’s either that or the current High Country of the Silverado. If you are looking for a used pickup that feels really high-end on the inside, ask us if we have any used Sierra Denalis on our lot.
This truck is going to have standard trailer sway control to keep your trailer or camper from swaying side to side. It also has available dual rear wheels, which are a smart addition when you can get them if you’re going to be towing large items. You’ll find a gas or diesel V8 engine here, too. Plus, what many love about this truck is the available all-terrain package that makes it ready for some modest off-roading. When you can snag a used GMC Sierra that has that package, you’ve found yourself a gem.
The 2015 year of this truck saw the introduction of some good safety features many drivers are accustomed to now, like lane departure warnings, an available backup camera, and parking sensors. It does have some luxury features you might find enjoyable, too, like an available power sunroof and an available Wi-Fi hotspot. Our team will be happy to see if we have options on our lot with these features. All in all, the 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 HD feels like a slightly more sophisticated truck than the others on this list, even when you don’t opt for a luxury trim.

4: 2014 Ram 2500
We remember all of the chatter when the 2014 Ram 2500 first came out. It had a bold look with dramatic curves and chrome detailing. It’s definitely a head-turner. Plus, it comes in seven trims, so there’s a lot to explore in this used pickup. One thing drivers have noted time and time again is the excellent ground clearance of the 2014 Ram 2500. If you need to travel over rough terrain with unexpected obstacles, this is the truck to do it in. In fact, it’s a favorite among farmers for that very reason. Do note; its height can also be a curse for shorter drivers because it can be tough to get in and out of its cab. This truck can tow a maximum of 30,000 pounds, making it highly capable and ready for advanced jobs. Plus, it enjoys a maximum payload of 7,320 pounds.
It is worth mentioning that you’ll be comfortable when tackling your tough tasks thanks to some great interior features. For starters, this truck lets you turn its Wi-Fi into a hotspot for your phone, making it an excellent option for contractors who need to answer emails at remote work sites. If you can find a used one that adds the luxury group option package, you’re also going to enjoy perks like heated front seats and power-folding heated side mirrors. You can also get a ten-way power driver’s seat for that ideal driving position. The 2014 Ram 2500 is a nice combination of workhorse capabilities and driver-friendly features.

