If you are thinking of starting a pilot car business, then one of the major working equipment you should pay serious attention to is the type of vehicles you are expected to use for the business.
A pilot car business helps to guide or escort large trucks carrying oversized loads along defined routes. Interestingly, there are several types of vehicles that can be used for a pilot car business, and the discretion of the business owner is what may determine which to settle for.
Sedans, SUVs, vans, or pickup trucks can be used as pilot cars as long as they have the required equipment such as lights, flags, and CB radios to communicate with the oversized vehicle. However, it is important to note that there are key factors that should be considered before settling for the type of vehicle to use for your pilot car business.
Best Vehicle for Pilot Car Business
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Chevrolet Suburban
One of the best vehicles that you can use for a pilot car business is a Chevrolet Suburban. The Chevrolet Suburban is a series of automobiles built by the Chevrolet division of General Motors.
In production since the 1935 model year, the model line is currently in its twelfth generation; it is the longest-used automobile nameplate in the world. With seating for up to nine, the Suburban beats out the Expedition and Toyota Sequoia, both of which max out at eight passengers.
With an EPA-estimated combined mileage between 16.5 and 24 mpg, the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban does not get the best mileage compared to the competition.
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Ford Expedition
Another rugged and suitable car that can be used as a pilot car is the Ford Expedition. The Ford Expedition is a full-size three-row SUV, manufactured by Ford. Introduced for the 1997 model year as the successor of the Ford Bronco, the Expedition was the first full-size Ford SUV sold with a four-door body.
The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban is larger than the standard 2023 Ford Expedition, this is because the Suburban is more comparable to the Expedition Max in size and the Chevrolet Tahoe is more akin to the Expedition in size.
The 2023 Ford Expedition puts up a healthy fight against newer and more luxurious rivals in the big SUV space, but its price tag and high fuel economy make it an expensive choice.
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GMC Yukon
The GMC Yukon is yet another rugged and suitable vehicle that can be used as a pilot car. The GMC Yukon is a large three-row SUV with seating for seven to nine passengers depending on configuration.
The 2023 Yukon is sold in five trim levels: SLE, SLT, AT4, Denali, and Denali Ultimate, the last of which is new for this year. Yukons equipped with the smaller 5.3-liter V-8 are the most efficient gasoline-powered models and earned ratings of 16 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined.
Apart from the fact that the GMC Yukon can transverse different terrains, it is important to note that the vehicle is not an excellent choice when it comes to towing.
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Ford F-150
Another vehicle that is highly suitable for an escort or pilot car is the Ford F-150. The Ford F-150 pickup truck has been the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for more than three decades.
It got its start as the Ford Model TT in 1917 after consumers asked Ford for a vehicle that could haul heavy loads and serve as a workhorse. Ford complied and the pickup was born. Apart from the fact that the Ford F-150 is used as a pilot car, the Ford F-150 has always been designed with towing in mind.
The F-150 has the capability to tow up to 13,200 pounds, which allows it to transport you where you need to go. The majority of F-150 pickup trucks are outfitted with features ideal for both business and recreational towing.
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Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is yet another good option when it comes to vehicles used for the pilot car business. The Chevy Silverado is a popular pickup truck known for its reliability and durability.
With its strong engine options, advanced technology, and spacious interior, it is no wonder why so many drivers choose the Silverado for their daily commute and off-road adventures.
With a max towing capacity of 13,300 pounds, the half-ton Silverado is a seriously capable hauler. It beats the Ram 1500’s max-tow rating by 550 pounds but trails the F-150’s by 700.
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Ram 1500
Another reliable and suitable car that can be used as a pilot car is the Ram 1500. The Ram 1500 has become one of the top-ranked full-size trucks. In many areas, it has overtaken competitors, including the Toyota Tundra in reliability and the Ford F-150 in overall quality.
The Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 pounds and carry a payload of up to 2320 pounds. Its maximum towing capacity exceeds all but the Ford F-150, which currently tops 13,000 pounds.
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Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe is yet another reliable and suitable vehicle that can be used as a pilot car. Tahoe brings a backseat theater feel with available dual rear seat-mounted 12.6-inch diagonal touchscreens.
The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with an available 10.2-inch diagonal center screen offers available Google built-in and Wi-Fi® connection, taking tech to another level. It may interest you to know that the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe received a perfect reliable score of 5.0 out of 5.0 from Consumer Reports.
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Jeep Wagoneer
Another good vehicle that can used as a pilot car is the Jeep Wagoner. Apart from the fact that the Jeep Wagoneer is a good choice for pilot car business owners, it is also a suitable car for family use.
This is so because the Jeep Wagoneer elevates every aspect of the family road trip, offering an incredible combination of versatile space, inviting comfort, legendary capability, and confident towing. The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer starts at $88,440. The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is the first American full-size luxury SUV.
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Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra is yet another vehicle that can be used as a pilot car. The Toyota Tundra is a four-door pickup truck available in extended-cab (Double Cab) and crew-cab (CrewMax) configurations, with one short bed and one long bed option for each.
You can choose between seven trim levels, including SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794, TRD Pro, and Capstone. Toyota is known for vehicles with long-lasting durability, legendary reliability, and value retention over time. The Tundra is undoubtedly a great option if you are looking for a used heavy-duty full-size pickup truck or pilot car.
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The Nissan Titan
Last on our list of the best vehicles you can use as a pilot car if you are planning to start a pilot car business is the Nissan Titan.
The 2023 Nissan Titan comes in four trims: S, SV, Pro-4X, and Platinum Reserve. All models come standard with a 400-horsepower V8 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard on S, SV, and Platinum Reserve models, and the Pro-4X comes standard with four-wheel drive.
It might interest you to note that J.D. Power gave the 2022 Nissan Titan a “Great” score of 85 out of 100 for Quality and Reliability3. In comparison, the 2022 Ram 1500 received an “Average” Quality and Reliability score of 80 out of 100.
In conclusion,
Irrespective of the vehicle you choose to start your pilot car business, just make sure the vehicle you settle for has high-visibility markings such as reflective striping, flags, and flashing lights to make them easily identifiable to other drivers on the road.
Please note that reliable GPS and navigation tools are important for ensuring the pilot car follows the correct route and can quickly identify alternate routes or detours if necessary.