Trucks are one of the most popular vehicles in North America. In fact, it is estimated that truck sales account for nearly half of all vehicles sold in America alone. They are popular because they offer a lot of functionality and flexibility—meaning they can double as a personal (or fun) vehicle and a work truck.

There are many types of trucks on the market today, and each comes with its own set of benefits and features—and varying price points. This can make it difficult to look for specific things when truck shopping.

If you are interested in purchasing a truck, such as the Ford F-150, keep these three things in mind to make your trip easier:

1. Determine How You Will Use the Truck

How you plan to use your truck will be a major deciding factor in what truck you choose. If you need a work truck, your choices will be more limited because you will likely need it to meet very specific requirements.

However, if you want a truck for general or all-purpose use, you may find yourself asking many questions. Start by determining if you will use the truck to tow anything: trailers, other vehicles, recreational tools, or even boats. If you do want to tow, consider a truck with 4-wheel drive and a tow hitch. You should also consider the size, engine, and horsepower of the truck—again dependent on how you will use the vehicle.

2. Learn About the Cab and Bed Sizes

There are three main cab sizes for trucks: regular, crew, and mega. As you might expect, the regular cab size is the smallest. The vehicle itself only has 2-doors and uses a seat pulley to fit passengers in the back. It is ideal for small families or single people. The crew cab option has four doors and has a bit more room, which makes it a better option for those with a larger family or for those who need more leg room. Finally, the mega cab offers a very large backseat with plenty of legroom—it also has four doors.

The bed size of the truck will usually coincide with the cab size, so keep this in mind when you are the sales floor. If you want extra bed space, without having to up the cab size, talk to the sales person as sometimes manufacturers offer bed "extenders," which offer extra space in the bed of the truck.

3. Be Aware of Extra Fees

Many truck shoppers are surprised to learn that their beloved truck has added fees. Depending on what state you live in—and the size of your new truck—you may be required to pay an extra fee. For example, owning a larger and heavier truck (such as a mid-size truck) has an additional one-time or monthly fee in Washington State.

Before you make a final purchase, keep these considerations in mind and make sure you are aware of any additional fees that may be associated with your vehicle—or its intended use. For more information, contact Metro Ford or a similar location.