What Are Mini Trucks?
Mini trucks are one of the most versatile and capable utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) on the market. They were originally built for Japanese markets in the 1970s, although technically superseded by Ford in a spirit of friendly competition. It was a time when American and Japanese markets were heavily sharing manufacturing insights and techniques.
Over the next several decades, Japan took its invention to the limits, with hit-or-miss reception here in the States. In recent times, American markets became newly receptive to mini trucks, thanks in large part to the higher-speed off-road utility that makes them ideal for almost any kind of light ranch work or all-terrain exploration.
What Are the Common Types of Mini Trucks?
Most mini trucks are veritable mini pickup trucks with varying degrees of cabin sizes. The flatbeds are also highly variable, with some built to dump, raise, and even tilt loads. The hallmark of mini trucks is their combined utility and comfort, offering much the same amenities of a full-sized truck (including interior and weatherproof storage) and the grit of a UTV.
Some mini trucks are also highly versatile, with a number of valuable mini truck accessories and features, including:
- Plows
- Front brush bumpers
- Towing bumpers (with about 1,000 lb. capacity)
- Foldout work benches and trays
- Custom-fit stock crates
- Remote starts
- Heated cabins
- Lift dumps
- Scissor-lift flatbed
- Roll bars
Due to their standard and additional functions, mini trucks have proven one of, if not the most utilitarian UTVs for Wyoming ranchers, utility/municipal workers, and sportsmen alike.
Can Mini Trucks Go Off-Road?
Yes! Almost all Japanese mini trucks are built with 4WD options and can be modified with taller suspension. When retrofitted with tracks, mini trucks dominate practically any kind of terrain you can reach on a full tank of gas.
With specialty off-road tires, that approximately 10-gallon tank can get you several hundred miles out. At anywhere between around 30 and 50 mpg, you won’t need to compromise on distance or terrain type.
Are Mini Trucks Fast?
They certainly are, and not just by UTV standards. However, you’ll have a tough time reaching their (barely) interstate speeds in Wyoming. Mini trucks sometimes cannot legally drive on interstates, depending on the state, but they’re easily capable of 60–75 mph, depending on the make and model.
That’s enough get-up-and-go to keep a swift pace, even with heavy loads and/or a full crew. Keep in mind that mini trucks were designed for a top speed of 50 mph due to Japanese laws. Be certain that you understand your mini truck’s capabilities, including its safety performance.
Are Mini Trucks Street Legal?
Each state has its own set of rules for mini truck street legality. In Wyoming, mini trucks are street-legal on all roads but interstates. We can also help you title your new UTV and get to work (or play) in no time.
Note that federal regulations may be different from local regulations, so you’ll need to know which one has controlling legal authority depending on your use. Legal restrictions are sometimes also different for mini trucks of a certain era. For example:
- Mini trucks older than 25 years are exempt from DOT regulations
- Mini trucks older than 21 years are exempt from EPA regulations.
Be sure to research the law in your jurisdiction and ensure you understand it thoroughly. Many states regulate mini trucks as “UTVs” while others refer to them by name (“mini trucks”), which might be part of state codes related to “low-speed vehicles.”
Where Does Wyoming Mini Trucks Ship To?
Wyoming Mini Trucks is proud to serve the mini truck needs across the USA! You can shop our ever-growing mini truck inventory online and ship our mini trucks and mini truck parts or accessories straight to you. Contact us to learn about our financing options or for further questions about Wyoming’s premier source of high-quality mini trucks.