I think I narrowed my search to a flatbed for my setup. Can anyone give me advice? I am leaning toward a smaller Ford or Chevy due to limited storage space. I would prefer to get a used truck but am having issues locating one. Does anyone know of someone that is selling their truck in the Pittsburgh area? I will travel up to 200 miles for the right truck.
I think I narrowed my search to a flatbed for my setup. Can anyone give me advice? I am leaning toward a smaller Ford or Chevy due to limited storage space. I would prefer to get a used truck but am having issues locating one. Does anyone know of someone that is selling their truck in the Pittsburgh area? I will travel up to 200 miles for the right truck.
This guy Brian is near Gettysburg. Not sure how far that is from you. I was about to buy one of the flatbeds from him this past summer, and the one I wanted literally sold out from under me as the buyers loan came through over the phone. In the end, I found a better deal on a newer truck, but these are some sweet custom flat beds. I would definitely want a 42 over the 36 footer though.
If these don't suite you, please check out commercialtrucktrader.com.
BTW - after having a diesel work truck, I think I'll always have a diesel work truck, and maybe a personal diesel truck next go 'round too.
DOT!! check out the DOT laws bro. You will need a DOT# real fast, but it's free and easy to get. If you go 3/4 ton you you can get a regular truck and add the flat bed yourself or build your unit into the bed or of course buy a skid for it. A one ton truck can only pickup load 1 ton, but it can usually tow well over 10,000lbs. You will require the DOT # at this point. Check out Chris G.'s truck, username 'Cheasapeake' it is ideal if you want to haul that much stuff. Your pickup load capacities are very important in choosing your layout.
Ted I know you like your diesel but a lot of guys have gone away from them after seeing the repair costs. Chris T. Has had problems with his newer diesels...Something about they can't sit and idle without hurting the blowers?? But I will tell you I love the power they have and that beautiful rumble! Hopefully he will see this and chime in.
I am sure that not all diesels are the same so just take your time, read reviews and buy the right truck rather than the truck you find that looks ok.
Stay away from the Ford 6.0 Look for an older Ford flatbed with the 6.9 or 7.3 Ford Diesels, they run forever with few problems. The Isuzu or Mitsubishi's are great to drive, reliable and economical.
I would not worry about miles on a diesel. Here is my F450 with 550,000 miles and runs great. I will be plasma cutting the sides off and keep it as a 12 foot flatbed. I am going to wrap and setup for commercial work.
I am setting up a softwash setup in the bed of an F250 wrapped for residential work. Miles mean nothing on a diesel, It just means it has just broke in.
Chris
EDIT: OK the pic with the bed installed is too big 6.7meg I will have to make it smaller and add latter. Sorry
-- Edited by SP Cleaning on Friday 21st of January 2011 11:48:04 AM
EDIT-2: OK re-sized Pic and attached. I have the truck off the road for the winter, and took the two batteries out, and brought them in the house so they do not go bad in this cold spell we have had.
-- Edited by SP Cleaning on Saturday 22nd of January 2011 09:51:40 PM
My F250 with a gas V8 has 228,000 plus on it. Don't be scared of miles on a diesel. I had an '87 F250 with the navstar diesel (pre powerstroke) and those were good as well. Just stay away from the 6.0 liter like Chris said.
Except for the HUGE amount of gas it uses. My dodge dually V10 is a HOSS 197,000 and stil turns the tires over(when my sixteen year old DAUGHTER is driving it)!!