what shop truck to buy?

[bigben]

Ok, it's probably a stupid question, but I'm looking for a shop truck to make delivery. I would like to carry 4x8 panels or even 5X10panels. It won't be used everyday and I'm looking for something used. I've taught buying a closed trailer like a 6X10, but making delivery downtown is quite hard with a trailer.

What would you suggest?

Thanks.

 

[Sign Up Graphics]

Sign Up Graphics

I have a cago van it's work great for me. also a pick up truck with a long bed will work for you.

 

[bigben]

If I go the cargo van route, what should I look for? I don't know anything in that area.

 

[ol'phart]

Shop Truck

It's been my experience that your basic 1/2 ton full size van is your best bet. I bought a ford econoline new back in 1995 and I'm still using it today. Lots of used ones around.

 

[Billct2]

I always preferred a full size pick-up. You can fit oversize loads that would never get in a van.

 

[bigben]

I always preferred a full size pick-up. You can fit oversize loads that would never get in a van.

maybe, but I carry alot of stuff made for interior use and need to be protected by the elements (rain, snow, etc.). This is why I would rather go the van route.

 

[rjssigns]

All a matter of preference and what your core business is. I happen to have a truck. Great for oversized loads, which in my case have nothing to do with signs. I built a bike loader for my pickup. Can haul one bagger or two sport bikes.

 

[Signsforwhile]

Good luck getting a 6x10 in a ford or Chevy cargo van. I would look for a used sprinter. They have a taller roof and should suit your needs. They've been around for a while. So you should be ale to find a high mile one for a decent price.

 

[2B]

Good luck getting a 6x10 in a ford or Chevy cargo van. I would look for a used sprinter. They have a taller roof and should suit your needs. They've been around for a while. So you should be ale to find a high mile one for a decent price.

+1

it is MUCH easier to secure tools/equipment plus you do not have to worry about the weather as you would in the bed of a truck and it makes a mobile billboard for you to wrap

 

[Locals Find!]

Buy a sprinter van. You know the ones everyone has opinions on wrapping properly.

They are versatile as you can get. Great mileage I hear. High interior roofs, & lots of aftermarket parts for different configurations. Like turning them into RVs, people haulers, mobile offices the list goes on and on.

Everything I buy has to have multiple uses or I won't purchase it.

 

[artbot]

we got a ford cargo van for our shop. i didn't/don't like it much. it drives terribly and the interior although large isn't able to lay a 5x10 flat on the ground which somehow i thought could be done. one day i was picking up acrylic at a sign supply place and a guy drove up in an old beater sprinter. he was loading 6x10's and 5x10's on their edge all sorted out into different slots like they were nothing. i felt that my van was totally inadequate after seeing that display of easy loading. my load was stacked and was going to slide all over the floor (which it did scratching up my mill/white dibond. throw in mpg in the mid 20's and low depreciation and you've got the perfect sign shop vehicle.

 

[visual800]

Al we have ever had is cargo vans. Anything 10' will hand out the back. 4' always fits good, 5' will fit at a slant. We also have a 7 x16 trailer for large loads.

 

[ThinkRight]

Ok, it's probably a stupid question, but I'm looking for a shop truck to make delivery. I would like to carry 4x8 panels or even 5X10panels. It won't be used everyday and I'm looking for something used. I've taught buying a closed trailer like a 6X10, but making delivery downtown is quite hard with a trailer.

What would you suggest?

Thanks.

But this would be my second choice
http://www.directindustry.com/prod/gsr-spa/van-mounted-boom-lifts-68780-711047.html

This is what you need

 

[ThinkRight]

Ok, it's probably a stupid question, but I'm looking for a shop truck to make delivery. I would like to carry 4x8 panels or even 5X10panels. It won't be used everyday and I'm looking for something used. I've taught buying a closed trailer like a 6X10, but making delivery downtown is quite hard with a trailer.

What would you suggest?

Thanks.

Found one you can pick up today
http://www.truckntrailer.com/trucks...uck/151746/2004-chevrolet-g3500-for-sale.html

 

[Speedsterbeast]

I'm trying to make the same decision. Using a trailer right now. Might go with a Honda Ridgeline and keep the trailer, but it's hard to argue with a Dodge Grand Caravan. $20,000 brand new (here in Canada anyway) 30 something MPG, 4 X 8 sheet storage, and the new ones are not horribly ugly. It won't be worth anything in five years, but for that price?

 

[bigben]

I'm in Canada also. I like the sprinter idea, but the one in my area (montreal) are over 30k$ or the other ones are beaten as hell (rust all over them).

 

[ol'phart]

Best shop truck is a trailer

Along with my shop van I also purchased a covered utility trailer 14" long. I bought it back in 1995, It was the best purchase I ever made. All the oversized load people are talking about can be addressed with a trailer that you dont have to drive around if you dont need it. When you not using it park it somewhere people can see your great lettering job and it can advertise for you. You don't need to pay separate insurance on it and licensing fees are usually lower than a truck. The 1/2 ton full size van will do the other 95% of the daily work you do.

 

[Z SIGNS]

I've always liked a van with a boom and a glass rack.We use the trailer for anything that won't fit on the glass rack
.

 

[AKProbeGT]

I'm a fan of a full size pickup if I can only buy one vehicle. I can cover stuff up in my truck if it needs protection. I can't cut open a van if it's not big enough for what I need. Really I use my F150 for most jobs but use my Explorer when I need more protection.

 

[FatCat]

I've got a 2011 1/2 ton Chevy 4x4 extend cab with 8' bed and an A.R.E. aluminum contractor cap. I feel it is a very good vehicle for my needs. I don't usually pull anything stupid heavy so a 3/4 ton or 1 ton is unnecessary, and the 1/2 ton gets way better gas mileage. Having a 4x4 was a must when I have to pull in a field or construction site to put up a 4x8 post and panel and it's muddy/snowy. The cap allows me a dry area for interior signs, or I can lock everything to keep my tools, etc. safe. Also, I have the extended cab if I need to haul too bags, etc. in the truck when hauling signs in the back.

Another little option is I bought one of these: http://lifeamphibious.blogspot.com/2012/10/darby-extend-truck-rack.html

The extend a truck, plugs into your hitch and gives you several more feet to use. With my tailgate down I can haul 10' signs, with the extend a truck I have hauled 16' panels no problem. One job in particular I had to haul (8) 3' x 14' aluminum panels that bolt on the sides of dump truck beds. Prevoiusly, I had used a trailer - much easier with this setup and when you're done you just un-attach it from your hitch and throw it in the bed.