Thinking of a new truck.

[Green Acres]

I was thinking of getting a new work truck this year. The purpose of this truck will be to pull my trailer with the mowers on it and that's it. I was thinking of an F-150 with a V6 in it. My trailer is 16ft and will be holding an exmark and two walk behinds. My question is do you think this is a big enough engine or should I move up to a V8? I'm trying to cut down on some of my fuel expenses. Also a basic F-150 brand new is about $15000. Just wondering what some of you guys that have been in the biz for a few years think.

 

[TJLC]

I pull my 6x12 with two w/b's and a work box on front of trailer with an s-10 2.8 v6. It does ok but it does strain a little. My next truck will be a full size with a v-8. I was told that my gas consumption will probally be less with the bigger engine because it will not have to work as hard to pull the same load. I don't know, well see.

 

[DMC300]

If you're trying to cut fuel cost the v-6 is not the answer.Since it will be working harder than the v-8,it will be drinking fuel,and it will also have a shorter life span. been there done that!

 

[SLSNursery]

Some folks have already posted about the cab-over trucks before. If I were you I would check into a cab over Isuzu (or equivalent), with a flatbed/beavertail combo on it. Eliminate the trailer, change to a 4 cyl diesel, and accomplish most of your goals with something that will last a while and continue to save you money in the long run. You will save more than the difference in what you invest compared to an 8 cyl. pickup.

We bought one last year to use as a box truck, and more are on the way for sure.

 

[Green Acres]

Phil- How much does a truck like that one usually run?

 

[Scape Sculptor]

Yeah, Phil or anyone that uses, what do those Isuzus run price wise? Do you lease or buy? If you lease what are the lease specifics like, compared to a lease from GM or Ford. In the trade mags, a company advertising the beds on them gave prices in the $300-400 range, It was not clear if that was just for the bed or it included the truck. Thanks, Dan

 

[pcs]

I have a F-150 2wd 4.2L v6 and pull a 12 foot trailer and two ZTR's on it. I also have a F-150 4x4 4.6L v8. I get better mileage on it than the lighter v6. Go for a V8.

 

[Cleve]

I started with a box truck. Was an IVECO with a 15 ft. box and a custom made manual fold-down gate. Worked perfectly to carry all my equipment (including a Walker and a WB along with 2 Hondas) and pleanty of spare parts, supplies, etc. Bought it new in 1990 and had about $20k in it. Mileage was around 15+ with a 4 cyl. diesel. Wish I had it back. Seems that after using it 7 years or so the county zoning dept. decided I couldn't park it behind my home.
So, now I use a 16 ft. trailer behind a Ford F250 with a diesel. At least I still get about the same mileage but had to spend $30k+ to do it and still have to unload the trailer at the end of the day for storage.
There is a company south of Atlanta that is currently customizing some of the box trucks (mostly Isuzus) with a hydraulic fold down ramp that looks great. The truck also has a lot of custom equipment inside and fuel tanks on the outside rails for equipment. I think they run in the high $30k range. I got a close look at one at my local equipment dealer and was impressed. The ramp is big. Covers the entire back. Folds down and really makes a safe walkway into the truck. I think they advertise in some of the trade magazines.
I do know this would be my next route to go.
Just my .02 worth. Cleve....

 

[kutnkru]

Cleve was that the "super lawn trucks" that you are referring too?

 

[Cleve]

That is the one. I guess I had never visited their web site. I do believe that has to be the perfect lawn care vehicle. Keep in mind that size truck can turn around almost like a car. I remember on many occasions when I could make a u-turn in the street with my Iveco. Try that while pulling a trailer. Even my F250 4X4 needs a field to turn around.
And with everything locked up inside security (and weather) is never a problem. Around here you have to be careful even while stopped at a redlight while pulling a trailer. Things can just hop off the trailer when you are not looking. I've learned to use a lock for everything between jobs. That takes extra time from work.
Cleve....

Added note: I believe I would go the lease route if I were to look at one of these. I know the one I looked at had the lease figures on the window but I don't remember the amount. Lot easier to deal with at tax time.

[Edited by Cleve on 01-08-2001 at 09:36 AM]