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Discussion Forum

Hey Guys, Rate This Truck

Mooney | Posted in Tools for Home Building on April 12, 2006 03:43am

NEW 2006 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500

1 to 10 with a description.

Tim

 

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Replies

  1. User avater
    bstcrpntr | Apr 12, 2006 03:47am | #1

    To me, it would come down to how deep the side boxes are.  All other aspects are a 10, gotta similar ford.

    I hope Chuck Norris never potato sacks me!!!!

    bstcrpntr ---   I hope to grow into this name.

    1. Mooney | Apr 12, 2006 04:00am | #4

      I went to  my chevy store today because I couldnt get all the information such as pics and sizes of the boxes.

      I went to the site of the bed and that didnt help either.

      But , that bed is the same with as a one ton flat bed if that helps . Dual wheels so I figgure it comes inside of the duals to make a wheel well and protrudes enough over the out side wheels . Just guessing Id say 16 inches deep on the boxes. That would leave some nice shelf space inside.

      Its also a walk back cab. I would almost want the passenger seat out of it working alone. I put some time in with a plumber witha one seat truck to get pipe inand close the door . I sat on a milk crate , lol.

      Tim

       

       

  2. MSA1 | Apr 12, 2006 03:53am | #2

    I think the price is pretty good. If I remember correctly, it would be about 6k more to replace my 3500 extended window van.

    1. Mooney | Apr 12, 2006 04:05am | #5

      72301.3 in reply to 72301.1 

      I think the price is pretty good. If I remember correctly, it would be about 6k more to replace my 3500 extended window van.

       

      And what would that price total?

      I thought a 12 foot bed , 1 ton window van with dark glass would be cheaper to tell you the truth but it didnt happen.

      This would not excite some people but it has a tow package of course since its a dually and the 300 horse would pull a big camper or  back hoe trailer . Er somthin else. Ive got a lot of trailers.

       

      1. MSA1 | Apr 12, 2006 04:16am | #10

        Maybe it wasnt 6k. I think replacement value of my van started at 32k or 36k. I got those numbers off of the chevy website.

        The one bonus with the van pictured here, is you dont have to store 4 rows of seats at your house.

      2. Bear | Apr 12, 2006 04:16am | #11

        I work out of the same truck with a Ford E350 and a Rockport body. I think it is the greatest truck I have bought. I'm not an organized person, but it is easy to find everything. I have the 12' body with the cabover which is very useful. I can carry 16' stairrails inside. It's 1 1/2 years old and I payed $31,000 out the door including taxes.Bear

  3. dustinf | Apr 12, 2006 03:55am | #3

    6

    I worked out of a similar box truck for a while, and it was OK.  I preferred the regular box(no sideboxes).  It was bigger inside, and we customized it to fit our needs.  It just seemed like the outer boxes were too big, or too small, for the tools we wanted to store in them.

    Not that it matters, but I'm pretty sure that is a 2005.  GMC changed the body style for their vans for 2006.

    If you have any poo, fling it now.



    Edited 4/11/2006 8:56 pm ET by dustinf

    1. Mooney | Apr 12, 2006 04:15am | #9

      "It just seemed like the outer boxes were too big, or too small, for the tools we wanted to store in them."

      I agree . In all the utility trucks Ive seen such as light and water trucks the boxes are  not right for us . I think this truck was built directly for us but they dont have a clue in design what we need. With that said ;

      I have side tool boxes on my truck and they get used 9 to  1 to the cross over box. Im not really sure why except the big box holds longer or bigger tools or some supplies.

      This is the first I have seen a truck of this type that has a low enough roof top to actually use a ladder rack. Its only about 6 inches higher than my ladder rack on my truck.

      Tim

       

       

      1. dustinf | Apr 12, 2006 04:20am | #13

        Makes sense. 

        The company I was working for at the time installed mostly windows, and exterior doors.  We had the aluminum brake permanantly set up in the box, and for that you have to keep the interior open enough to work inside.

         If you have any poo, fling it now.

  4. DanT | Apr 12, 2006 04:06am | #6

    Thats like the ones we have.  Only new.  Love them.  I like the side boxes as you don't have to climb up in the truck for every little thing.  Most daily stuff you keep in the side boxes and the heavy stuff in the back.  Price is ok.  I have been able to do around 28.5 around here but distance of shipping may be difference too.  Come on man, spend the money! DanT

    1. Mooney | Apr 12, 2006 04:16am | #12

      Come on man, spend the money!

      Roar

       

    2. User avater
      dieselpig | Apr 12, 2006 05:35am | #19

      Dan, I think you can get them in a diesel too, right?  Did you ever consider that?  I've been able to justify the upcharge of diesels in my trucks because of trailering and plowing, but I don't think I'd be doing either of those things in one of those vans.

      What size did you get?  The 12' or the 16'?  Ford or GMC?  That 28.5... what did that get you?  AM/FM, Air, vinyl floor/seats, hand crank windows, cutaway cab?   I could live with that.View Image

      1. DanT | Apr 12, 2006 01:34pm | #31

        I buy mine from a dealer in Columbus that buys 10 at a time.   I buy them as equipped and save 1-2k for it.  A few others in the state have similar deals but if I order one I can count on a 2k bump just for ordering plus any upcharges.

        I priced a diesel once and it totaled a 6k bump.  With fuel at 1.50 I couldn't justify it.  Now maybe I could.  I have a 3/4 ton and a one ton.  I bought the 3/4 because I thought it would get better fuel milage.  It gets almost exactly the same to if I buy another, and I am sure I will, I will always get the one ton.  Might as well have the capacity.  The side boxes are 6" deeper too so that is nice.  Amazing how much difference that makes.

        I have Chevys, 5.7 gas, a/c, automatic, ps, pb, am/fm and they are a cutaway.  Tend to be top heavy and the wind moves them around some but we rarely work out of the county so no big deal on that issue.  They don't have much for rear traction in snow as far as plowing but will tow a trailer with no problem and frankly you can load the hell out of them tool wise.

        We carry the usual hand tools, a selection of plumbing parts and electrical parts.  One compartement carries fasteners and another painting supplies.  Horses, a shop vac, cords, 18v set, table saw, tarps, workmate, chop saw, pipe threading gear, vise, air compressor and guns, and with all that have carried 45 sheets of rock.  Road nice but a bit low lol.  DanT

  5. dustinf | Apr 12, 2006 04:09am | #7

    I guess I should have asked what you are going to use it for.

    BTW, here's the 2006 body style.

    View Image

    If you have any poo, fling it now.

  6. User avater
    dieselpig | Apr 12, 2006 04:14am | #8

    Tim, I looked long and hard at those when I was shopping last summer.  Came real close to pulling the trigger.  What stopped me was that my trailer is only a couple years old and I had recently dumped a couple grand into graphics on it.  I also wasn't ready to part with the ability to drop the trailer off for the boys and be able to split and look at work while they still had all the tools they need at their disposal.  Same goes for the occasional Saturday when I can't work but the guys still want to.

    I know Tim Uhler frames out of one of those trucks and he loves the set up.  I think I would too.  My work truck is also my only vehicle so it is a little bit more acceptable and accessable to run errands or whatever in a pickup truck than a big ole cube van.  My wife has a Honda Civic but we have very different schedules so that is only at my disposal on Sundays.

    I can only rate it for what I do, but strictly as a work truck for framing, I'd give it a 10.  It would fit in a lot of places that my truck and trailer struggle with.  It's still got plenty of space for signage.  The side boxes are great for the "smaller" tools that we need at arm's reach like framing guns, circ saws, recips, etc.  And the large cargo area is a nice dry safe place to keep the bigger stuff like the compressors, chop saws, table saw, generator, cases of nails, etc.  You can also get them outfitted with racks and a built in ladder to the roof, we'd keep the ladders and wall jacks up there.

    A lot of guys think a trailer is great because you can just leave it on site.  I just don't have the stones for that.  The few times I've left my trailer on a job overnight it's been on an addition where the homeowner is occupying the house and the trailer was parked in nice safe place.  Even then, it's alarmed, the tongue lock is on, and there's a chain running from rim to rim.  Call me paranoid, but I love my tools and I'd rather spend my money on new tools instead of replacing stuff I already bought.  The point I'm trying to make is that those vans offer you the versatility of a service body truck w/ a trailer all in one convenient package.

    I like 'em.  And if I can ever afford both a work truck and a recreational vehicle, I'll probably have one of those.

    View Image
    1. Mooney | Apr 12, 2006 05:21am | #17

      Man , you did a great job in your post. Real life examples Im sure weve all dealt with so let me extend it and state my reason for steering towards  this truck if I make another pass at this business. One final pass I hope.

      Condensed but Im not good at that , lol. I also hope this thread helps someone cuse this is a hard core thread in my opinion.

      I work alone even if I have help . Id rather hire top hands and they show up with their own tool trucks. Ive said that for a long time . For a little extra you can benifit from the knowledge and their tools on "their " trucks. You can load somthing in their truck and send them if they dont have it . [big stuff or supplies] I will be the center or king pin so I need to be equipped to tool a job , they arent. Scaffolds and 40 ft ladders etc.,  come off my trailer . Specialty tools are the same .

      Ive looked at what I do best and it comes up really with a top five.

      Commercial drywall and painting , steel studs. Commercial work is done out of town normally and I hire a crew on site anywhere from drunks to professionals that work the residential industry. Of course the drunks ARE  painters , etc. I also hire hangers on site and get there a week in advance to line it up. Ive done jobs of this type not working physically but I had to tool it and find a place to stay . I enjoy the comforts of home in a travel trailer with all my own stuff stocked in it . Ill drive a little farther to be on a lake or some other killer place. Cell phones allow that to happen where I used to have to have a motel phone. I hate motels and feel that my truck isnt safe.

      Im do remodels   and I prefer to be alone  . I hate people messing with my tools using them. If I have to do it I prefer to hand  directly to them so I know who has what. I will ask for every one back and wont miss a beat . I never lose tools if I hand them out. Some tools I wont hand out so I dont want them to have full run of the boxes. I do most every trade in remodels and Im tooled to do it . That takes a sizeable inventory of tools. Mostly I keep my rentals up and it takes a bunch of different tools some  people wouldnt think of carrying in their truck such as cleaners and  tools also. This is where the handyman idea came from,...

      So for me the handy man idea is born to be tooled to do lots of different things. But of course no truck can haul it all and thats where the shop must come in.  Still the toolage is important . I can remember the airless but not  automotive connectors and so on. Im always amazed at what I can pull out of my truck to finish a job but it looks like it too. <G>

      I build rentals sometimes if I come up with a free lot. Ive currently got a building permit for a triplex  . I bought a house last summer on four lots .

      Finally Im a trader which really has nothing to do with tools except what I end up buying  that needs fixing . Ive fixed up boats, trailers , campers , and buildings . I attend a lot of auctions and that truck would be nice with an ability to pull my 16 ft utility trailer. I could also peddal in it . Tomatoes and peaches. I used to have a wholesale produce business and ran a route to eating joints and grocery stores. I found one truck on truck trader that had an air conditioneer for the bed body. Thats what tomatoes need.

      Ive grown to hate loading and unloading every day to no profit. So many things wont fit in the boxes and there always seems to be a chance of rain. <G> I cant even go to Lowes or Depot unless I switch trucks . I dont dare .

      I had a regular van and enjoyed it right up until the times I needed a truck. They are wonderful but they are not one. I smelled everything I worked with on the way home and when you are a painter thats not good. Cant count the times I was happy to freeze with the vent and the windows open to save myself of thinners and paints. I forgot how nice they were to be able to leave them in a parking lot in a big city. I never enjoyed crawling in a van after I had a pick up. This truck seems to be a cross breed between the two.

      Tim

       

       

       

  7. davidmeiland | Apr 12, 2006 04:57am | #14

    I've kinda got the hots for a Dodge Sprinter. The local company that delivers for UPS has three or four of them on the road, I think they're a 5-cylinder Mercedes diesel and very efficient. I climbed in the back of one just to see and they have lots of room. To me it would be mostly about mileage, and I gotta think the big Chevy is going to be a hog. Maybe I'm wrong about that...

    1. User avater
      jocobe | Apr 12, 2006 05:18am | #16

      I had the hots for a Sprinter too, but I ended up buying a 2005 Chevy Express 3500 Van. It was over 10K cheaper. Had roof rack and inside bins and shelves. Gas is cheaper then diesel (was then, don't know about now). Mileage was better in the Sprinter.Bottom line the Chevy was less per mile to run on the road, according to my CPA wife. ...but I did like the head room better in the Sprinter, no doubt about that!View Image

      1. Mooney | Apr 12, 2006 05:45am | #21

        Bottom line the Chevy was less per mile to run on the road, according to my CPA wife.

        Always pays to listen to them.

        You bring up a good point though. You really really do!

        If I could fit my tools in a small van that got 30 mpg , Id do it . However its just a step ahead of an s10 or simalr. Depends on which team has the football. Before anyone takes offense to that please dont , Ill explain.

        I look at business as an offense and defense basically. Either one will make money . Thats a solid truth. So for our own needs we have to sharpen our pencils which Ive been doing a lot of looking at trucking .

        So in our laymans terms you either tool up and run offense or operate on a tight budget becuse in my opinion of a light offense. If the business grows and shows nice profits then there are more options to put in bigger plays . Or to all of us a comprimise. Business is just a profit and loss monopoly game. Spend you initial money on the safe things that make small money such as utitlites and you will last for a good while and maybe win with low odds. Save your money passing for the last turn of the board in owning park place and board walk and its about the same odds , but if you win , you win big. That takes me to a final point .

        Ever hear you are what you eat ? I dont know about that , but I imagine its hard to get a job on board walk in a clunker. If you letter a small pick up or a family small van the sinage is very small .

        To me there is a drastic differnce reading the lettering of a cut away van.

        Ill let the pros here settle the sinage . I only used it once and it paid and paid. So from that Im just trying to inset the plays that hit winners. If Im trying to build it , is there any other way?

        From the sinage principle , the simple van certainly beats out a full size  pick up.

        Tim

         

        1. alwaysoverbudget | Apr 12, 2006 07:06am | #26

          tim, valley state bank in wichita ks has a sprinter repo. don't know what they want for it . if you call them and your interested . i could take a quick look before you drove in. larryhand me the chainsaw, i need to trim the casing just a hair.

          1. Mooney | Apr 12, 2006 07:13am | #28

            Thanks Larry .

            IM not sure a sprinter is going to do it however the mpg of this truck I posted might be a deal killer . I would be sick If I bought it and it got below 10 and I now agree why you guys had concerns as it looks expensive to run looking at it . Other than that it gets a 10 from me . Big engine gas in a 1 ton dually box van sounds expensive to me too. Ive got some research to do. Not sure how I can find it other than an expetited forum or previous experience here .

            Tim

             

    2. Mooney | Apr 12, 2006 06:16am | #23

      I pretty much agree .

      Those sprinters with that engine are 45 grand if I remember correctly . They are for running commercial hot frieght . Expetite carriers. They do 120,000 miles per year with them . They last 5 to 6 years doing that , so the cost is justified if the miles are there. Sterling sells one with a sleeper for 100,000 in a class C truck which is bigger than 1 ton by quite a bit.

      The sprinter van in my opinion is that it is an attention getter. Right now it is cause its still brand new and people arent used to seeing it . Add a sign to it and you are in the bidding . I saw one the other day backed into a driveway . It was brand new . They were installing semmles gutter with it . I drooled tobacco juice on my bubba T shirt. <G>

      Tim

       

      1. davidmeiland | Apr 12, 2006 06:42am | #24

        Are they really that expensive? I thought someone here was talking about one that went for $25K. I must be wrong.

        1. Mooney | Apr 12, 2006 06:56am | #25

          Either of us could go look but na at 25,000 a big percentage of us would own one . They do get 20 mpg. That plus the truck together would be a steal .

          A regular van is 25000 I think , mebbe 3/4 ton.

          You are getting me curious again .

           I checked out every thing I could on trucking  but I have a terrible memory for real. Anyway I spent about 3 or 4 days researching expetite carriers. That sprinter van is one above a 3/4 ton van becuse they are 1 ton. single wheel. They carry almost as mush as a dually truck because of the wheel base . The load is between the front and back wheels truly where a 1 ton truck carries off the duals almost with the bed hanging off the back wheels so far.

          Tim

           

           

        2. Mooney | Apr 12, 2006 07:06am | #27

          Freightliner Sprinter

          I bet you were talking a Dodge sprinter but they are 30,000. Theres a lot of difference here .

           

  8. woodway | Apr 12, 2006 04:57am | #15

    Were I you, wait till late summer and see where gas prices are. If you are still solvent at that time, and still willing to pay the high cost, then consider buying this truck. I'll bet that sucker,when fully loaded, gets the same gas mileage as a M114 personnel carrier; something close to about 5 miles per gallon.

    Plumber we use a lot has a monster truck for everything and he drives it to the job site, parks it, puts it up on jacks and drives to the site each day on a motorcycle or, when weather's bad, the family car. When the job is finished, he drives it to home or the next job. Sitting at the job site overnight all the time, he's had to reinforce the doors and cover access to the rear portion with wire cage like structure to keep his tools from walking off. Got locks on everything; gas tank, doors, wheels and spare tire.

    If that doesn't scare you off then consider it a good buy.

    1. butch | Apr 12, 2006 05:37am | #20

      The co. I work for let me order what I wanted and this iswhat I got and why. 99 GMC cut-away van. It has the cab over(moms attic) 10' body with the chicago step bumper.It also has the full swing out doors instead of the garage typeas that leaves more space inside for shelves. It doesn't have theside bins, because I didn't want to be standing in a pouring rainloading or unloading tools. I work rain or shine(inside work)It has The biggest motor that GMC makes (454?) It gets about 7 mpgempty or loaded it doesn't matter. It has a 32gallon gas tank andand I average a little over 200 miles to the tank, city or hwy.When it is loaded I can't tell as the motor has plenty of power. I didn't want the pass through has I carry paint?thinner and didn't want to be smelling fumes if something spilled. It happens. It has a roof rack w/built in ladder, but is so tall that it is hard to access,ie., put stuff on top. Also it eats breaks for breakfast. It has aprox. 113,000 miles and I'm probably on 3rd or 4th set of breaks. I think they paid $26,000 for it in 99'. You still with me? Is that more than you wanted to know?Someone also mentioned the sprinter van, with the price of gas doingnothing but going up I would seriously look at one of those, I sawone being used for a delivery truck w/over 200,000 and the guy saidhe was getting over 20 mpg and it was a dually 1 ton. Aren't thyin the 30,000 price range???

      1. Mooney | Apr 12, 2006 05:57am | #22

        You still with me? Is that more than you wanted to know?

        I certainly think you had more to say so say it . <G>

        Since the deisel post , I think this thread is hard core .

        We get asked silly questions all the time on this forum and we answer them. This thread is the real cowboy boots and dirt of our business. This is knowledge pulled from pros who have responded. I dont think you said enough! <G>

        99 GMC cut-away van. It has the cab over(moms attic) 10' body with the chicago step bumper.

        Id put drop cloths in the attic but what is this bumper?

        Tim

         

        1. butch | Apr 12, 2006 01:11pm | #30

          <what is this bumper?I thought a quick internet search I could find a picture of one, but no such luck, even went to the website(supreme)that built the truck body. I couldn't finda picture, so I'll attempt to describe it. If you can imagine an aprox. 18" platform level with the interiorsurface and as wide as the back of the truck w/3 steps aprox. 30"wide cut out of the center of the platform. As much as I go in andout I new I would need quick and easy acess.ONe other thing about this truck, I also ordered it with 3/4"plywood on the interior walls which makes it great for mountingshelving.Clear as mud?

          1. Mooney | Apr 12, 2006 03:19pm | #34

            Clear as mud?

            yup , thanks

             

          2. Mooney | Apr 12, 2006 04:40pm | #36

            I just figgured everyone almost has the same problems . Or at least spends tossing and turning over it .

            News I got yesterday at the chevy store . Sales manager says why dont you buy a light and water truck , they dont bring sh^t . Resale sucks . He bought a 1 ton at goverment city auction 5 years old for 5 grand and it had a 12 utility bed on it with tool boxes on both sides, plus a rack. I said thats a plumbers truck. He said yea but 5 grand .

            I said that to say this ; we have to figgure resale values for costs per mile to operate . Nothing we have talked about holds value like the pick up truck. They are very high right now in the used sector. The prices are very different for different pickups .

            Since no one mentioned this either ;

            Mike Smith has pain jane two wheel drive drucks but are long bed which is geting harder to find if you dont want a 3/4 ton. So that spurs this comment ;

            I saw a brand new 1/2 ton hd with a small 8 engine rebated out for 13,500 with full warranty. I also know that 350 chevy blocks in 1/2 ton 2whd trucks get 20mpg hwy. A short wb is exellent for pulling a medium trailer. They will pull a 16 foot trailer pretty easy cause Ive got one . Add 4wd and total 17,500. Load either with boxes all around and a rack and its a compromise. I did pull a 26ft camper trailer with mine and retired it over the weekend. It did mucho jobs hauling tools and trailers plus the camper on the road. Its a 92 model I bought new and they say its still worth 3500 dollars. 10,000 bucks for 14 years of service. It will still work and pull a load .

            Tim

             

          3. Mooney | Apr 12, 2006 04:48pm | #37

            I thought Id put this over here to state the reason this thread is hard core just for one guys example . How true it is :

            From: 

            CraigF <!----><!----> 

            Apr-9 10:56 am 

            To: 

            ALL <!----><!---->

             (1 of 16) 

             

            72201.1 

            It never fails. Whenever I remodel a bathroom, I always end up eating time running after some sort of unanticipated plumbing fitting etc.

            Yesterday, I installed some replacement handles. The screws were too short. An hours time to get a 10 cent screw.

            Any serious plumbing, I leave to the plumber with the trailer full of stuff, but I need some sort of kit with whatever plumbing might come up for a remodeler.

            Any ideas?

            Hes gonna learn if he does bathrooms and kitchens he has to be equipped to handle it all. You cant wait if you have someone held out of their bathroom or kitchen . You must have control of the situation . Ive spent many of those hours wasted . They are called non billing hours that you actually worked but did not collect one red cent for their effort. Thats why plumbers get the big bucks in short time spurts. It isnt becuse its rocket science or that they have lightening speed, cause most dont. They are equipped . Thats all there is to it . Im not discounting knowledge . Someone who is not trained will be on bathroom connections an extra hour trying to keep them from leaking for example . Others cant envision a double trap system with extra ports and they end up head scratching where experience doesnt slow down. But for this thread , they are equipped.

            Tim

             

             

             

            View Image Options

             View ImageReply

             

             

             

             

            Edited 4/12/2006 10:00 am by Mooney

          4. craigf | Apr 12, 2006 08:53pm | #38

            Thanks for pointing out this post to me. You are absolutley right about stocking enough stuff to get the job done quickly. I used to work out of a pickup with toolboxes and containerized everything. Spent too much time loading and unloading every day and didn't have things for the "while you are here" job.I bought a E150 cargo van and have loved it. It has solved alot of problems for me, but on my wish list is an enclosed trailer so I can haul my ladders, scaffolding, miter saw, and material. (and plumbing parts)The van with the side boxes is great because:On a small job, it would be a pain to haul a trailer with a couple of sheet goods in it, so I haul them standing up inside the van which blocks my shelves with the tools on them. The boxes would eliminate some of that.Sometimes I have to kneel and lean over a bunch of stuff (usually finding a stray dw screw with my kneecap) to get to the middle of the shelves.I know what you mean about smelling what you haul. It is amazing what comes off some plastics and particleboards on a hot day. Not to mention the Labrador I had with a gas problem.When I went from a pickup to a van, the calls I got changed. They went from bargain shoppers who "wanted someone to help them" to customers who wanted a serious dedicated pro. I think that van you are looking at kicks it up a notch.As far as the pickup you were talking about, I have second guessed my buying the van. Right after I bought it, an electrician was looking to sell his topper with boxes in the side. I could have bought the $13500 pickup, the topper for $500, built slide out boxes like in the new FH, and bought an enclosed trailer. All for less than the $20000 I had in the van. I can trade a pickup easily. A van is a thinner market.

          5. ClaysWorld | Apr 12, 2006 09:02pm | #39

            Well this is a little off topic but since you were dissin us wanna be plummers I thought I'd show you how well equiped my specialty truck is.

             This was yesterday and after I pulled the toilet I found it to be a 10 " rough and the cast iron flange was broken to hmm well crap. So the gal is getting home at 5 and not enough time to do all and make a run for a different unit. So the well equipped tuck had 1+5/8 grabbers and all is well. I guess I could have stained the blocks .

            I just thought it fun to show.

          6. davidmeiland | Apr 13, 2006 01:58am | #40

            Don't stain it, it matches the floor!

          7. Mooney | Apr 13, 2006 03:24am | #44

            I enjoyed your picture and the idea Im sure was cute to her .

            Well this is a little off topic but since you were dissin us wanna be plummers I thought I'd show you how well equiped my specialty truck is.

            Im sorry if you took it that way. It sure wasnt meant to cast any disrespect.

            Ive made mistakes in plumbing to spread over three people . Still make them. The last little handyman job DW got me turned into a large plumbing job. I wont really go into it but after I replaced an acrylic lav from a metal one the suplies were not long enough by a 1/2 inch. Back to town. I replaced the sink in the kitchen and the angle stop would not shut off . Back to town. Right there in the same day I decided that the next time I replaced any plumbing device it was getting it to the wall or floor. I would make any shopping list as [what if this happens?". Or at least stock it.

            The good thing about your deal is that you were comming back the next day to lay the floor I suppose and the commode was comming up anyway. No harm no foul.

            Let me attack somthing we dont seem to talk about here cause most every one does great work and the negative isnt preached, but believe me its always there . Always . I inspected jobs and saw the very best making dumb mistakes . One plumber thought his sh^t didnt stink but I still turned some of his jobs down to his dismay , you can imagine. He had a very healthy dose of self ego. I suppose it was a selling tool to his customers. But not to me . Dont get me wrong , he WAS good , but not that good . We can all learn and hopefully bring more money to the bottom line .

            Ive heard about tradesmen here that charge the shopping trip. Good . But I dont think two extra in a day is fair . I ate them both and would not have it any other way. It was my fault but not that one again . They will pay for all new parts to make it fair to me .

            Tim

             

          8. ClaysWorld | Apr 13, 2006 05:26am | #48

            No don't take me to seriously. I was really just looking for a place to post that goofy fix.

            One thing on the truck discussion, as we get older and the amount of time spent in the vehicle. Get something that makes you feel good. Well cause you deserve it. And if one something isn't gonna do you just right, then get one of each. Why? cause you deserve it.

          9. Frankn | Apr 13, 2006 03:28am | #45

            I have been reading this thread and thought I should way in. I just bought a 2006 one ton Sprinter a couple of months ago.

            While it is a little early to have given it a run for the money I am quite happy. I am getting 21MPG fully loaded. Rides comfortaly. It is a high roof 158" wheelbase rig.

            I will try and post some pictures in the near future. As to cost had a few extras added and it price out at about 35000.00

             

             

            Frank

          10. Mooney | Apr 13, 2006 04:53am | #46

            Hey thanks.

            Am I understanding you to mean that its too early for you to rate it to us?

            Is it a Dodge Sprinter? Or Freightliner?

            Also do you know how both companies got the same name ?

            Of yea , how bout the engine ?

            Im out .

            Tim

             

            Edited 4/12/2006 9:54 pm by Mooney

          11. Mooney | Apr 13, 2006 05:34am | #49

            Im in , lol.

            Its hard to talk about trucks with out the worry that it will offend someone . I had to bring this point up none the less ;

            I did a job for the sales manager of our chevy store and hes one stand up dude. I kinda interviewed him on this subject. dadone,

            He thinks the truck I pictured is a very good deal. He says the cab and chassis is worth that much. ????????????

            His personal opinion is that I will take a hit on this truck although I was the one to point it out . He had made the comment that commercial tool trucks loose big resale values in witness to auctions that he sees almost every day on web cam. When I came in today he was online bidding watching the ring. Its what he does. he told me the truck would have to make me the extra money to justify it in his mind . he believes the truck is really cool and a great idea . He went on to say that the industry has done nothing for tradesmen like me except the tradesmen van which is really Dodges early idea. Now they are leading the pack again with the Sprinter, but that is a expetiter  truck from the word go. It just happens to excite US. I didnt ask how Freightliner got involved. Ill ask that in the truckers forum. 

            The box which makes the truck cool is not a chevy box, its an add on. He told me any 12 foot truck bed they could fit it . Its clearly a cut away bed. So his suggestion if I felt I needed the box bed;

            Rider and Uhaul,  for two sell their trucks after they get so old. I could buy a cab and chassis and get it fitted for the box. Its not hard to find a rental truck with low miles since they sit on the lot part of the time . They are frequently  serviced . Yellow is the problem. They take a hit in resale at auction. Its still pretty early to know if tradesmen will buy these trucks used with the tool box at a better value than the same truck in a moving van . There is evidence that Uhaul is trying to change the prices up by painting their yellow trucks. They still order yellow so symbol must be valuable to them. Symbol in public opinion is valuable to us too , so is it worth it ? To know that you have to know the cost per mile in fuel and depreciation to compare it . After that will the wow factor bring in the needed money to be more comfortable in a truck made for us ? You are the polls guys !!!!!!!!

            Vans are a little better[value] since they are bought and traded by other tradesmen. They are very acceptable and proven . Big sinage and covered area up to the same 12 feet bed are available .

            4wd pick up trucks are the top resalers. He considered the extenbded cab the best resale vehicle out there ! He considered the regular cab 4wd short wheel base the best bang for the buck buying new. Those can be bought for 18,000 out the door and are a kick but tool trailer tow unit . They come in off road with tow packaqe with medium 8 motors that are getting 22mpg. They pull 5,000llbs pretty easy. They run cheaper with manual 5 speeds and cruise, 333 rears. Automatics are better resale. So figgure mpg cost  difference against the differnce in resale. Over all it makes a tow unit and trailer look good. Of course you need to add the costs of a trailer and depreciation in as well againt the truck thats featured here.

            Tim  

             

             

          12. Frankn | Apr 13, 2006 05:39am | #50

            Here is the scoop. I did a quite of bit of research before I bought it.

            The Dodge Sprinter and White Frieghtliner names are just that.

            It is a Mercedes built in Germany the only thing Dodge about it are the name plates.

            Remember that Chrysler is now Called Dalmier Chrysler. This model has been in production for about 12 years mainly in Eourpe.

            White Frieghtliner was the first one to bring them to the US then when Chryler and Mercedes merged or bought each other, it was only natural that Dodge took over the distribution.

            The Sprinter has replaced the Dodge Ram Van as the only Van that Dodge sells.

            As far as the engine goes it is a Turbo charged 2.5 liter Diesel with a 5 speed transmission. It has plenty of get up and go. You can cruise easly above the posted highway speeds. Not that i ever do that.

            If you have any othe questions just ask.

             

            Frank

          13. Mooney | Apr 13, 2006 05:46am | #52

            It is a Mercedes built in Germany the only thing Dodge about it are the name plates.

            That statement may help some here , lol.

            So the begging question[mebbe I didnt get it } is the frieght liner the same thing or is it a frieght liner ?

            Tim

             

          14. Frankn | Apr 13, 2006 06:02am | #53

            Yes they are one in the same.

             

            Frank

          15. Mooney | Apr 13, 2006 06:25am | #54

            Thanks , thats cool .

            So I have a choice in driving a freightliner with out a cdl , hahaha.

            Tim

             

          16. danski0224 | Apr 13, 2006 01:28pm | #55

            Freightliner may not be selling rebadges Sprinters in the future. That news has been circulating for a little while.

            New diesel engines in cars (VW) won't be available for thje 2007 model year. The new Mercedes apparently will still be for sale.

            Prices for truck engines apparently will take a huge jump due to new pollution requirements.

            This is all related to ULSD and new EPA particulate regulations.

            If anyone is seriously considering a new diesel powered vehicle, do some research and consider buying one now.   

          17. Mooney | Apr 14, 2006 04:38am | #62

            The truckers site advised buying 06s too.

            Its hard to understand for sure;

            Is Volkswagon not selling deisels got anything to with frieghtliners?

            I called a frieghtliner dealer today.

            They make a 12 and a 14 ft bed on their vans plus cab and chassis.

            So I can buy the c&c for 31,236.00

            He priced the long van for 36,400. It was an 06. And I said you are going to discount that right ? He said well no, they havent made 07s yet . I said they aree behind then ad he said yea. Now you got me wondering .

            He said there was a fleet that bought from them and they were getting 22/24 mpg. Ill have to check him. Only 154 hp , whats the deal with that ? It has 372 rears and I asked what the deal was with that ? Its low for a expetite truck. I expected 333s. He told me they were all that and cant be changed. I read an article about it and I remember them sayintg the truck will have high rpm its whole life. They also questioned that .

            At 5 percent , why would you even mess with it ?

            Tim

             

          18. DanT | Apr 14, 2006 01:00pm | #64

            You told me you like to mull things over but man!  I think about whether to buy a truck business wise for a while.  Once I decide that I want to do that I pick up a truck trader and run the numbers then get up one morning and go buy a truck.  I try to have it done in time to have a celebatory lunch.  Hope you decide soon so you don't blow a head gasket!  :-)  DanT

          19. Mooney | Apr 14, 2006 02:57pm | #69

            LOL.

            I guess thats the reason that rental property was a match for me.

            To explain it ;

            Ive watched DW for years or listened to her. Ive been her escort at many business meetings over the years. While I didnt have a clue most of the time about the mechanics of their subject , it taught lessons from their management styles.

            To her management is plugging and unplugging numbers and computing history. She would do the same if someone wanted a raise . That question alone would jam the calculator for a while . <G> To give a raise to an employee would bring up a projections sheet as well as history. That would bring up the old varible and fixed expense sheets. Rentals are the same to me. I dont spend if I dont have to. But if the projections say to then its a go. Ive never ever bought an expensive truck. These trucks are expensive to me at face value. Both however give an offensive projection to evaluate as well. I dont need an expensive truck to maintain rental property. I only drove 7600 miles in 2005 with both trucks ! That was a savings from 2004 of 10,000 miles total for that year. I worked on it all year. LOL.

            Tim

             

          20. Mooney | Apr 15, 2006 01:46am | #70

            Why dont they do this for our trucks ?

            Engine make *** Maintenance Intervals *** Overhaul

            Cat13 *** 30,000 mi *** 1,000,000 mi Cat15 *** 30,000 mi *** 1,000,000 mi Cummins ISM *** 25,000 mi *** 750,000 mi Cummins ISX *** 25,000 mi *** 1,000,000 mi Detroit 12.7 l *** 15,000 mi *** 850,000 mi Detroit 14 l *** 15,000 mi *** 850,000 mi Mack E7 *** 10,000 mi *** 1,000,000 mi M/B 400 *** 25,000 mi *** 850,000 mi Volvo VED12 *** 15,000 mi *** 1,000,000 mi

            Tim

             

          21. DanT | Apr 15, 2006 03:19am | #71

            No one but you cares? (-:  DanT

          22. Mooney | Apr 15, 2006 04:47am | #72

            Roar

            That could be

            hahaha

            Tim

             

          23. danski0224 | Apr 15, 2006 05:29am | #73

            The Sprinter has a 10,000 mile service interval. Longer if you get the ASSYST option. 

          24. Mooney | Apr 15, 2006 06:09am | #74

            Longer if you get the ASSYST option.

            If you dont mind teaching a dumb azz , what is that ? lol.

             

            Tim

             

          25. danski0224 | Apr 15, 2006 01:28pm | #75

            It is a system that monitors engine starts and engine operation to determine the oil change interval. It is possible to get more than the factory recommended 10k miles between oil changes with that option.

            Read the column under maintenance costs on the right in the following link:

            http://www.dodge.com/sprinter/low_operating_cost.html

            The Dodge website sucks regarding the available options and configurations. It is easier to talk to a dealer. I couldn't find a price listed on the website for the ASSYST option.

            There are advantages in buying one from a Dodge Business Link dealer.

            There were rumors circulationg that Freightliner was not going to sell them any longer. Additionally, Dodge dealers would not service Freightliner branded vehicles, and vice versa. Those that removed the Dodge badging and replaced it with Mercedes badging also could receivbe hassles with warranty service. You might want to check up on that. 

            There is a wealth of information at the Yahoo Sprinter group.

          26. DanT | Apr 15, 2006 03:07pm | #76

            2 of the 3 Chevy trucks have this on them.  It really is nice as we just change it when the computer tells us to.  It is much later than I would have done it on my own.  DanT

          27. Mooney | Apr 15, 2006 06:33pm | #77

            Dan, that over head cab feature on the truck I pasted. what exzctly is it ?

            I havent called them and there is not literature on the net with the bodies web site.

            Its either a walk back with the top of cab removed , a defector with wasted space , or a over the cab shelf I figgure. Depending on what it is the idea I have;

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            They sell a 12 and 14 ft bed chassis. The tool bed to me really is the best option for us. At 25mpg it would be the ultimate.

            Tim

             

          28. DanT | Apr 15, 2006 09:06pm | #80

            Wasted space.  They just use it to make a nice transition from the cab to the box on the exterior.  DanT

          29. Mooney | Apr 15, 2006 06:34pm | #78

            Thank you.

            Tim

             

          30. danski0224 | Apr 15, 2006 08:46pm | #79

            No problem.

            Watch the side overhang on your cargo box. Everything bigger than the cab adds to frontal area and lessens MPG.

          31. Mooney | Apr 15, 2006 09:23pm | #81

            I agree . Thats not all though. That cab and chassis is a true one ton with duals where the van is only 3/4 ton . Same motor and tranny plus I was told its the same rears. Same motor at 230 hp which is a little light for trailering .

            The one ton truck I posted is 300 hp with a tow package .

            Even the one ton chassis doeent come with one and no tranny cooler.

            Ive learned a lot from you guys and the research . Thats why we come here.

            Thanks everyone.

            Now just for overview;  For me there is a 10 grand split in price between just the cab and chassis and the truck pictured. Theres no way Im gonna pay ten grand more and not get the box I want . The 3/4 ton for me is not a match to the one ton because its not one . With a loaded box the 3/4 ton is not enough to hook to a 26 ft camper . Its too much weight and I doubt 230 hp is enough in a 1 ton for me.  . For most the 3/4 ton van would be the best buy but not for me . Of course Im adding in the fact I have a 3 grand GM card that doesnt apply to a sprinter.

            For town driving and service I think Dan made the best choice. Lots of starting and stopping in a town service business . He also made it quicker than me but I got there just the same . LOL

            My plans will be put on hold till someone makes a decision on what they will do that affects what I do. DW. Which was announced last night. MM, she finally realized I was serious I guess I dunno. Thats been holding it up in the first place.

            Tim

             

             

          32. danski0224 | Apr 14, 2006 01:28pm | #65

            The USA diesel issue has to do with forthcoming EPA regulations.

            The current VW TDI engine will not meet the new regs on the current fuel. That will not change until ULSD is in place in the USA. The rollout of ULSD has been delayed once already. VW is planning to sell 06 engines as 07's as long as they can get away with it. No new diesel is planned for the US market until 08 (and that is dependent on ULSD).

            Similar EPA regs will effect diesel engines in light duty trucks.

            The additional pollution controls will raise the engine price well over $1400.00, which is more than the EPA projected when the whole ULSD thing was started.

            There have been some postings discussing this at http://www.tdiclub.com

            I bet there is similar info waiting to be found at your truckers site.

            Dealers always want you to buy what is on the floor today. Do some research on ULSD EPA regs. Ask questions at your truckers site.

          33. Mooney | Apr 14, 2006 02:20pm | #67

            Thanks for your post.

            You still have me wondering but according to Dan , that would be normal for me. [G]

            I have read it at the truckers site ,lol.  Just didnt want to bore the population here and I dont have the specifics . The reason is I decided it didnt pertain to me .

            Anyway, big trucks are changing next year . The cost on them is 15,000 to clean the air. Another thing in the works that has been signed into law is the reduction of idleing with small generators on board. I did not read a date on that . From what I understood its prelininary stages.

            Tim

             

      2. ClaysWorld | Apr 13, 2006 01:59am | #41

        My buddie has a F-350 service body and he was complaining about the constant brakes needing replacement. But by what your saying he's doing Ok at 140k and on his 5th set.

        1. butch | Apr 13, 2006 03:10am | #43

          I'm guesing how many times I've had it in for brakes, as Ireally don't keep up with it, but I guess if I was paying forthem that would be a different story.

    2. DanT | Apr 12, 2006 12:24pm | #29

      The two we have, a one ton and a 3/4 ton, both get 10 around town and 11 on the highway.  Empty, full, towing something, doesn't matter.  10 and 11.  DanT

  9. User avater
    JeffBuck | Apr 12, 2006 05:27am | #18

    I say 9.9

     

    if I wasn't making daycare payments each month that's exactly what I'd be driving ...

    'cept I woulda shopped forever ... and found last years model sitting somewhere and buy it for close to $25K ...

     

    they must be good to work out of ... try to find one low mileage and in good shape for sale ... they don't exist! Just get a good box ... don't know what brands are prefered ... just know I coulda bought a slightly used similar model from a place I sub for ... under 20K miles ... for around $17K ... I was tempted ... but they said they were selling it because the box sucked and leaked like a sieve.

    I had a brain storm ... I find one in my low price range ... blue shop towels in each compartment and a garden hose on high!

    the light blue towel get dark blue real quick when wet ...

     

    I saw a guy at HD the other day with the 11ft step van I been thinking about ... he had it laid out with shelves ... so proud he showed the whole damn thing off to a complete stranger(me)!

    Just made out the individual tax checks ... and the big one outta the biz account that'll cover them all ... truck shopping is one hold for at least a week!

    Jeff

        Buck Construction

     Artistry In Carpentry

         Pittsburgh Pa

  10. stinky | Apr 12, 2006 01:44pm | #32

    I own a 2004 3500 passanger van, no seats just cargo....it hauls the heavy mother-in laws with no problem..reliable, rough ride,tows well(very powerful 6.0) 15mpg light on the throttle, towing 12-13mpg. 33 gallon tank @ 3.00 per gallon customers gotta pay! stinky

  11. danski0224 | Apr 12, 2006 02:00pm | #33

    That van will do the job, but it will get crappy mileage. Low double, or high single digits.

    A Dodge Sprinter can be had cab only, and you can get your own utility box for it. That roure will likely be more money than your van with a utility box.

    The Sprinter van is narrower than a domestic van, but the obligatory sheet of plywood will fit between the wheelwells, without shelving installed. Speaking of shelving, no one around here has the "contractor packages" on shelving like the Ford and Chevy products.

    The initial outlay for a Sprinter will be more money than your Chevy product, but over 10 years, it could cost you substantially less.

    Both gas and diesel will continue to climb. Prices will skyrocket if there is conflict in Iran. The point is the higer MPG Sprinter will only pay off if you do over 20K miles per year. The payoff is further out if diesel continues to cost more than gasoline. The unknown is biodiesel and whether or not (1) you can make your own and (2) whether or not the Sprinter can run it per manufacturer and retain a warranty.

    You need to figure out your estimated fuel cost per mile.

    I would use 10 MPG for your gasoline engined van. I would use 20 MPG for the Sprinter- utility box or not. I would use 16-18 MPG if you got your van with the Duramax diesel (I have heard that some with pickups are getting 20-22 MPG with the Dmax). I would estimate $3.00 per gallon of gas and $3.25 per gallon of diesel, with the understanding that those costs will be higher by the time the truck is paid for.

    Divide the fuel cost per gallon by the miles per gallon to get fuel cost per mile. This does not factor in depreciation. A diesel engined truck will always be worth more than the gasoline engined counterpart.

    How many miles do you drive? Do the math, multiply it out.

    Figure that the Sprinter gets 10k mile oil changes (more with the ASSYST option) and the Chevy does not. Unless they have been redesigned lately, the Chevy will eat front brakes- maybe 12k miles out of fronts on a 2500 or 3500 series truck fully loaded around town. What is that worth to you?

    Once you do the math, you will know which truck fits your business needs. 

    Basic (stripper with AC) 140" WB Sprinters (van, not cab and chassis) in stock at the dealer sell for around $25K here.  


    Edited 4/12/2006 7:05 am ET by danski0224



    Edited 4/12/2006 7:06 am ET by danski0224

    1. davidmeiland | Apr 12, 2006 04:31pm | #35

      "The unknown is biodiesel and whether or not (1) you can make your own and (2) whether or not the Sprinter can run it per manufacturer and retain a warranty."

      There was a write-up on Gary Gerber, the owner of Sun Light and Power in N. Cal, in JLC maybe 3-4 issues back. He picks up used cooking oil from restaurants and processes it himself to make fuel, and runs his fleet off of it. As far as I know, the only mod that might have to be made to a given engine is a change-out of fuel lines to SS. A friend of mine is big on biodiesel and is running it in his older wooden charter boat and his VW, which is a new 'Bug' TDI.

      1. dustinf | Apr 13, 2006 02:52am | #42

        http://www.vegpoweredsystems.com/

        It's the best system I have found.  I don't have one yet, but I have a 1983 Mercedes 240D waiting patiently for me to convert.If you have any poo, fling it now.

      2. danski0224 | Apr 13, 2006 01:34pm | #56

        Different types of diesel engines and injection systems are more tolerant of poor fuel quality and homebrew biodiesel or WVO than others.

        New VW TDI's with the PD engine are only "authorized" up to 5% biodiesel by the manufacturer. Yes, it will run on B100, but if it breaks, repairs are on you. They check the fuel.

        Hopefully, your buddy knows about http://www.tdiclub.com

        There are a few stories there about denied warranty claims and biodiesel fuel use. Plenty of other good info, too.

        1. davidmeiland | Apr 13, 2006 05:23pm | #57

          Patrick is using B100 in his charter boat and his car, as far as I know. He has never mentioned maintenance probs other than getting new fuel lines on the boat before starting with biodiesel.

          Are you saying that VW is NOT offering diesel models for '07? Funny, because they are promoting them on the radio here right this minute. Maybe they're trying to clear them out.

          1. danski0224 | Apr 14, 2006 02:29am | #61

            From what I understood, no VW diesels were going to be available for the 07 model year.

            As far as biodiesel fuel use in the VW TDI is concerned, the engine has factory approval to use up to a 5% biodiesel mix. That info is in the owners manual, and in a pamphlet at the service counter.

            I have used B20 in mine, and it runs just fine on that.

            However, IF there is a warranty repair, and the dealer finds out that an improper fuel was used, they ain't paying.

            I had the "rough cold start" TSB done on mine. All 4 injectors and glowplugs were replaced, plus a control module and an ECM reflash. Parts alone were almost $4k at the dealer, if I had to pay for it. Expensive stuff.

        2. Mooney | Apr 13, 2006 05:25pm | #58

          As I mentioned earliar Ive been a member of a trucking forum learning what I can. Ive read some news on this as well.

          Biodiesel  operations have been offered to the major trucking terminals that supply relay fuel for their trucks and their owner operators. Every single one has either been a no reply or nicely said no. They want nothing of it .

          The truckers think its over two reasons combined in one really. Their investment . Some of the bigger comapnies have 2000 trucks on the road they own and equal to O/Os leased with them. The numbers on that changes so its not the purpose of this post . Just to recognize we are talking about a truckers tools , pride , life , and his future . At no cost advantage and no proven record that a truck can still get a million miles using it I know they tell us but it isnt proven. The trucking industry would be the guennie pig. No thanks . They are the ones who stand to loose . A trucking company would immediately loose owner operators. The goverment studies would say damn , we screwed up and sorry to hear it .

          Until the trucking industry uses it,  it will never have the volume to work. Its talked about a lot but no investors that want to put it in their own truck. There are plenty that want to carpet bag the business and suck off it . So far the trucking industry has passed on the proposal.

          To put somthing in a mans 125000 dollar truck he doesnt want , you might as well have asked to use his wife.

          Tim

           

  12. michaels | Apr 13, 2006 04:59am | #47

    Here is my 2 cents.

    November of 2004 I was getting real tired of manhandeling my tools in and out of the pickup (94 chev w 150m+ miles) I had replaced the ladder rack in the spring and picked up 2 top mount side boxes. Still watched my compresser and mitre saw take a bath on the way home ( I listened to the weather that morning :).

    I have a freind who is the GM at a local GMC dealership. I stopped in to see him about replacing the pickup. I wanter a long bed and a extended cab. He told me that not to make any decision until he ha received a truck that might work well for me.

    I was a GMC Savannah Cutaway with a Supreme 12 Box just like you posted. I stickered out at 36+ I paid 30 including all tax and title. I also have a GM credit Card and received 2336.00 additional discount. The best part was  0% for 72 months.

    Gas mileage is between 9-11mpg depending on where and what I am doing.

    I am also a 1 man band remodeler that will handle whatever the customers requires.

    I have found this vehicle worth its weight in gold. I no longer worry about wet equipment or somebody borrowing my stuff. 

    I have run into other remodelers and a electrician that rave about their truck.

    I give it a 9.5  (gas mileage worth the .5 pt)

    Good luck on your decision.

    Mike Sullivan

     

     

     

    1. Mooney | Apr 13, 2006 05:42am | #51

      I must confess somthing;

      I have a maxed out credit of 3000 on my GM card  and they wont give me any more till I use it . So this truck would cost me 27000 out the door.

      I hope this helps others as well.

      I spent some time on the truckers forum that must think about costs when they are thinking about what they want to drive , but in this case , this truck is also an offensive move , not defensive over the mpg.

      Thanks .

      Tim

       

  13. User avater
    txlandlord | Apr 13, 2006 05:33pm | #59

    Well, I am not in the hands on stuff anymore, but it seems to be a great work truck. the only thing I would change is gas motor to diesel.

    I have my third Ford F350 diesel and love em for dependability, power, fuel milage, and longevity. I can fill up and drive to mom's house in Memphis Tennesse without stopping for refueling....did it....650 miles.  

    4 Ford deisels in our company history with a total of 980,000 miles driven to date.  

    I think Chevy has an Isuzu diesel with an Allison transmission. Seems like it would be a good combo.

    Looking in this work van catagory, check out the Dodge Sprinter, built by Mecedes with a Mercedes diesel.



    Edited 4/13/2006 10:41 am ET by txlandlord

    1. Mooney | Apr 13, 2006 06:21pm | #60

      Looking in this work van catagory, check out the Dodge Sprinter, built by Mecedes with a Mercedes diesel.

      Thats what weve been talking about.

      I linked the frieghtliner diesel which I was told was the same thing.

      Funny thing I did find;

      expetditers are talking about this every day in their forums .

      I want to say here that I read an uninfomed discussion as to price per mile some said they couldnt live on . Through 25 or so posts no one brought up demograpics. We would have settled it that way here !!! A man in Arkansas could live on it while the man in NY would starve keeping his family there . Simple .

      On the other hand they do figgure investment plus mpg to the 1/10th and multiply by total miles also evaluateing depreciation.  Price of fuel. All combined into a cost per mile known as their true cost of operation . We never talk about that . We did get some posts that were amazed at their truck expenses including fuel this year at tax time but it took them a year to find out the real dollars.

      Here deisel is 7 cents higher than gasoline . Availability is better for gas so its not necesary to haul the weight of it in abundance . Yesterday I found that the new GM engines have improved their mpg as well as their length of sevice. A gas engine off the line is expected now tio get 250,000 miles with the improvements that have been done . If we service an engine properly we should expect that number.

      According to the figgures expetiters have ran , the new gas engines have edged the diesels out according to their figgures , not mine. Remember that they get a healthy increase for a diesel engine to start with,..

      What they really have to correct is gasoline and their engines if we hope to get out of this .

      The expediters say that after figgurring all these things in comparison the vans with gasoline engines edge out the competition in the in the C class which is the 3/4 to 1 ton  vans.[no duals] Gas engine 3/4 tons are supposed to be getting 20 mpg over 250,000 miles running cheaper fuel at present. I dont have a clue if thats the truth but a pick up is geting 22 mpg. Times are changing . Of course we know the diesel has more power so if the power was being used it would have to be figgured. Whicjh brings up another point ;

      The new 600 hp class A engines arent doing to hot simply becuse most trucks are bought by fleets. It has been said that it only takes 300 hp to move 80,000 lbs over the flat lands of states like Arkansas , OK, and TX. So why buy it at an extra cost and spend more money in fuel to crusie those states interstates and toll roads? They have backed thier sppeds down to 62 mph even though they can get by with 75 through here. They are tracked through sattelite and are on the carpet if they go over it in some companies. Others are just set governors. It cost lots of money to go fast.

      I ran 100 miles yesterday and put their eqation to the test. I ran 1500 rpm in over drive and found the sweet spot where it pulls hills in the same gear with out lugging down. I was running empty with tools on board. Ive got 333 rears with a 350 engine. I tried it down to 1475 rpm and found no difference so I held it there most of the way but was never over 1500. The ground speed was 55 to 57 mph respectably. I gained 5mpg over the trip compared to 75mph regualr driving . It costs money to go fast. We could help to settle our own problem. Most of the four wheelers were set on cruise at 70 to 75 with the air on yesterday and it was a very nice day at 85 degrees. BTW , I could have put my tail gate down but didnt .

      Some may say it doesnt matter that much. Well maybe it doesnt but my figgures show that it would have saved you 52,000  dollars on your miles . If your savings were the exact as my test differnces. Which they were not Im sure , it was worse.

      Tim

      Tim

       

      1. User avater
        txlandlord | Apr 14, 2006 08:57am | #63

        Tim,

        Wow, I am not sure I have ever looked at anything so throughly. You seem to have done your due diligence. Time will tell, whatever you buy.

        My comments about diesel performance comes from 980,000 miles of personal experience, and another 400,000 if you include my trim carpenter.

        $3,500.00 - $4,500.00 more for a diesel, but it has come back to us in resale.

        We have a tractor, skid loader and are shopping for a dozer. We use some of the trucks for hauling this equipment. It would be interesting to do comparrison when hauling 7,000 to 17,000 lbs. The nice thing is that I can buy new, put 150,000 miles on a diesel and then use it for a work truck for another 150,000.

         My experience goes back 35 years, with 25 spent driving using gas engines.

        250,000 miles out of a gas motor is certainly attainable, but what is left. I got 340,000 out of a diesel and sold it for $7,000.00. The fellow that bought 5 years ago it is a hot shot driver pulling a 25' gooseneck. He lives around here and I have seen the truck on several occasions still running up the miles.  I had another F350 with 240,000 and got $7,000.00 when I traded....... from the dealership. One of my trim carpenters had over 400,000 on his before trading. His Ford was a 1982, and he traded in 1999. The Ford dealership gave him $4,000.00 trade-in.

        Cost per mile should include trade value.

        I think you should do what you feel is right and works best for you, but I am happy with my diesels.....maybe it is just the Texas influence on this Tennessee boy.  Just my two cents.

        Happy Easter.

        1. Mooney | Apr 14, 2006 02:11pm | #66

          Thanks for your post .

          Tim

           

        2. Mooney | Apr 14, 2006 02:40pm | #68

          "Cost per mile should include trade value."

          You are right on. I did that earliar if you read it .

          I didnt do it in your case to not cloud the point  I was trying to make .

          Now the point of this post is a big subject as you just pointed out earliar which was very imformative .

          Evidently there is a big demand for the sprinters. I thought they were high at first but after putting a calculator to it I dont believe they are if the correct use is there . 3500 dollars of too high easily surpasses a gas engine in this case if the mpg estimates are corrrect. 11 mpg for the featured truck in the post to 24 mpg off the sprinter. The comparison is easy with out going to numbers at a current price of fuel of a new price here of 2.70 per gallon for gasoline. Reports generated shows predictions of another high of 3.00 per gallon late spring. If we plug 3.00 pg into the numbers here its radical differences.

          Tim

           

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