Lets do it again. One more time guys and gals .
A tool trailer or a van and what type truck , van or trailer ?
I dont really want to hear what ya got. Requardless of what ya got , which do you think is the best.? Why? Lets grade it and geter done .
Its on guys .
Also depends on where ya live and work I understand . Buck cant do trailers and I can but Im thinking about crossing over . Although I can make a very strong argument for trailers that will most often beat a van/truck to death.
Heres my strongest argument for trailers . Before I start that Ill say they Ill never be with out my trailers . I have 5 trailers and no van is gonna take their place . Theres no way its gonna happen. Caint be done . No way no how . NOthing is as handy as an empty trailer or a trailer full of equipment dedicated you can unhook and go after material with a flat bed trailer . Go get the tool trailer and then go after the ladders and scaffolding , go get the material, go load the back hoe , lawn tractor , etc.
Tim
Replies
There is no right answer. To each his own. Everyone has their own style of working, planning, transporting, etc. Everyone has a type of job, working conditions, living conditions, etc., that they have to work with.
For me, my pickup truck with pullout toolbox drawers works great. I love it, and have no desire to change. I've been using the system professionally for over 20 years. I carry 90% of all the tools I need on a daily basis, don't worry about theft, and can still haul a regular load in my truck bed.
I tried the trailer thing, gave it away after about 6 months. Driving in high stress city traffic here, it just didn't work. First time someone cut in front of me, plowed into the car in front of them, causing me to hit them, and their passenger jumped out saying "my back, my back", I stopped liking the trailer. People were always cutting in front of me, because they don't like their view being blocked by a trailer. So they'd swerve in front of me, then slam on their brakes to make a turn. And guess what - pulling a trailer, my stopping time wasn't the same as theirs.
Then parking it - always a hassle, never enough room, stressed out angry drivers who don't like to wait one second, while I'm trying to park my full length pickup truck with trailer attached in a parking lot designed for Morris Minors. Even in my own driveway - I had to back the trailer in, disconnect it, then pull forward and back the truck in next to it. And put the lock on the hitch. Then next morning, pull the truck up, back up to the trailer, unlock the hitch lock, lift the trailer and drop it on the ball, connect the electrical, connect the safety chains, check the turn signals, double check the hitch connection...just a lot of extra hassle I'm glad I don't have to deal with anymore.
If I had the type of job I could park it, leave it, and not worry about theft, I'd be all for it. I have no problem driving with it - backing up, getting in and out of tight spots, etc, no problem. But its the other drivers who don't understand that trucks with trailers start slower, stop slower, and can't handle like a high performance sports car. And I have a variety of jobs, some large some small, often at the same time, seldom with any place to park and leave a trailer, and theft is a real issue in this town.
Sounds like you like trailers and are looking for confirmation your way is best. I say whatever works for each person is best for them.
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Edited 7/25/2009 1:45 am by Huck
For me and what I do (a lot of handyman type work), a van is the only way to go. I actually considered calling my business "The Rolling Toolbox" because that's what my van is to me. It's funny how often I'll be in my basement workshop and yet still need to go out to my van to get a tool.
Just to throw a little controversy into the thread... I think a lot of contractors prefer pickups simply because they're more "macho". I'm not talking about pickups with a yard of gravel in the bed, I'm talking about pickups that are used to commute to work and don't even have a scratch in the paint. That's sort of like having a luxury SUV with brush guards on the headlights. Like, what's the point?
IM thinking about selling my rentals out . Selling the home . In fact I guess IM doing it if it works.
Ill be moving to NW Arkansas intro the crowds . I would do handy man work there and repos .
Thinking about buying a truck like Bucks which is a van body special made. DanT had it before him .
Its a one ton with a 12 or 14 ft van body.
That van has tool bins along the side . YOu seen it ?
I need a lot of tools to do all the trades I do in the same day sometimes. I use a job trailer now .
Edited 7/25/2009 9:55 am by Mooney
A beer truck.
Can handle the weight
Roll up doors on the sides for easy access
and hey, beer
Like Don, I use a van (you should see his!), and equip myself with a lot of fold out portable stuff, like horses, saw tables, Little giant ladder, benches etc. Lots of shelving & hangers and compartmentalized bins & boxes slid out of the way. Most tools are in their own cases. When everything is in order (when is that?!) I have plenty of room for sheetgoods and 2x lumber. When it's longer than 10', I have a full roof rack. I pretty much carry a full workshop.
I do wish that I had gotten the extended van when I bought my truck. It would have afforded me another 2', but, I have to say that parking is easy with my truck.
Were talkin a normal size work van?
Certainly more room than a pickup. Not as much room as a tool trailer.
You seem satisfied.
You do a lot of switching at home ?
"You do a lot of switching at home ? "Oh sure, of the bigger tools. The hand tools and portable electrics all stay in their place though. If I know I'm going to need a lot of a specific fastener, I just load up on it. I have cupboard & shelf storage in the garage.
To each his own has merit for every one.
I cant do a small van [one I cant walk into] because of my double knee surgery.
I quit lifting heavy tools after my heart surgery and bought a trailer with ramps . I have about 6 dollies now . I dont shuffle tools back and forth near as much.
I got tired of doing all the switching . Come home with a list every day and be thinking all the time about what needs to come home . What do I have room for on the truck and the job? What will I need next all day tomorrow ? On and On.
Im not arguing with you at all. Ive done just that for some 30 years.
But as my work changed and my health did as well I had to make changes in the way I geter done every day. I had to. So I thought about the way Tims life is day to day.
With repos and rentals its a double edge sword. Im working away on a MOnday morning painting the interiror of a rental with the radio on espn . Generally having a great time sipping coffee thinking how great life really can be . All my renters have my cell phone number after I got a house flooded by a commode that was stopped up and got the lever hung in place at the same time . Anyway I get a call and I drop what IM doing to to go see . Im not equipped . NUmbers of things happen in my day that arent planned the day before . I didnt know I was gonna need those plumbing tools seems the biggest one . Leaks happen because they can . IN my business they are dangerous. I know most carps dont have to think about such.
I could take care of the air conditioner not working on the way home if I had the tools. I drive to one rental with out my tool truck and Im sorry I dont have old red . Seems every time .
On repos you get in what I call a mechanic in a motor . You dont know . I found termites yesterday while taking out entry doors and replacing them. I cant leave the job and leave the house open and besides theres a storm cloud brewing . I dont want to have to cover the door openings with plastic unless I have to do it . I went to the trailer and found the spray and the sprayer . I actually carry stuff like that because of ants and roaches. I dont hire any body to come out and spray. I flooded the foundation between the wall and the brick beofre I put the doors back. Sure I have to drill around the whole house but thats on board too. But not that day. I get the doors back on. Starts raining while Im working on the second door . So in the trailer is a roll of 1 mil plastic . I make a cover over the door and keep working with the rain falling over my back on the plastic. I got done and locked the doors and left .
Thats just a touch of what happens to me . Stuff I was never prepared for before.
Tim
A know a guy who uses his van to pull a trailer. The van's for tools, the trailer's for everything else.
Edit: I should add that, at work, our lead carpenter has a cube van. Not a bad method, really. He throws down a two-step for access.
Edited 7/25/2009 4:18 pm ET by Biff_Loman
Posted this before, more than once. Works for me, has for 20 years. Can't imagine any other way I'd rather go, at this point.
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I carry a corded and a cordless sawzall, 4 nail guns, router, 2 cordless screw guns, cordless impact driver, jigsaw, powder actuated gun, corded impact driver, drywall screw gun, corded and cordless circular saws, drywall texture gun for patches, various hand saws, various length levels, various size clamps, palm sander, belt sander, grinder, 5 boxes of various fasteners and misc,. a variety of wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers, chisels, drill bits, pry bars and flat bars, drywall mud pan and blades, etc.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUgY6Ky7tt4View Image bakersfieldremodel.com
I have always liked you setup Huck. Seems like a good fit for you.
I start throwin' in a northern climate and I can't pull it off.
Regional differences, and daily project scopes make these hard threads to digest.
I love the ideas forwarded, some we can steal from, some won't work, but I love these threads.
Man, I wish I took better pics through the years. I think I've tried them all.
I've settled in to a E-350 extended for the last couple of trucks. It aint perfect by any means, but it's profitable...
Time to retruck soon. I'm putting it off 'cause I know there's no good situ...Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City
Hell of a set up . Very nice . Just not for me . Im still envious of the amount of tools you have on the pick up.
On the other hand if the truck was dedicated [like it is ]and there was another truck Id be cool. Is there a front storage or is it lost er whats the deal? I cant really see whats going on , on top. Im assumming its weather proof , so how did ya do it.
If I had it , I could still pull trailers but Id have to use a small trailer for a pick up bed when I needed a bed I guess. Thats about the same deal as a van to me .
I dont get it really. Im the only guy that talks about a multitude of trailers . My wife says the next guy wont have that many trailers. Guys talk about tool trailers but that dont cut it fer nothin else in my book.
Where the h^ll is Buck? He has an impressive set up to me .
Tim
Ain't you heard?
Jeff BUCK got kicked out. Purty sure he's over here
http://thewoodshedtavern.com/viewforum.php?f=2
Hell of a set up . Very nice . Just not for me . Im still envious of the amount of tools you have on the pick up. On the other hand if the truck was dedicated [like it is ]and there was another truck Id be cool.
Yes, I have another truck, a small toyota pickup, but I seldom use it. This one serves most of my work needs.
Is there a front storage or is it lost er whats the deal?
Not sure what you mean by "front storage", but the boxes run the full length of the bed, and are fully accessible. Did you watch the video? You can see it on this page (5th one down), or you can watch it here. I thought it was self-explanatory, but maybe I need to re-do it, and spell things out a little more.
I cant really see whats going on , on top. Im assumming its weather proof , so how did ya do it.
I weatherproofed it with aluminum diamond plate on top, and the offset of the toolbox drawers at the ends. No water gets in the boxes.
If I had it , I could still pull trailers but Id have to use a small trailer for a pick up bed when I needed a bed I guess. Thats about the same deal as a van to me .
The bed still works for hauling. I carry sheetrock, wheelbarrow, bags of cement, scaffold, etc. etc. in the bed.
I dont get it really. Im the only guy that talks about a multitude of trailers . My wife says the next guy wont have that many trailers. Guys talk about tool trailers but that dont cut it fer nothin else in my book.
I think thats related directly to how much room you have, and how effectively you can condense your stuff. No room for multiple trailers means no multiple trailers. If you can keep everything you need in one trailer, again, no need for multiple trailers.
Where the h^ll is Buck? He has an impressive set up to me . I think he's over at quittintimeView Image bakersfieldremodel.com
Thanks Huck .
Thats true that trailers are limited to room for them. Also where you work as well. Ive always had to have a place to live or where the shop is had to have a yard so I could pull them in and circle the wagons .
I got a couple of buddies - now you know I'm lyin' - one has one like buck's, one has the unit one step thinner. Single vs. dual. I really like the slimmer one. I would pull the trigger if it made a little more business sence. I can't get away from the profit margin on a 2 or 3 year old off lease...I hate my truck - but it keeps makin' money.
For my area the bigger one like Jeff's would suck to get around in. My imaginary friend that has one does more rural/country work and loves it, but when I pull in a suburban/urban job for us He's always an hour late because he had to transfer his tools to a smaller truck. He admits it wouldn't work in my suburban workload....
The best I've seen as a compromise is like my heating guy that has a step down -If I won the lotto and turned this into a hobby I'd get one in a heartbeat.
Here's a link to the company;
http://www.supremecorp.com/supreme.php?page=product&body=service&product=12§ion=specs
I don't see the unit that my buddy has. It's the same style, just different dimensions. It's a 14' body on a e- 350 frame (single) and rediculously spec'ed out.Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City
14 is what I was lookin at as well. Lots of different options . But yea same deal.
They make diffetrent widths. Ive saw them on trader between a pick up truck carrying one to a 1 ton dually 16 ft deal.
Get any truck of course to go under it . I was thinking about getting one that would pull the back hoe or a light one for service work. Couldnt decide.
The wonderful thing about them is the signage . Its a rolling bill board.
Edited 7/25/2009 7:12 pm by Mooney
Master Commode Unstopper
Serving the lower continent for 35 years.
Sumthin like that .
I've had an extended van for years now and the only thing that'd beat it would be a tricked out box van you can stand up in but I really don't need the headroom for the few minutes I'm in there getting tools. I don't really need a shop on wheels...justa place t keep my tools organised. I built in some enclosed shelving with scraps I had around and put it over a wheel well taking up no floor space and it gives me a ton more storage than I ever expected.I considered a trailer alot but they are a hassle and just the thought of getting it stolen makes me cringe b/c I know I'd have every single tool I own in it.
Gas milage with a trailer can't be too swift either if you drive it around a lot.I love the convenience of a van and the extended van with proper shelving really goes a long way. http://picasaweb.google.com/andybuildz/TrickedMyTruckOut?feat=directlink I like keeping my tools and materials safe and dry. That goes a long way too.
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Andy,
I feel the same way about carrying a trailer with all my tools, I cringe at losing them all in one fell swoop. I've lost individual items on jobsites and from the truck over the years but never the whole group of them. I've spent the past decade working in NYC and now DC so theft is usually more on my mind than some of the other folks here I suppose.
I use a pickup truck with a cross-bed toolbox , the chopsaw and portable tablesaw get moved in and out of truck each day unless it is a secure jobsite(often is) where they can get chained to something or put in a hidden/inaccessible area. Folding sawhorses, chopsaw stands, etc.. can sit in the back of the truck....the aggravation of moving them outweighs their value if they get lost. I feel like I'd have too many tools in a van and again be in a situation of too great loss if the van got lifted, between my gangbox, truck, shop, and other jobsites at least my stuff is scattered.
I quit worrying about losing my tools and bought insurance . Letum steal it and I have a list Ill buy them new again. Go ahead . Make my day.
See my post to Jer . Looks like Im gonna post the same thing anyway. I feel it .
Thanks for responding .
Tim
Huck--I have much the same set up with a few differences. First the truck is a 4X4 with a minor (2") lift. Then I have side tool boxes that fit under the rack on both sides. (I've posted pics before).
I weld so I made the rack to fit the boxes--they are 92" front to rear. Attached to the boxes toward the bottom on the inside are lengths of 1 1/4 angle. Sitting on those are "bows" of 1"X2" steel. Over those bows I have used 3/4" plywood.
The bed is full of tools but instead of those multiple narrow boxes I welded up a frame of 1X1/8 steel. Another sheet of 3/4" forms a floor. Tools, fasteners, etc go onto the pull out--many 5 gal mud buckets all with contents stenciled on the side. Also a hooked bar the started life as some conduit and I welded a hook on the end to grab the bucket handles or push them around.
The frame that goes over the fender wells has what amounts to a full length shelf with lips. I can put the hook rod, gypboard cardboard shims, whatever. I usually have a double miter saw, rip saw, boxed Skilsaw, compressor, hoses, extension cords, and in the side boxes are fully removeable tool boxes. One with a large assortment of tools, sockets, etc., another for trim work, stain, glue, filler, specialty hand saws, chisels, etc.
Part of the same side carries my pouches if curled up tight enough, caulk and caulking guns. Other side (passenger side) is relatively new so I just use it as a catch all that used to be in the cab (we are talking about a '73 Chev 3/4 ton that I've had 3 engines in so far--I've replace doors 3 times, hood once, front fenders once and have a custom welded front bumper with electric Warn winch. Rear bumpter is also custom welded. Both have receivers in them so I can pull or push a trailer. Usually I pull a short bed Chevy trailer with custom rack to use as a dumpster. But I stash a C60 Stakebed with 16' steel bed if the job is big enough.
My welded slideout moves because the bed has a plastic liner that I keep sprayed with ArmorAll. If the rear end is up hill at all it is difficult to pull the slide out. I often just open the tailgate and use it like a bench but then when the rain starts (just enough to screw things up) I start dreaming up a telescoping cover that would attach to the rack. I have been considering a sheet of diamond plate aluminum that would replace the 3/4" plywood. I can carry any 4Xstock between the side tool boxes (about 16" high then the rack) and usually buy a few long 2X4's if the gypboard is 10 or 12 feet long.
I have been welding up some SS bows and sockets that will go over the whole rack from side box to side box. I have a piece of conveyer belt (white heavy fabric) that was used to move plywood at a factory. With nylon 1" straps, buckles and loops on the tool boxes I could probably ward off some of those heavy Colorado snows we get instead of shoveling between the boxes. (the tools are locked and protected like yours)
I've considered a light bulb in the side boxes for warmth so the cold doesn't mess up my caulking, nail filler and glue. Could even put some latex paint in there.
This newer Ford with an extended cab hasn't worked out. Way too long for the way they divide up parking lots these days--and at a lumberyard no less! Yeah, I'll ge getting my 4X8 plywood, drywall, peg board, etc in my Geo Metro. At least all the lumber can go up top on the rack--yeah I put a red flag on the end! Now if I just had enough room to back out.
Only thing that kept me from a trailer was no room--plus I already have a 26' TT in my drive. BTW the TT has brakes activated from my truck plus a disconnect switch that also activates the brakes using the onboard batteries in case it becomes disconnected. (State Pest Patrol stops you around here and checks the specific gravity in you trailer battery)
I better go check to see if the birthday wish I made came true--air in my old faithful or a million bucks. ThorThings are not always what they seem; the first appearance deceives many; the intelligence of a few perceives what has been carefully hidden.... Roman Poet Phaedrus 15BC–50AD
THor, I gotta admit I only made it to the fifth paragraph then I spaced out.Do you have any pictures?DC
I agree pics are worth 1000 words. I posted them quite a while ago. I'll see if archives has them or my old computer. ThorThings are not always what they seem; the first appearance deceives many; the intelligence of a few perceives what has been carefully hidden.... Roman Poet Phaedrus 15BC–50AD
I agree with Huck.
Depends on what you do.
I am a GC and I would need a long step van to support what I carry to the jobs, so for me, a trailer works best.
I can leave it for my guys when I am off checking other jobs, and I still have my pickup truck which does double duty as a kid carrier, small project dumpster, misc materials handler, and sofa mover. (for my better half) (oh, and I can count, I know that is more than double duty, that is why I have a super duty!)
It works for me, and I plan on keeping this system. I continue to refine the system as my needs change and someday I will drive a cane or a walker, but I got lots to do before then. My trailer will continue to follow me around.
You know, I have been reading this and what occurred to me is how inept auto manufacturers are at producing what people need. Why should it be such a question?
P/U Trucks are great for tossing stuff in the back....anything...tools, lumber, dirt, bricks, mexicans, etc. but at some point you probably will want to add a topper and/or a rack. However, trucks are very easy to find in 4x4, have a lot of interior comfort options, and in general get better MPG.
Vans are like trucks with non-removable toppers and a side door. You can toss in lumber and tools but it's still awkward because of their poorly proportioned size and shape. At some point you will probably want to invest in shelves and a ladder rack (what I have). But they are nearly impossible to find in 4x4, have less comfort, and get generally worse MPG.
Trailers are decently proportioned although usually still a bit short and much space is wasted to create a walkway. They are easy enough to put tools and lumber in but are a PIA to transport in the city or maneuver up and down long winding rural driveways. They are easy and cheap to maintenance and once dropped you get normal MPG back.
Box vans sort combine a trailer with a truck. Unfortunately when combined you get all the pros and cons of each. Forget about options and MPG.
The service body vehicles are sweet for tool storage but at a $30k extra premium. I have never used one to know how they handle lumber and sheet goods, I assume well enough. I also assume they have the same options as vans but they are still quite limited.
Now, why couldn't auto manufacturers figure out anything better and keep it affordable? Sprinter vans seem to come close but still limited and not quite affordable enough.
I am thinking of a contractor vehicle that is essentially a flat bed p/u truck that has removable modules. You could have a tool module that is similar to the service body and allows you to access supplies from the outsides. If you need to make a lumber run, you could just tilt the bed and drop the module then just use the flat bed or flip up some sides to get a load of stone. Additionally it should be 4x4 and have "on demand" V8 so the MPG would be exactly what is required and you could use all of the V8 at 15mpg to haul your stuff then drop it all and cruise back and forth to the job in 4 cyl. mode at 40mpg.
Will never happen though.
DC
That was a well thought out post . Thanks.
Tim
Well I think about it a little differently.
I cant justify a new one ton with special body attached either . But they are out there used. They dont have a high resale. The biggest problem I see is where they are sitting . All over the US. Not in a podunk town in Arkansas . They are city trucks pros use there .
So I guess Im wondering , are all of your work days planned down to the material and the tool? What does a man working for the public on small jobs do? What does a handYman type do? What do some of you do that have several jobs going on?
i do small commercial and residential jobs right in the heart of the city most of the time. For commercial I am often supplying a very small crew with tools, on commercial jobs this means a rubber cart(like you'd see at a hospital or cafeteria) to roll around with supplies on it or we roll a Greenlee gangbox out and onto the site. I spend an unnecessary amount of time the night before(or that morning often..) loading the truck with tools from my storage. If I had more space and money I'd have multiple gangboxes and have them at different jobs.For residential I waste even more time as the gangbox won't fit on the job, I'll load up milk crates and/or a large rubbermaid plastic container and again try to come up with the perfect combination of tools.I've found a pickup works best for me as I occasionally need the space in order to pickup finished millwork from a shop I'm installing for, or picking up trim, or loading the gangboxes in. A box truck is what some of my competition uses but they present such a parking challenge they don't appeal to me.