Howdy folks…
I recently got a new Blazer, maybe the third SUV I’ve owned. Like it fine, but as I’m starting to get serious about going pro, it’s becoming more and more apparent that it just ain’t big enough for many things I’m doing. Any suggestions on things like a smallish trailer (are they a headache?) used cargo van? There was a place nearby (CT) that I’m trying to track down that sold all the used SBC (phone co) trucks at reasonable prices. I’m sort of decided against a PU, too afraid of stuff being swiped or inclement weather…
What do you more experienced guys find works well?
Edited 8/19/2004 5:19 pm ET by PaulB
Replies
I've had both a pick-up and a van, and both have there advantages.
But for keeping tools and materials dry and secure, a van works best. My current work vehicle is a '98 GMC Savana 3500 van, and, except for so-so gas mileage and a lousy dealer ( but that's another story ), I've been happy with it.
This could be interesting . . .
IIRC, Vans, then big p/u, then trailers, then Cube vans went the last go round at this.
We'll likely need bagels . . .
Before you start feeling remorse I would suggest taking a look at what you are carrying and how you are carrying it. Changing vehicles(especially newer ones w/ loans) can be expensive and often unnecessary. If you've removed the rear seat maybe it'd pay off to install some sliding drawers along the cargo floor area so you can pull out tools and boxes as you need them. Another good idea is some hooks along windows for hanging brushes, rollers, etc. if you often use those. There are many roof rack options depending on the length of lumber you are carrying, I've seen some with a sliding attatchment that extends over your windshield/hood area when you have large items and slides back to regular position when you don't. This could be accomplished by bolting a locking drawer slide and wooden frame to a standard roof rack as well. Pulling a small trailer works well also, I know quite a few members here do that. Personally I'd rather use a well equipped SUV with everything in secure places than a cargo van, not a fan of the van's looks, driveability, size, or noise(all the rattling when it's loaded up). If reaching the roof is a hassle keep a small step ladder in the back of the cargo area or bolted on the roof rack within easy reach.
-Ray
Interesting idea, I never thought about the idea of something on the roof. I have factory roof racks but they are totally useless, They're smaller than 4x8 so a sheet of plywood covers the rails and makes it impossible to secure to them. I'll have to see if there's something aftermarket that seems appropriate.
Thule makes load bars that will connect directly to your factory installed roof rack. The load bars start at 50 inches wide. The load capacity will be dictated by your rack's load capacity.
I recently was looking at a pickup truck. After working the numbers (gas, payment, insurance), it just wasn't justifiable for me. I ended buying a roof rack system (basically a bike carrier without the bike trays). It's been great.
http://www.thule.com
How bad do the roads get in winter in CT? Vans can be hard to handle in snow and on ice (so can pickups, unless four wheel drive). Other than that, I think a van is fine.
paul.
In the past I've worked out of a PU, a jeep cherokee, and for the last 3 vehicles, full size vans. Out of all three, the vans seem to me to offer the best in security and storage. I think you might want to clue us in on the type of work you do and that may help ferret out your best answers. If you and the suv can handle it, I would think at this time a good sized, well thought out trailer would be your best bet if you need more room than the suv w/o seat could provide.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Paul, it depends on what kind of work you do. I live in Ct. you're probably talking about the Quinipiac commission auction for used equipment. Lets keep that a secret- there's too many bidders the way it is.
For years I worked out of a pick-up. many times it was 3 or 4 trips to get my tools to the job plus materials then the move home again. Every morning trying to anticipate what I would need that day. If I needed a tool I did'nt bring, my policy was whatever is closer, a tool supply house or my house.
A rainy day used to shut me down. Most of my jobs are 3 weeks or more. I finally bought a trailor and equipped it with everything from hardware to a porta-crapper. Best investment I ever made (not just the porta-pot).
Now I park it in front of the job and drive my empty pick-up to work. No more forgetting tools at home and I have EVERTHING I need for any worst case scenario. The money I made being able to work in wet weather has paid for the trailor easily.
I'm beginning to think I don't need the pick-up any more.
Mav,
How do you secure your trailer ?
"Criticism without instruction is little more than abuse." D.Sweet
I use a door brace on the inside of the rear door, y'know a few of brackets and a 2x4. Then I put a stainless steel deadbolt on the side door. Those things and the regular padlocks are enough deterrant for the casual thief
Inside I have a Knaack box bolted through the floor. To get at one of the padlocks the side door has to be open.
Also I have a coupling lock for the hitch. They're available for about $35.
My alarm guy has sketched out an alarm system that runs off a power inverter and a deep cycle marine battery. I have'nt done it yet though.
Most of the crap in the trailor is just that (other than the tools in the knaack). Most things are not worth stealing. half empty boxs of nails, rags, hardware, caulks, tapes, plumbing and elec.supplys, hoses&cords, moving blankets, buckets of compound and primer, some painting supplys, cleaners.... you get the picture. A lot of stuff that just make my job easier and you would'nt carry on the truck
Thank you.
Very good info.
: )
"Criticism without instruction is little more than abuse." D.Sweet
PaulB,
Why rule out the pickup. A pickup with just an empty bed is pretty useless for hauling tools. Think about a pickup with a topper on it. A topper with what I call contractor windows ( the side windows that open up). With that you now are pretty much on par with a van. I have an ext cab pickup with a topper with the contractor windows. Built a pull out tray the size of the bed that sits on rollers just above the wheel wells. Load most of my tools on top of the tray, leaving room underneath for flat stock and lumber. Built a couple other racks and shelves on the inside for storing brooms, shovels, and more tools. I can pretty much get to anything I need by either opening up the back or one of the side windows. I dont have to climb in at all, just reach in. In the back of the cab ( the ext. cab part) I keep all the business related stuff (plans, papers, laptop, etc.), change of clothes, and anything that needs to be treated a little more delicate (laser level, levels).
So what I like about my setup is that I dont have to climp in to get anything ( you still have to climb into a van), and Ive got dedicated space separate from the construction part for the more sensitive things (papers, computers, people, dogs).
Just my blurb. But if economically you should keep the s.u.v., I would look into getting a trailer. You could get something like a 6x10 open trailer and put/ build boxes on the front and sides for tools, leaving the middle open for material and trash. Dont know if my words describe what Im thinking.....
m2akita
Every few months this comes up. Man it so depends on what you do and what you're hauling. I see specialty trades get by with the same vehicle for years. Plumbers, electricians, carpet installers - they stick to one task and the tools fit in one truck. Or van. Or box, but personally I hate the "Used to be Old Home Bakery" look. But I can't settle myself. I started with a truck. Then I got a bigger truck, with a crew cab and a long box. I still can't carry half of what I need. A used school bus is out, so I'm probably within a few days of owning a trailer. Just haven't decided how long is just enough. Leaning on an 8x18.
"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain
Im partial to my step van w/ potty. If you go with a pick up, absolutely, positively get the long box unlike 90% of the knuckleheads I see at the lumberyard.
FWIW, I agree. I got a 350 with a crew cab and a long box. Still isn't enough room. And Mav, I got the 8x18 tandem today, and I'll get them 16 footers. Got a ramp door too. I'll never lift the big compressor again. Just roll away. Man, that makes me happier than anything."If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain
People ask me how I ever got anything done when I worked out of a pick-up. The simple answer is I just get a lot more done now.
sweet rig, nice house too! i just bought 2 6x10 trailers for habitat affiliate and would love to see some pics of how you set up the inside.
shuff
My trailor is 7x18, 6"4" inside height. 7000# GVW.
You can't put 16 footers in a 16 foot trailor (not length wise)
I strapped a table to the top of my daughter's Explorer the other day for the 180 mile trip to college. She thought it was cool - we've owned that ride for three years and she's never had anything on the roof rack. I haul 2 x 10's and extension ladders on my Expedition all the time. I warned her to look for the wind noise. The first time you hear it, you think you've got a wheel bearing going out.
She thought it was cool driving around with something on top, she mentioned that now she wanted to get some snow skis or even a surf board to ride around with !
Greg
I'd probably go trailer.
The cost of trading the SUV...especially if you are just starting out... is probably not a good idea.
The type and size of trailer is dependant upon what you are doing with it. 14' will carry most materials. If needbe... put a rack on the trailer.
I had a blazer at one time (before getting back into biz) and I couldn't find any racks that would carry a 4x8 ... the structure of the blazer just wasn't enough to handle it. things may have changed since then... but i wouldn't count on it.
FWIW... buy used. Good used... but used. It's tempting to buy that shiny trailer with the chrome wheels... but it does nothing for you. If the structure of the trailer is good... it's amazing what a 99.95 paint job and a good vinyl graphic can do for a trailer that will be sitting in the mud and crud on a job site!
Good advice one and all, thank you! I haven't gotten far enough to really get a fix on what type of work I'll be doing, but my preference is medium sized jobs that I can do largely on my own in two weeks or less. The job I'm finishing up now, I had so many tools there that I had to bring em back in stages, my Blazer just wouldn't carry em all at once. I'll start prowling the Ebay etc used sites and see what seems a good fit.
BTW... to my fellow CTer, I was thinking of a place I passed a long while back, was in the Prospect area, hugeeee lot with nothing but SNET trucks. Think the name was Northeast truck sales or something like that...
Best to all,
Paul
The Quinipiac Commission Auction is held about every 6 weeks. You can buy anything from snowblowers to excavators and all the old NU and SNET equipment.
When I bought my new John Deere I sent my old Allis Chalmers down there to see what it would bring. I did OK.
Its on route 68 in prospect. Sorry I dont have more info for you. I just threw out the flyer days ago. If I get a new flyer soon I'll pass it on.
Thanks!
I'd love to go and check it out!
Paul
Don't feel bad you could be the guy driving this ride, Pulling a-lot of Pork !