Utility Truck and Trailer ?’s
Hey guys
I currently have a 16′ trailer and a 2000 Chevy Z71 PU. But I am planning to upgrade to a utility truck. I was wondering if anybody else uses this system. I want to carry most of my hand tools and hand power tools in the truck. And use the trailer for compressors, ladders, shovels, wheelbarrows ect. I do the occasional custom home but tons of remodeling. I used to have a utility truck and loved having all my stuff with me the trailer is alright but I hate to pull it home every night. The next problem. We are currently building a home for ourselves my gf and I. So I need some of my tools at night . I did a search and was just wondering if I could get some more info and maybe a few pics. I also thought about the utilimaster but I am unsure. My last utility was a 8′ with flip tops great for storing hand tools and fasteners. Well I appreciate the info guys thanks a ton.
Aaron Gillison
Replies
I am employee that reuns a crew.
my company truck is a 2002 f350 utility bed tha is enclosed. truck in picture is same bed I have just an older truck. I have a four door "crew cab" version of truck.
On the back of that I tow an 8 x 16 trailer. Truck has enough tools for me to function as a carpenter if no one is with me. Trailer hauls all "crew" tools and fasteners for the job at hand.
I would have no other system. When me and the crew split for the day or week all tools are where they need to be.
being organized is the key.
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The bad news is you've done exactly the right things to be exactly where you are today.
"IdahoDon 1/31/07"
I work out of a utility body and trailer and find it works very well. Nailers, saws, and most small hand tools stay on the truck. Trailer carries the big stuff, compressors, generator, picks, mitersaws and stands, table saw, hoses/cords, etc. I've got racks on both the truck and the trailer and find that to be very nice. Extension ladders and wall jacks go on the truck and picks, pump poles, staging planks, etc go on the trailer.
I'll try to get some better picks of the insides tomorrow for you. I should have some anyway as people ask to see them from time to time.
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Hey that would be great man. I like your setup very clean. Have you ever seen the flip tops just wondered if your a utility truck guy you may really like them. Can't wait for the pics buddy.
Aaron
My last truck had a Stahl body with flip tops and I didn't like them much at all. Also made it difficult to get a decent set of racks. That body is a Reading without flip tops and I like it much better. Having owned both, I'd have to say that the Reading is a nicer body than the Stahl by a long shot. One of my guys has a Knapeheide and it's a close second to the Reading, but it uses exposed piano hinges on the boxes that tend to rust out prematurely.View Image
Thats cool I was just wondering. So how do you store your smaller hand tools and screws and small stuff. I can't wait for those pics.
I forgot to take my camera to work with me again.... my bad dude. I already packed it for tomorrow though.
Most of the utility boxes have shelves with dividers... that's where I store most smaller handtools like screwdrivers, wrenches, and what-not. As far as small quantities (5lbs or so) of screws or nails, most are stored in plastic snap lid containers on the shelves in the utility boxes.View Image
No worrys bud if I can make it this long I can make it one more day. Pics would be great when I had my utility I wished they had given me more shelves. I use the $9.99 plastic boxes with lids from the big box too. I was just wondering about you alot of people talk about stuff that I could never apply to my operation but you seem like yourself and I have the same style of set up and I look forward to catching a few pointers from you. Do you carry your brake in your trailer all the time. I haven't been latley but have used it so much latley I was thinking about carrying it all the time. Oh well take care dude. I was just wondering.
Don't have a brake.... don't do vinyl siding or have a call for one otherwise. I'm a framer.
Don't go getting too excited about seeing my set up now.... it's really nothing special, just a bunch of tools. A few racks, a few cabinets, etc but I'm not getting any awards for it anytime soon.
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Edited 8/27/2007 9:38 pm ET by dieselpig
Yeah I was unsure if you would have one we do everything here from top to bottom and from inside to outside. I use my brake for siding and flashing alot. Well I guess then I may try hauling it with me for a while in the trailer. Thanks anyways.
there must be a pic of that truck someplace...
but not here...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
At first I thought you said you worked out of a truck but after rereading your post I see you said a utility box and trailer. Just wanted to tell you that is not a truck its a FORD,just kidding, it is a nice setup.
Hilarious.View Image
z
Isn't the Z71 a half-ton PU?
If so, you're making a smart move by looking a the 3/4 tons.
My tile guy has put 3 trannys in his 1/2 ton GMC in the last 2 years pulling a 7x12.
When I was shopping enclosed trailers, he convinced me to downsize to a 5x8 since we basically have the same trucks.
So far, very glad I listened.
I wouldn't even consider pulling a 16 footer without 6 wheels ahead of it. MHO.
Yeah the Z71 is a heavy half tonso I guess like a 5/8 ton. HAHAHAH No really I haven't had any problems I have a tow package and it pulls really well. BUt I don't pull it every day only here or there thats why I want another utility bed.
Thanks
Aaron
I've had straight pickup, pickup w/ cap, van and now a utility bed on a dually....
stayed with one since '85... no regrets...
you know what brand ya want???
regular or deep boxes???
bed length and width???
cab to axel ratio???
the amount of tools I have will make you raise yur eyebrows...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Well lets see some pics sounds great. Probably an 8' I think it will probably be a 3/4 ton GMC. I will go with the 12" depth. With flip tops. I am probably going to get fiberglass maybe. It is either going to be all white and chromed out or that burnt orange chevy has and all chromed out. I was leaning towards a steel bed but my woman thinks the fiberglass was a lot better looking. So I said all that to say all advice is welcome and pics would be great.
my experience with the fiberglass ones are they are fragile and not easialy repairable...
security is another issue..
flip a coin for Knaphide or Reading box...
a full size vs the flip top is a better way to go if you want to have the stuff on the truck for trades cross over...
DP's is set up to do one one thing.. support his framing... his system meets the need..
I have the 21"deep boxes and I cover everthing but painting... there is stuff to do painting with if someone else was so inclined... but not me...
inside the boxes is/are...
TS, (4000T w/ stand) WS, (MK Pro 101) DW texture hopper, DW tools w/ banjo, pole sander, DW finish sander, 10" SCMS, SM tools, torch, full line of plumbing, Rigid 700, full line of electrical, 4 flex bits, tile, HVAC, CC, Enterpac, 7G compressor, 500' 3/8 flexeel, a bunch of extension cords, air tools, (framing & trim) mechanic tools, demo tools, tarps, multieverythingmaster, full slugbuster KO set, 11ea 18v tools, 3 routers, 2 trim routers, 2 cir saws, 2 sawzalls, 2 impacts, CC surfacer / grinder / dresser, CC saw, 6 assorted drills, RA Holehawg, 2 planers, belt sander, 2 ROS's, 2 pad sanders, plate jointer, Kreg jig, heat gun, 2-40T jacks, 2-20T jacks, tracers, analyziers, L-ion tools, 4 RA grinders, 9" grinder, asst'd brooms, shovel, pick. axe, Johnson bar, floor scraper, spud bar, trowels -flat, finishing, and notched of just about every size and flavor, 60" Darby, transit, layout level, water level, laser, lamber set, EZ guide, hand tools out the wazoo, and all the bits, blades, paper, wide range of hardware, batteries /chargers and all the accessories for most everything to be reduntently reduntent...
1 to 3 dogs and their grub...
I'm sure there's stuff on that truck still not covered here as in the everyday stuff... but you get the idea...
not to mention fishing gear for 3 and deep mountain survival gear for 2 for 2 weeks, LT, SatCom/GPS, 2 way radio and several books...
as reguired... scaffolding... that's an on again off again thing...
you sure you want to get into the trailer????Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
So do you have alot of storage ideas? I am really looking forward to seeing your truck pics also.
you can ask G80104 or Heck what is on the truck...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
be easier to list what isn't on that truck...
true...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I'm late to the party, but another vote for the Reading bed. I've had them and Stahls and the Reading wins. Don't know about Knapheide (sp?).
If I want something out of your fiberglass boxes, I can get 'em open in about a minute.
The utility bed adds quite a bit of weight to the truck, so I'd get a 2500/250 min if you're gonna tow. I've got about the same truck as you do and I tow a lot of weight short distances, but the truck itself is not loaded down. Had to get a tranny rebuild at about 175K.
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