"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
12/16/2018 at 17:00 • Filed to: None
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"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
12/16/2018 at 17:00 • Filed to: None | 1
| 26 |
If a certain Miata-loving opponaut was to consider starting up another service- based business, he’d probably want to start off with a compact Ranger-sized pickup, and a n 8ft bed. Lower the better. What options are there?
Vans are out, at least for a first vehicle. I have no qualms about buying new or CPO, but nobody makes a truck that even comes close to what I want anymore. Vintage trucks aren’t my thing either, especially for something like this.
Quick Google-fu says there wasn’t a longbed Ranger, and my knowledge on Toyota trucks is limited. Best option might be a 2000's Tundra with a lowering kit of some kind..?
Standard Ranger would be fine.... But I’d like to offer more services right out of the gate than my first business, which means a bigger bed!
Service body truck would be ideal, but I can’t afford to drop that much initially.
Tl:dr
I miss working outside. I miss knowing that every bit of work I put into something represents a solid return. I miss the earning potential that could see me in a house sooner rather than later. And with everything I’ve learned at my last job, I’m a million times better prepared to start a business than I was initially . So, I need a work rig!
Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
> AestheticsInMotion
12/16/2018 at 17:09 |
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Consider a T100 longbed, 2.7L. Quite low to the ground in RWD form. It has a true 8' bed, the Ranger has only 7' in longbed form, making it even shorter than mine (7.5').
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Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
> Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
12/16/2018 at 17:10 |
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xc90v8/I4 :(
> AestheticsInMotion
12/16/2018 at 17:11 |
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Is a Ram Promaster (or similar or smaller) really more expensive than a pickup?
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AestheticsInMotion
> xc90v8/I4 :(
12/16/2018 at 17:16 |
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It’s got nothing to do with the purchase cost . I’ve got a very specific way I want my vehicle setup, and a pickup would allow me to do it perfectly, whereas a van would cost me a lot in terms of job site efficiency.
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Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
> AestheticsInMotion
12/16/2018 at 17:16 |
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More:
I like the Rangers, but they’re so crazy here that a longbed Tundra would probably be a better value. Available with the 3.4 or 4.7, RWD or 4x4. And that’s a true 8' bed. They are notably higher than T100 or Ranger if all are RWD. But certainly not unmanageable. Wider bed might be worth it, too.
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AestheticsInMotion
> Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
12/16/2018 at 17:16 |
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Nice. I knew I could count on you.
Didn't even know there was a 7' bed offering for the Ranger. Now I have two things to look for
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Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
> AestheticsInMotion
12/16/2018 at 17:19 |
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Advantages to the Ranger: certainly easier to park and does the job. The problem is you really want to avoid high mileage ones. Automatic transmissions on those were good but not great. Slipping likes to occur around 20 0k miles if it’s not been properly maintained. Swapping out a low mileage transmission usually is $1,700. Not bad.
SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media
> AestheticsInMotion
12/16/2018 at 17:26 |
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Hino 155 cab over, Isuzu NPR diesel 109" or similar.
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AestheticsInMotion
> Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
12/16/2018 at 17:28 |
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I had two m anual ones and if possible would like to avoid the auto. Looks like the longish bed was only offered with an extended cab
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AestheticsInMotion
> Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
12/16/2018 at 17:29 |
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I think I need to check out a T undra in person. Hoping to put this all together in March
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Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
> AestheticsInMotion
12/16/2018 at 17:30 |
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Im pretty sure they stopped making the single cab after 0-... something. Last year of the single cab Tundra I think is '05?
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Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
> AestheticsInMotion
12/16/2018 at 17:32 |
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I really dig them. I still feel the T100 is the best sized pickup but prices are laughable when optioned, they’re the predecessor to the T undra , and they don’t get that lovely V8.
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xc90v8/I4 :(
> AestheticsInMotion
12/16/2018 at 17:37 |
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Could you explain that for me? Round here people build in shelfes and drawers and all sorts of stuff into their vans, so they work for whatever they need. So what can you do in a pickup that you can’t with a van?
Genuinly interested because that’s such a difference between the US and Europe
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AestheticsInMotion
> xc90v8/I4 :(
12/16/2018 at 17:49 |
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One of these days I’ll do a full post on vehicle layouts. I love this kind of thing.
For what it’s worth, I’ve done the van thing plenty of times and built in shelving, slide out drawers, pole holders on top, hoses through the body panels, e tc.
The biggest draw for a small and low pickup is accessibility and visibility. Every single peice of equipment has a specific spot (as with a good van layout), but unlike a van, I can grab it from either side of the bed, as well as the tailgate area. It’s also much easier to make sure all the gear is back where it should be after a job, which is a huge issue for new hires, and even some more experienced employees. Being able to see everything in the bed from 20ft away as apposed to having to go up and open the door is important when there are multiple people grabbing gear. Visibility while driving and parking is also obviously a lot better, and seeing as I’m not super comfortable driving through downtown areas, I REALLY appreciate how easy it is to see all around me when I'm trying to parallel park in Seattle during rush hour . Another big one is pressure washing specific. You can mount hose reels on the sides of a pickup bed and have them easily accessible, whearas with most vans they’d block a huge section if mounted behind sliding side doors, or in the back. Oh and I prefer the greater variety of ladder racks available for pickups.
The main thing is that I save a small amount of time when grabbing gear and putting it back with my truck setup, vs a comparable van setup. Over ten s of thousands of jobs, that adds up!
CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
> AestheticsInMotion
12/16/2018 at 17:50 |
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Dodge...D100?
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/1985-dodge-d100/6762915145.html
You'd love it... Not to sound like a broken record. But parts are so cheap and it is easy to work on.
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AestheticsInMotion
> CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
12/16/2018 at 17:56 |
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If I wrapped that in company graphics I’d probably get a lot of very good attention.. . Prevailing marketing logic says get a white vehicle, and c over with vinyl lettering, b ut the second best option seems to be a color/make/model that s stands out.
Vehicles made before the 90's scare me in terms of reliability though. Maybe it's crazy, but I just feel like I'd be fixing things constantly
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AestheticsInMotion
> Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
12/16/2018 at 17:59 |
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Any thoughts on comparable S10's?
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Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
> AestheticsInMotion
12/16/2018 at 18:03 |
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I drove an ‘01 single-cab Sonoma for my college job back in the day. I'm not a GM guy so I can't give you an unbiased take. I will say it was "fine" and also could be had with a 7' bed.
Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks
> AestheticsInMotion
12/16/2018 at 18:03 |
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Depends on the vehicle. 80's and 90's Dodge trucks can be extremely reliable and limited pretty much to 100k-mile maintenance. But generally speaking, these days, all you’ll find is abused ones.
If you don’t mind the risk of needing a complete drivetrain overhaul before putting it into service though? Chrysler has been making engines based on the LA block continuously since the 1940's for a reason. The biggest risk is in the early OBD-II era stuff. (Trucks didn’t get SBEC until it was VERY reliable.)
If you go with a carb’d 318 or 360 though? Do your oil changes, change the transmission fluid on the TF727/A904, sometimes a fan clutch , and a water pump every 90-110k.
dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
> AestheticsInMotion
12/16/2018 at 18:13 |
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For around $7k you could buy my grandparents 4.0L RWD Ranger with 52k miles, rust free
TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
> AestheticsInMotion
12/16/2018 at 18:43 |
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Something like this
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AestheticsInMotion
> TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
12/16/2018 at 18:48 |
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Raise it 2, maybe 3 inches. Sliiiiightly less obnoxious wheels and yes. I’d 100% use that as a work truck.
How bout TE37's
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TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
> AestheticsInMotion
12/16/2018 at 19:09 |
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I think its on bags but yea id go for some nice HREs tho
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CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
> AestheticsInMotion
12/16/2018 at 19:19 |
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Honestly, these trucks are the automotive equivalent of the AK-47. Few moving parts, super reliable.
nermal
> AestheticsInMotion
12/16/2018 at 19:53 |
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Look at a new F150, poverty spec. Crank windows and everything Should be able to get one for <$25k.
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AestheticsInMotion
> nermal
12/16/2018 at 20:06 |
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Somehow g ot a new Silverado for 19k a few months ago (work purchase) , poverty spec. They’re just so massive. It’s hard to use for work when I need a step stool to reach into the bed or remove ladders :(