Probably having to switch rigs really wish Yota had a 3/4 ton!

When I purchased my 21 TRD sport I knew its capabilities owning a fj for several years before. I knew what I could haul and tow. I did not however see the future and me starting my own construction company. I used the taco this year from Jan till now had custom drawers made air lift bags and a rack. Even have a nice OTT tube but alas it’s just to small and undersized to haul the equipment and trailers on a daily basis. I like the Tundras but they do not meet my needs and tots can’t seem to compete mileage wise with the others. I am struggling as I like how reliable and dependable my rig is.
Just a guy fighting battles within at this point

 

You own a construction company. You know how important it is to use the right tool for the job. My wife and I pulled our small (sub 4000 lb) travel trailer almost 7000 miles from Georgia to Montana and back with my F150 this summer. I love my Tacoma, but it isn't the right tool for even a 4000 lb trailer in the Rockies.

I saw lots of 30 year old 3/4 ton trucks in Montana and Wyoming pulling 30' trailers that drove as far as we did. Mostly F250's. While a 1/2 ton would have pulled those trailers, you don't see 30 year old 1/2 tons still doing it. Those 3/4 ton trucks were never pushed hard and are still running. Too many guys want to get 2 more mpg and buy a 1/2 ton and wear it out in just a few years.

I'm a Ford/Toyota guy. But Chevy and Ram both make 3/4 ton trucks. Stay away from a diesel. They no longer make sense financially.

 

Time to put on the big boy pants. You have your personal "work" vehicle and have grown, I assume , a financially viable construction company.
Back story, been there. For me, it was terrifying taking long term debt. Actually, I believe buying a vehicle is below the threshold of depreciation, meaning you can right off as an expense.
I learned, unless it is ridiculously expensive,buy it, anything you use, trucks, specialized equipment, is what sets you apart from the lesser competition. If you are solidly booking work and are 20 year committed you will make money and overcome any challenges.
Don't be a jack-ass goes a long way.
Good luck!

 

I used to be a Chevy guy but had a lot of issues with 2 brand new and that’s what sent my family to Toyota. That being said I am looking at ford 3/4 tons and was going back and forth on diesel vs gas but now strictly gas as I don’t need the torque of the diesel so financially gas makes better sense for me. I like the aluminum body option on the ford saves weight and rust. Plus they do look very tough.

 

First four years of owning a Chevy are the best years of its life. Loved my Tahoe for power and luxury.

 

long story short I was in construction for 20 years I got out in 09, I became a power plant control board operator which I still do but my schedule gives me a lot of time off and a friend needed help at his company so it just fell in my lap. Cost is not a concern it is more of really trying to make decisions on which truck which options are needs vs wants etc. like I was dead set on a 8 ft box crew cab till My better half pointed out I will never get my boat into our driveway with that huge rig and she was right so crew cab shortened it is.

 

I loved the truck I had. 09 crew cab but I blew the motor at 28,000 no big deal right full warranty but caught the dealer trying to rebuild and hone the block instead of the factory crate motor that was sent as a replacement that was issue one, then blew tranny at 36000. At the same time my wife had a brand new fully loaded Malibu and had issues and they pulled the same stuff. That’s why I will never by a Chevy again.

 

Looking at this Ford. 170 straight 6, 3 speed. It has all new brakes and lines. It’s got a new 6 gallon (?) gas tank and it was driven into this spot a long, long time ago. Lord help me.

 

lol I have been looking at old F500 farm truck for like a year fighting the urge to drop it on a modern frame and power plant.

 

those 300 straight six motors are no joke also.

 

You’ve got to do it.

 

Since the day I brought it home, my E250 has been a workhorse. Bought from the State of Wisconsin on their online auction site. It only had 14,000 miles on it at 10 years old with probably a zillion idle hours. It’s been incredibly reliable and useful. 79,000 miles now. This is the day I brought it home, towing the car I drove down to pick it up with. Best $6,500 I’ve ever spent.

 

All day. All damn day.

 

There it is. Well, I guess this thread is done. Thanks for coming to TW. Post pics when you’re done. I’ll do the same. I’ll start a “other builds” thread if this happens. Sorry to thread jack. Here she is with her new 6 gallon fuel tank

 

it’s a wish list but I really do not have the space or time to tackle a project like of that size. I will keep looking for my construction truck though

 

Post a pic of whatever you get.

 

What's the tow capacity of that van? Year model? Power plant?

Thanks!

 

Do it!!


The first time you get on the highway with the side doors open it is quite an experience, keep in mind your seat is at the level of a cars roof.

A 170? That engine was used in the Falcon/Econoline vans.

I believe the van in the photo is a P Chassis (Parcel) which was a step up in construction and payload. Older ones had 223 six cylinders, after 1965 or so came the 240 and then the 300.

Seeing as we have please provide more information.

 

I’m trying to wrap my head around this concept. We’ll see what happens.