Starting to think about my next truck

[brain55]

This is what I am thinking about for my next truck.



Hino 338CT

I will be upgrading my trailer too since I have outgrown it already. For those that don't know. Right now I have a 2008 Ford F450 and a 28' gooseneck trailer that contains my mobile shop. I do on-site maintenance and repair for different businesses with construction and utility type equipment. Business has really taken off this year and I am asking a buddy of mine to come help me more and more often. The problem is my trailer isn't big enough for two people to work out of.

I will likely move up to a 40' with dual tandem axles and air brakes if I move up to this style truck. I will also add bulk oil tanks and dispensers along with some other upgrades. My biggest problem with my current trailer is not enough storage space and it is tough for two people to work out of one toolbox.

A little more background on my current truck. I bought it less than 2 years ago with 40k miles on it, it just turned 100k earlier this week. I could go spend another $40k on a used F450, $60k on a new one, either way they will be used up in 2-3 years or go buy a real truck that will last me 10 yrs. for $80k.

 

[Dmace]

Very nice!
You know, that new RAM 3500 should be rated to tow 30,000 lbs. That should be plenty for that 40ft mobile shop. ;-)
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2013/01/2013-ram-hd-the-king-of-towing-at-30000-lbs.html
Those GMC Kodiak trucks are nice for those big trailers too!

 

[Diamondpilot]

For towing that type of load you are doing the smart thing. No way any of the big three can stand up.

Getting a chassis with a tranny to match is the key.

Chris

 

[aczlan]

Will you have/need 4x4 (I guess 6x6 actually unless you run super singles) for this truck?

Aaron Z

 

[Fi-Q]

Do you need a 4x4? International is making a nice 4x4 hauler

http://www.dieselpowermag.com/features/0505dp_international_cxt_4x4_pickup_truck/viewall.html

 

[brain55]

I'd like to have 4wd but the direction my business has gone I can get by without it, I hope!

 

[aczlan]

I'd like to have 4wd but the direction my business has gone I can get by without it, I hope!

If not, you can always tow yourself out with the machine you just fixed right?

Aaron Z

 

[brain55]

For towing that type of load you are doing the smart thing. No way any of the big three can stand up.

Getting a chassis with a tranny to match is the key.

Chris

Considering my current trailer with everything in it weighs 17k lbs I'm guessing moving up to the bigger trailer it could weigh in the 25k lb range.

 

[YesDeere]

I have read a lot of your threads/posts and I think you are going in the right direction. It just makes sense. Sure your current setup works but that is a lot of weight and abuse. I think going bigger with a more commercial machine will save money in the long run. We have had great luck with our Hino's, plus they stand behind them. 5 year 250,000 mile on drivetrain and emissions. When they were having injector problems they extended it to 5 year unlimited miles on the effected models. Who else does that? Plus we are averaging 9 mpg on 20 foot reefer box trucks that gets overloaded regularly. Whatever you decide good luck!

 

[tcartwri]

Our 4400 series IH gets the same fuel economy as our old F550 for what it's worth. Biggest benefit in going up in chassis size are the brakes and visibility. Plus it has a smaller turning radius than the smaller truck. Make sure you check into yearly fees and mandatory inspections whichever way you go.