Crazy idea? Thinking of picking up a 1-ton dump

[deezler]

Hi all,

Local craigslist has what appears to be a nice deal, though I've yet to check out the truck in person.

It's a 1994 1-ton Dodge ram with the 460 gas engine, 2wd. 157k miles, everything works, but will need new rear tires.

Bad picture, sorry: http://images.craigslist.org/00G0G_3KG0NiNTEoN_600x450.jpg

Only $2k, but might take offers lower....!

My needs: I have a 19-acre chunk of vacant land that I want to build some light-duty roads on, clean up, 800 feet of gravel driveway to put in, plenty of dirt to move around, etc.

Could I reasonably expect to re-sell this thing in a couple years for what I pay for it? Or would I end up with an endless string of heavy-duty repairs (that I have no proper shop or tools to work with) that empty my wallet, take my free time, and make me frustrated? Ideally I would do next to no maintenance on this thing (just fluids, plugs, etc) while I own it. Is that at all realistic? Don't want to end up like pclausen's cheapo dump truck (sorry pclausen, but it's a good example of exactly what I don't want, and i have NO idea how you find the time to work on that beast).

Also, how much towing capacity would I expect to have behind this thing? At least 7 or 8000 lbs (so I could tow an extra dump trailer, or equipment trailer with my tractor on it) ??

Thanks for your opinions and advice!

 

[RoyJackson]

The price is good, but remember the old adage "you get what you pay for".

Since you haven't looked at it, you really don't know the condition or if everything works...or if you can even get it roadworthy (for $2K, I'm guessing it will need work and more then just the tires). But, it would be worth a look, I think.
As far as breaking even when you sell it...that's always a crap shoot and you take your chances like the rest of us.

 

[cockeyedMFer]

Just going by price alone, 2k is a great price for any newer one tun dump here in Ohio. And I assume you mean 360 v8? or the V10 which was 488?

However at 157k if no one else has kept up maintenance, it will be due for a host of major and minor items. Most expensive would probably be transmission. And I bet its had a plow on the front for most of its life so suspension/brakes may need attention.
Consider used rear tires. You'll likely see less than 1/2 your investment in new tires returned at sale time, if at all.

The 360 will limit your towing and hauling capability quite a bit, but as a home/farm truck its fine. One thing to consider - how much gravel do you want to haul, how far is it to the gravel yard, and what can the truck reasonably carry within its GVWR? You may spend more in time and fuel hauling gravel than you could have it delivered for.

Estimate - Assuming 10k GVWR, subtract weight of truck, approximately 7500lbs, leaves 2500lbs payload. About $20 worth of gravel at a time. Assume 5-7 mpg loaded.

 

[deezler]

Oops, yeah I meant the 360 (5.9L) V8.

What would it get on the road, hauling 50% of the time... about 6-7 mpg?

 

[cockeyedMFer]

LOL, I was just editing my post to add that before I saw your post. Probably 9-11 empty.

 

[Ed of all trades]

I had a 79 chevy ton dump and loved it, I could haul 4 and 3/4 ton of rock and spread it. Got about 15 mpg, wish I still had it. Can't speak about that truck but a ton dump is a great tool.

 

[George2615]

As said, buyer beware, at 2K there are probably a few things that need fixing. A few weeks ago I looked at an 88 Chey 2 WD dump for $5900. It was in good shape. The owner had his own shop to service it properly. Had 6 new tires, new rear springs, overload springs front and rear, chain box on the side and a plastic liner in the dump bed. I ended up buying a newer one (2004) with only 58K, 4x4, no rust and a 9' western plow. I paid a lot more (just over 12k but think I got a pretty good deal. I'll like having 4x4 and plow. I'm refurbishing the plow with new paint, skid shoes, and cutting edge, replaced a few U-joints, and added an under bed box. I expect to put it on the road later this week.

If it runs good 2k is a good price. My 1T dump is rated to tow 15,500 with a 6.0L and 4.10 gears so I'd guess yours with a smaller engine should tow 12-14K. 7-8K should be no problem. And, as long as it's running good in a couple years you should get your money back. Just check it good for major items that may need repair. If you have to pay for repairs labor costs are usually higher on a 1 ton. Tires, front and rear springs, brakes, etc. can be run up costs quickly if you can't do the work yourself.

 

[lutt]

I looked into a small dump truck one time, figured with the extra insurance, tires,fuel,and maintence, in the long run it was cheaper to get a dump trailer. But everyone's wants, or needs are different! LUTT

 

[deezler]

Hey guys, appreciate all the good advice!

Well, as I suspected, it was indeed a pretty good deal, because the ad got pulled already. Someone must have jumped on it!

Probably for the best... I'm not sure how I was going to convince my wife I needed a dump truck (yet another vehicle to maintain).

 

[RoyJackson]

Probably for the best... I'm not sure how I was going to convince my wife I needed a dump truck (yet another vehicle to maintain).

It is better to beg forgiveness then ask permission...

I use that philosophy every time I buy a tractor or implement...

 

[Will_C]

I'll second George's post-a truck in that condition can be a deal if you can do your own repairs. Labor charges can make you poor quickly!

Will

 

[scoutcub]

Hey deez -


I'd be careful on the older 1 ton gas dumps. I bought one a few years ago for a project, and it worked ok, but......it was a dog with the 460 v-8 and a full load. And I think most of em have been worked hard, it's just too easy to overload em! I had to do some maintenance on mine, and sold it for a few hundred loss after working it for several months. I've since bought a dump trailer.....

 

[deezler]

Makes sense. I'm sure I would have been overloading it myself....! :laughing:

My neighbor has a mint 6x12 dump trailer that he barely uses and says I'm free to borrow anytime. I'd like him to put some scratches on it before I borrow it, but it could work out nicely.