girl needs purchasing advice on tow truck/trailer

[Diamondpilot]

You do not have to spend that type of money. For the money you want to spend I would look at a 99-02 F-350 with the V-10 or a 8.1L powered GM 3500. They have good power and would keep you away from the diesel.

Sorry you did not like to hear what we had to say but you are talking serious towing. Trees with a decent sized root ball can be 1000# plus each.

Chris

 

[deereguy]

I think someone forgot that $8K-$10K was her budget for truck AND trailer...

I'm familiar with the landscaping industry and the other thread you started (outfox) and I think your on the right track by looking at an older big block V-8, (pick any manufacturer), for pulling your 30' trailer and/or horses. You mentioned a container nursery and buying your small Kubota- more volume than weight in nursery stock, 30' gooseneck isn't out of line. I'd steer towards craiglist or whatever in your area, find a 1 ton truck that fits your budget (regardless of make), have your mechanic friend check it out, get a trailer and make some money!

Good Luck!!

 

[outfox]

Actually no, the 10K budget is for the truck alone. Once I get that bought, I'll start researching trailers.

I am very open to whatever anyone has to say, I just don't believe I have to spend 2-3x my budgeted amount to get what I need. Now, if you want to tell me I should spend 25% more, or 50% more I will consider, but the payback time for the 20-30K does not compute from a business prespective based on the work the truck/trailer will get.

I have been selling trees for over 10 years, I am well aware of how much they weigh. I'm a female, not stupid.


The trees shown here are 35'+ and only 3 fit to a semi. Needless to say, I won't be hauling any of these with my little 1 ton. OK, image will not post, but I have some experience with heavy loads.

Actually, the typical 30g trees I would be hauling would be closer to 100# each. But I digress. Keep the comments coming.

 

[deereguy]

I obviously read more into your posts than what was written, I know you are female and wasn't implying that you were stupid. We purchased some 6' Austrian Pines (B&B) last fall and a Bobcat 743 (1350lbs) wouldn't budge them to get them on the trailer, however the nusery brought over a Bobcat T300 and moved them with ease. I understand weights of trees in Ohio, what a 30 gallon tree weighs in your area is less than mine. Again, I hope you find what you are looking for.

 

[sandman2234]

Might consider some of the leasing companies, such as Ryder 0r Penske. I drive a Penske tractor trailer and they had a one ton flatbed (about 10 or 12 feet long) that just sold. I asked about it, but it was already sold, the day they put the sign on it. You might even consider a box truck, and take the box off it. Excess weight anyway in a bed, if you don't need it, and pickup beds are easy to find if you want one.
David from jax

 

[chh]

I wasn't implying by mention my '08 that you needed a new one, just my experience with that engine. I would think with all the older RVer's wintering on FL that used tow rig would be pretty easy to find. I have seen quite a few used truck around RV places that they had taken in trade. As mentioned Craigslist is a good place to look. An friend recently bought a retired U-haul 1 ton. Under 100,000 miles, diesel, auto, and seems well maintained. He traded the box bed in at a local salvage yard for a used flatbed and tows with it quite a bit.

 

[outfox]

No harm done deereguy, just been in the nursery biz for a long time and a little touchy since it's such a boys club. But after 10 years I must be doing something right. B&B trees like you mentioned are a whole nother ball game compared to container trees which are generally much lighter because of the rootball/container size.

Yes, I've been searching Craigslist, that's where I found the 2000 Chevy Dually which I am now kicking myself that I didn't buy. But I'm learning so the search goes on.

I greatly value any opinion voiced even if I don't agree with it. Over my career I have learned a lot from the boys club. I'm always curious and sometimes playing dumb is not an act.


A little research goes a long way, I'm only on page 4 of the "Age old" thread, trying to slog through it when I have time.

Anyone care to comment on trailers? Has anybody used a Pro Trak brand? Is there a big difference in price based on length, or is it based more on axle strength, etc.?

 

[QRTRHRS]

I am absolutely NOT going to spend $20-30K, I will do without before I do that. So we are back to the older models and which ones are better.

QRTRHRS, can you point me in the direction of another forum or website with more detailed info on older trucks for towing. I would rather do my research now than spend money making a mistake by buying a model with a history of problems.

Hubby would probably divorce me if I buy a Dodge. Mechanic friend has warned me about diesel repair costs, I do know enough to run away from a Chevy diesel they spell trouble.

Keep the commnents coming.

I happen to own a Dodge so for that application, Google up TDR or DTR for a start. GM and Ford applications have their own good and bad points. Google up Ford Diesel Pickups or GM and you will get plenty of sites to visit. No make is trouble free. Some years and engine models are more problematic than others. Anyone claiming otherwise is looking through rose colored glasses.

Comparing all of the diesel engines out there over the years, I think the Cummins overall is the king of longevity. As for all three bodies and drivetrains, they will be in the scrapyards. The Cummins really is a medium duty truck engine.

I have to agree with sandman2234. I think you can get the most truck for your needs by going to a mid size or what is known as a class 6 or 7. Florida truck prices are as good as they come. Try this site.

As someone whom has driven a lot of Penske and Ryder leased class 8 trucks, I will comment that Ryder service can border on pathetic. There are some Ryder locations where the people will go the distance no matter what so not all are bad. I just never had that problem with Penske locations.

You may wish to read another current thread in this forum on the Ford F550 vs a Medium Duty IH.

 

[laen64]

Dear Lady you have Outfoxxed them all. (Pun intended)
Is your tree farm in the Yellow Pages, please do list so we can become your traveling customers if possible.
I would love to support those that have helped me as I travel from Al/Tampa and Deland.

 

[chh]

Anyone care to comment on trailers? Has anybody used a Pro Trak brand? Is there a big difference in price based on length, or is it based more on axle strength, etc.?

I have never used a Pro Trak trailer, but I see quite a few around. I have never heard any serious complaints on them.
In my experience, trailers are priced off of a basic size/rating system + options. Extra length is usually charged on a per foot rate. When I bought my trailer several years ago, custom orders for added length on a 20,000 lb rated trailer(double axle with tandem dual wheels) was in the $120 per foot range(I think). Going from a "standard" 25' to a 30' added $600. I am not sure what the what the current pricing is or if all companies work off of that system.

I am not familiar with the nursery business as such, but one though that strikes me is that you may want to look into the lowered deck options. Paying extra for 4" or 5" lower may sound strange, but I have seen times in hauling ranch/farm equipment and products that 4" would have been a big help.