Used GMC Dump Truck

Syncro · Mar 8, 2006

I'm looking at an early 80's GMC flatbed dump, looks like about a 5 yard capacity, single duals. Its diesel, air brakes, PTO hoist, automatic trans and looks very clean, no dents rust or broken anything. Rubber is good, the speedo says 65,000 and by the body condition its possible. the guy is asking $4,500, sound about right? Anything I should especially look for? Appriciate any comments, I'll probably offer him $4k tomorrow unless I hear something really bad.

jgh · Mar 13, 2006

20060313

Might be aftr the fact for you...

The only comment my brother made when I was looking at a similar truck sev yrs ago was the AT on these probably 26-33K gvwr trucks can be expensive to repair.

But when I find the 4x4 regular dump body truck otherwise like the one you describe, I would welcome an AT. But a newer one (say 1990s) would likely be more reliable (Allison for example).

Apparently our VDOT buys them (or used to) to avoid the damage the variety of drivers tended to do to sticks on their snowplow/general purpose trucks.

My own opinion on that price, OK (but not a huge bargain) from what you say about the unit, but there is no substitute for seeing it oneself.

Good luck,

J

rdln · Mar 13, 2006

A nevada truck like that would sell for $8000 in michigan.

If my wife would ever let me have one, As part of the deal I wouldhave seen the hoist working with a FULL load. Seals pumps hoses could be bad.

Syncro · Mar 13, 2006

Jim- The truck is still there, he wouldn't take $4000 cash so I left it. I don't see any oil leaks and everything really is clean. The auto trans shifted fine. The only thing I didn't like was it is a 12' flatbed dump, pretty hard to haul dirt with no tail gate and wood board sides. Also, the deck was plywood with 1/8" steel plate over it. OK I guess, but I'd rather of had 1 1/2" solid boards under the metal.

Steve- I did use the hoist fully loaded, worked fine. Good air brakes and brake shoes looked very good. I may still buy this truck, all I gotta do is give him $4500.

I'm going to a big equip auction in the SF Bay area on the 25th. They are adding to inventory daily and as of today have a San Francisco city truck, almost the same as the one i looked at, 1987 Chevy, except it has a 5 yd real dump body and a 5x2 stick. Only 23,000 miles and verifyable through city records. Trouble is its GAS, man that bothers me. Although with such low miles maybe its alright, any thoughts about that? <font color="blue"> SF Bay Auction </font>

I figure it will go cheap, was thinking if its good and under $3k maybe worth it.

EddieWalker · Mar 14, 2006

If you can get it at auction for $3 grand, you better buy it!! That's crazy cheap for one that's been beat to ****.

I paid $3.500 for my 83 F600 dump truck, and it's a project. I'm always messing with it, but I know I can get what I paid for it real quick, or I can make a buck if I sit on it for awhile.

Dump trucks are hard to find and go for allot more than I'd think they would. Even worse, trucks I looked at and wanted to think about, or keep looking around, sold before I got back to them.

Mine is a gas engine and that's fine. Power is good and repairs are cheap. Diesel would be better, but there's a huge price jump there too.

One thing to watch for is the rear axles. I was advised that both Ford and Chevy have the two speed rear axle, and they are usualy the problem areas. Expensive to repair, but common to be in bad shape.

I also agree that the flat bed dump isn't the best setup for hauling dirt. Even with my sideboards and tailgate closed, I lose dirt while hauling. I can get 6 yards with ten inch sideboards. I'd be real curious to see how five yards rides on a flatbed.

Good luck at the auction.

Eddie

ScottAR · Mar 14, 2006

Flatbeds make a good second truck or backhoe puller truck around this area. The key it to make the bed longer than a standard truck.
Most are 16 or 18 foot.
With 2 foot sideboards, 5-6 yards fits pretty well. The flatbeds get used for hauling debris, stumps and anything that would get hung up in a regular dump.

Syncro · Mar 14, 2006

Thanks for the tip on 2-sp axels Eddie. I'm kinda torn between buying this good GMC right now or waiting for an 'if maybe' at the auction. The only real problem I have with it is that plywood bed, even though it has metal over it. I'll post on what I decide. Regardless I may still just drive over to Vallejo and watch what happens, auctions are fun. They post previous results and the last one had several backhoe buckets that had no bids, coulda got one for $5, can't have enough of those!

Scott- You mentioned longer beds on a flatbed, think a 12' would be OK with 2' sides for dirt? This truck has a pintle hitch already there.

Runk · Mar 14, 2006

Just read of your concern regarding having 3/4" play under 1/8" steel. This is typical flatbed construction around here, have had no problems. To my thinking the 3/4" ply will be more or less as strong spaning between the joists of the bed as if it were built with construction grade 2x which has knots...dont see you having anything to worry about.
Not clear exactly what drivetrain that diesel and auto trans is??
What make of engine and trans??
Sure sounds like a nice truck if it is clean and with relatively low miles.
Diesel should give you more torque, 30% better mileage and longer engine life.
Good luck with your decision.

ScottAR · Mar 14, 2006

It'd probably work pretty well. You can always put a tailgate on it.

The shorter bed would be more manuverable then the longer ones in backyards and so on...

With 2ft sides and a 4ft tailgate, you could haul some brushy stuff and still have it removable in case you wanted to get some materials at the lumberyard etc.

Syncro · Mar 15, 2006

Runk- Its a Detroit Diesel, I don't know for sure but I think the guy said the tranny was an Alisen. Singe speed axle. Air clutch for the PTO driveshaft.

Scott- You make a good point, the more I think about it a flatbed may have more uses, eg loadable with a forklift and a clear deck for loading equipement or what ever. Most of my dirt hauling will be on my ranch property so a true dirt box really ain't that necessary. I'm gonna give this one more serious thought, it may be OK.