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Topic:
What vehicles make installation more convenient?
This thread has 19 replies. Displaying posts 16 through 20.
Post 16 made on Tuesday August 6, 2002 at 01:06
Keith @ Mr. Hookup
Founding Member
Joined:
Posts:
May 2002
26
I think the kind of vehicle most desirable depends on the typical task required by each technician. In our company, different vehicles are used for different technicians for different jobs.

Most commonly, we use Dodge minivans and they seem to work pretty well. One of our vans has over 150,000 hard miles on it, and still runs and looks good. We don't label the vans so that we don't alert would-be thieves, though I suppose that it would be very effective advertising for the business. I know that Chrysler has a bad reputation for transmission problems, but I think they are much better after the 1996 models. Brakes don't last very long however-- about twice a year on an average or 20,000 miles.
I think that we load them a little heavy, adding to the brake problem. Ford and Chevy mini-vans seem a little more like trucks with panel sides instead of windows, but I think they drive a bit clumbsy. The Dodges drive just like a car--very comfortable, even after a long day behind the wheel.

For smaller jobs I think the PT Cruiser is great. It's fine for a tech that just runs service calls and only needs to carry 6ft. ladder. If you want to label it, it's great for advertising because it still gets a lot of attention. The techs love to drive it.

For bigger jobs I think the step van or Econoline type van is ideal. It holds up well under all the weight of the tools, wire, and parts. If the shelves don't take up too much room, you can still deliver a 50" big screen. It's ideal for pre-wires or delivering equipment. I do think that it is too big for the smaller jobs.

When I need to deliver something large, such as a large projection TV, I just rent a truck. I have a deal with Enterprise and they will drive it to my door when I need it, usually within an hour. I can get one for about $60.00 per day. Figure it out-- if you only need it once or twice a month, it's cheaper to rent. Otherwise, if you're big enough that you deliver big screens every day, then you can probably justify $40,000, plus insurance, upkeep, etc. for a large truck. Sometimes I think it would even make more sense to just pay a delivery service-- why tie up expensive, hard to find techs with a delivery job, only to have one hurt his back.

One last note. If you use a mini-van or PT Cruiser, get a cage. It's much better for the theft problem, and it adds tremendously to the safety. If you were to get in an accident, a power tool or roll of wire flying at the driver at 80mph could be painful if not deadly.
Post 17 made on Tuesday August 6, 2002 at 09:45
Mr Mod
Founding Member
Joined:
Posts:
August 2001
1,275
Im actually using a Holden Frontera, this is a isuzu rodeo over in the US. I have the seats droped down and a cage on all 4 sides of the cargo area. I have been using this for the past 5 months without any problems. Have a roof rack for ladders, conduit etc. And if I have to do hauling of a lot of gear i just hire a covered box trailer to transport or pay a courier to deliver ( computer transport), never get a bill for there services as the bill my last employer for it.
As it is the only vechile I have when I need to use it for recreation the cage goes and the seats lifted up.
If i had the money I would go for this as my next vechile http://www.thesitecommander.com/ problem is Ford only bring in the F250 & 350 into Aus at about A$70K for the F250. bit pricey for my pocket
Post 18 made on Tuesday August 6, 2002 at 14:09
Sheik_Yerbouhti
Founding Member
Joined:
Posts:
April 2002
401
If the sky's the limit the Site Commander is a bit dainty for my taste:
[Link: maximog.com]
You are transparent! I see many things;
I see plans within plans. The Spice must flow!
Post 19 made on Tuesday August 6, 2002 at 20:30
ItsColdInMN
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
June 2002
461
Oh what I would give for that thing. I like the idea of the underbody camera to see what your ground clearance is like, I might just have to give that a try on MY truck. And only 9.5 MPG on the highway...hmm. Good thing it can carry 123 gallons...probably adds to the 6 and a half ton weight of the vehicle. LS 1 powered? It's no Corvette, that's for sure...but where's the diesel? Wait....nevermind, after reading everything else this thing has....who cares about a diesel...that's the ONLY thing it doesn't have. Wow...just...wow. I'm not worthy.
Post 20 made on Wednesday August 7, 2002 at 00:54
Sheik_Yerbouhti
Founding Member
Joined:
Posts:
April 2002
401
[Link: mercedes-benz.com]
It's a Minnesota installer's special for sure.
You are transparent! I see many things;
I see plans within plans. The Spice must flow!
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