No I don't think you got hurt with this purchase. I agree with Ed that we all need back up vehicles. On your website I see that you have a van as well. If I was in your shoes I'd hold on to it as a back up. Ladders can also be mounted on the exterior passenger side wall. If you haven't done so already take a look at Eric's(Roof Cleaning by A & E) box truck and how he has it laid out. I'm visualizing your rolling billboard going down the highway during the work week and parked at malls, shopping centers, libraries, Walmarts and along any major thoroughfare generating awareness and the business that goes along with it.
Hank
-- Edited by waxman18324 on Thursday 30th of August 2012 09:54:14 PM
Serving the Pocono and Lehigh Valley(Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, Monroe, Pike and Wayne Counties), PA community as well as both Warren and Sussex Counties of New Jersey
Just bought a 1998 Ford E-350, 7.3 Dielsel, 215,XXX miles, 14 foot box. I have heard 14 may not be big enough, I am hoping this will give me a start. I got this for $2,850. Think it is an ok buy?
The body looks good. 3 of my trucks have around 120k, then a 2006 Chevy 2500 van with close to 170k. One truck mostly sits unless were super busy. But its always ready to go in case one of the other trucks needs servicing. Your buy is good if its a second or third truck. If the engine craps out and the body is good, you have a tough decision to make. The engines go forever but everything around it breaks. I would imagine with this many miles its already seen a new starter, water pump, exhaust, etc. If its your only truck then you should get another or use this one as back up. If you get busy and you have no truck the money you lose far exceeds what you saved buying a cheap truck.
14 is plenty big, allows you to put a 32ft (16 collapsed) totally inside thru the cab access door. even a 40footer will only hang out 3ft pressed up against the center console
Thanks for the input. My uncle is a ford diesel mechanic (30+ years), so I try and get stuff he can work on. I was just hoping the 14 foot would be big enough. I thought even if I want bigger maybe I could sell it and make a couple bucks.
Sounds like a pretty good buy to me. Nicest part of a box truck ( besides the space) it the ability to keep you stuff dry and the 14 foot billboard you have promoting your business!
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Ray Burke
Spray Wash Exterior Cleaning
850.528.3226
visit our website Soft Washing and Pressure Washing
14 ft is definetly more than enough room. What are you putting in there? You should be able to fit a skid unit pressure washer, two to three tanks and all your soft wash pumps. Make it work and use all the space you have.
Excellent buy. The 7.3 Ford diesels are bullet proof - they call them the 'million mile motor'. Ask your Uncle about 'em. Presuming it has an auto tranny, be prepared for it to go out on you.... Lots or torgue, decent fuel mileage and a great motor all in all.
That Box van was a good deal. Milage means nothing on the 7.3 they are a great motor. I only run Diesel trucks and I had a few 7.3 and never ever had a problem. Good luck with the new rig make sure you post some pictures of the build and the lettering job.
I think you got hurt bad!!!! I don't like to see my fellow RCIA brothers hurting. So I'll give you what you paid for it and take the truck 14' is plenty big enough but you could always use more room as you grow
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Jim Fuller A Fuller Service 5 Derry Lane Latham NY 12110 518-526-5554
You will get hurt....on that wood planked floor....gets very slippery and you can go head over heels....I almost broke my arm. Coat it or be very careful!