I am a new electrical contractor starting out part time and i am looking to purchase a contractors cap for my truck.I don't know if i should go all out and buy one new for $2,600.00 with the works(extended height, double doors in the back, custom paint,big bends ect.) or if i should buy a use contractors cap with side bends and a ladder rack that is still in nice shape for $850.00(nice paint the color i want just a basic cap size).The problem i have is that i have a 1992 f150 short bed with overload springs the truck runs good, looks nice but it has 180,000 miles on it and has a 300 straight 6 engine. i just don't know if its worth spending big bucks for a cap if my truck my go bad soon, or it may last for 5 more years. Any input or past experiences will be helpful.Thanks
new EC needs help buying a used or new contractor cap
- Thread starter khixxx
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petersonra
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern illinois
- Occupation
- engineer
Re: new EC needs help buying a used or new contractor cap
Maybe the psychic friends network can help you.
I don't believe anyone here can accurately predict how far in the future a truck with 180,000 miles on it will continue to be cost effective.
Maybe the psychic friends network can help you.
I don't believe anyone here can accurately predict how far in the future a truck with 180,000 miles on it will continue to be cost effective.
speedypetey
Senior Member
- Location
- Hudson Valley, NY
Re: new EC needs help buying a used or new contractor cap
Please realize this is my opinion, and we all know about them.
I had actually considered using my F250 as a work truck. Then I realized (for me) what a bad idea it was. I've seen and been in P/U's with caps, even contractor caps, and they were not fun. A utility body is an alternative to a van type truck but I definitely would never work out of a p/u with a cap.
If you are set on doing this, or have no choice, I would go with the cheaper one, no question. The larger one is of course nicer but your truck will not last many more years and you won't want that much investment in something you probably won't use later. Especially with the short bed.
The motor in your truck is fine, very good in fact, but the size (150) and age/mileage is a downfall.
Please realize this is my opinion, and we all know about them.
I had actually considered using my F250 as a work truck. Then I realized (for me) what a bad idea it was. I've seen and been in P/U's with caps, even contractor caps, and they were not fun. A utility body is an alternative to a van type truck but I definitely would never work out of a p/u with a cap.
If you are set on doing this, or have no choice, I would go with the cheaper one, no question. The larger one is of course nicer but your truck will not last many more years and you won't want that much investment in something you probably won't use later. Especially with the short bed.
The motor in your truck is fine, very good in fact, but the size (150) and age/mileage is a downfall.
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Service Manager
Re: new EC needs help buying a used or new contractor cap
I work out of a 1/2 ton 94 Silverado with a topper on it. Overall, I have the second worst setup in our company fleet.
I wouldn't want to give it up, because I like the truck, it has cruise, 4x4, CD, A/C, and it looks pretty nice. But really a van with real ladder racks are the best way to go. Hauling ladders is kind of a white-knuckle event, if I get a 12' stepladder or better.
Plus, the storage space and security of storage provided by a van is far superior than anything short of a utility-truck setup. If you go that route I'd expect you could kiss your gas mileage goodbye.
Reading closer, you have the truck, are looking at a top for it. My mistake. Okay, so get a decent ladder rack for it, and they make some decent boxes that are very utility like. We have a truck with these boxes at our shop, they're secure and dry, and can fit under ladder racks. This way, your tools are instantly accessible, and you still have room in the center of the bed for boxes and stuff.
[ February 27, 2005, 09:22 PM: Message edited by: georgestolz ]
I work out of a 1/2 ton 94 Silverado with a topper on it. Overall, I have the second worst setup in our company fleet.
I wouldn't want to give it up, because I like the truck, it has cruise, 4x4, CD, A/C, and it looks pretty nice. But really a van with real ladder racks are the best way to go. Hauling ladders is kind of a white-knuckle event, if I get a 12' stepladder or better.
Plus, the storage space and security of storage provided by a van is far superior than anything short of a utility-truck setup. If you go that route I'd expect you could kiss your gas mileage goodbye.
Reading closer, you have the truck, are looking at a top for it. My mistake. Okay, so get a decent ladder rack for it, and they make some decent boxes that are very utility like. We have a truck with these boxes at our shop, they're secure and dry, and can fit under ladder racks. This way, your tools are instantly accessible, and you still have room in the center of the bed for boxes and stuff.
[ February 27, 2005, 09:22 PM: Message edited by: georgestolz ]
Re: new EC needs help buying a used or new contractor cap
I am sad to say that my experience is that the trickest truck gets the job.
"Who did you give the job to?"
"Man, did you see that truck?"
I went from van to f 150 with shell and almost shot myself on general principles. came across full side opening steel shell, same color cheap. put rock bottom low rack for pipe and ladders and could still squeeze under the beams in low access parking lots. Worked pretty welland gave me center back access from either side. Still dream of van, even though don't do much anymore.
go cheap and save for good used van. I don't know what they are in rest of country, but 4 year old vans, moderate miles, no salted roads or floods in history, 10K, +/- on truck lots. a little cheaper private.
paul
I am sad to say that my experience is that the trickest truck gets the job.
"Who did you give the job to?"
"Man, did you see that truck?"
I went from van to f 150 with shell and almost shot myself on general principles. came across full side opening steel shell, same color cheap. put rock bottom low rack for pipe and ladders and could still squeeze under the beams in low access parking lots. Worked pretty welland gave me center back access from either side. Still dream of van, even though don't do much anymore.
go cheap and save for good used van. I don't know what they are in rest of country, but 4 year old vans, moderate miles, no salted roads or floods in history, 10K, +/- on truck lots. a little cheaper private.
paul
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Service Manager
Re: new EC needs help buying a used or new contractor cap
I wish I could find it on their website, the company I work for has purchased a half dozen vans that are pretty cool. It looks like a space shuttle on an E-350 chassis. The fiberglass shell is special order from NY. Overall with shelves, no equipment, costs around $33k.
Stocked for service use, as they are, they end up around $40k. Wish I could find a picture online, they're pretty darned cool. Only catch is, no ladder racks. But they can haul a 12' ladder inside, with the interior door open.
I wish I could find it on their website, the company I work for has purchased a half dozen vans that are pretty cool. It looks like a space shuttle on an E-350 chassis. The fiberglass shell is special order from NY. Overall with shelves, no equipment, costs around $33k.
Stocked for service use, as they are, they end up around $40k. Wish I could find a picture online, they're pretty darned cool. Only catch is, no ladder racks. But they can haul a 12' ladder inside, with the interior door open.
coppertreeelectric
Senior Member
Re: new EC needs help buying a used or new contractor cap
Utility body is the only way to go. Sell the truck and find a used fleet truck with a utility body. You wont be sorry..
Utility body is the only way to go. Sell the truck and find a used fleet truck with a utility body. You wont be sorry..
speedypetey
Senior Member
- Location
- Hudson Valley, NY
Re: new EC needs help buying a used or new contractor cap
Hell, sell the truck, mortgage the house and get a fully set up Freightliner Diesel Sprinter.
Definitely my next move.
Hell, sell the truck, mortgage the house and get a fully set up Freightliner Diesel Sprinter.
Definitely my next move.
Re: new EC needs help buying a used or new contractor cap
lol hey i'm new, and part time. but man the thought has past in my mind. i want to thank everyone for there input. i think i'm going to buy the used cap that is still nice and put the other money to use for a new truck, van, sprinter, or somthing else when i get more settled in and when i go full time.i would still like everyones input just incase i change my mind for the 15th time.
lol hey i'm new, and part time. but man the thought has past in my mind. i want to thank everyone for there input. i think i'm going to buy the used cap that is still nice and put the other money to use for a new truck, van, sprinter, or somthing else when i get more settled in and when i go full time.i would still like everyones input just incase i change my mind for the 15th time.
Re: new EC needs help buying a used or new contractor cap
You need to concider what your truck is worth unless you plan to transfer your cap to the next truck. Our E-150 straight 6 died a bit past 200K. Changed what seemed like everything under the hood but it allwas still has problems. If you only have 1 work truck reliability it inportant.
Tom
You need to concider what your truck is worth unless you plan to transfer your cap to the next truck. Our E-150 straight 6 died a bit past 200K. Changed what seemed like everything under the hood but it allwas still has problems. If you only have 1 work truck reliability it inportant.
Tom
peter d
Senior Member
- Location
- New England
Re: new EC needs help buying a used or new contractor cap
My 1996 F150 with the straight six is still going but it guzzles gas like a V8. It has a basic cap on it and I don't know what I would do without it.
However, it has had some major issues that you would only expect from a Ford (Fix or repair daily):
I would not even think of spening any kind of money on a 1992 F150, other than what's required to keep it running and not looking like a rat bucket.
My 1996 F150 with the straight six is still going but it guzzles gas like a V8. It has a basic cap on it and I don't know what I would do without it.
However, it has had some major issues that you would only expect from a Ford (Fix or repair daily):
I would not even think of spening any kind of money on a 1992 F150, other than what's required to keep it running and not looking like a rat bucket.
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Service Manager
Re: new EC needs help buying a used or new contractor cap
[ February 28, 2005, 09:44 PM: Message edited by: georgestolz ]
[ February 28, 2005, 09:44 PM: Message edited by: georgestolz ]
speedypetey
Senior Member
- Location
- Hudson Valley, NY
Re: new EC needs help buying a used or new contractor cap
Not to divert the thread but I have had great luck with my Ford trucks. Much better than MANY of my GM driving friends.
Right now I have a Dodge G3500 van and love it.
I also have a '96 F250 with the 7.5 gas motor. Mileage is not a concern to me and it tows my car trailer like it's not even there.
I sold my '87 F150, 4.9l, 7 years ago and it is still going strong with a roofer using it as a work truck.
Not to divert the thread but I have had great luck with my Ford trucks. Much better than MANY of my GM driving friends.
Right now I have a Dodge G3500 van and love it.
I also have a '96 F250 with the 7.5 gas motor. Mileage is not a concern to me and it tows my car trailer like it's not even there.
I sold my '87 F150, 4.9l, 7 years ago and it is still going strong with a roofer using it as a work truck.
electricmanscott
Senior Member
- Location
- Boston, MA
Re: new EC needs help buying a used or new contractor cap
Ok I have to chime in. Wouldn't the new cap be like three times the value of the truck? Not a sound investment if you ask me.
Ok I have to chime in. Wouldn't the new cap be like three times the value of the truck? Not a sound investment if you ask me.
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