CTD as Remodeling Contractor Vehicle??

[dPierce]

Alright guys, here's an important question. I will soon be starting a remodeling contracting business. As the owner, I will do sales calls to potential clients and perform all work except plumbing, electrical and HVAC.



My question is... what are some of your opinions regarding the best configuration for doing this type of work. As a marketing/sales tool, I want a vehicle that looks good to higher-end clients. Here's my current options:



Option 1: Tool Box and Enclosed Trailer: Add an accross the bed tool box for basic tools to use on small jobs, bring the trailer for larger jobs. This keeps the bed open for larger items and small job site clean-up.



Oprion 2: Bed Cap, outfitted to carry all tools (this limits the ability to carry larger items, or do small job clean-up that doesn't require/justify a dumpster.



Option 3: Keep the CTD as a personal vehicle and purchase a Cargo Van. Eliminates the need to pull a trailer, capable of carrying some larger items. Not sure a van would make a good sales vehicle, but they sure seem practical for getting the job done.



I'm really curious to hear some feedback from guys who live this everyday and have experimented with different options.



Thanks,



Pierce

 

[Cliffman]

I have both a work van and my beloved CTD truck. I use my truck for sales and to take care of loose ends that my crew didn't get to. All I have in the way of tool storage is a 30" deep flush tool box mounted in the bed. I also use my truck to pull my 5er. The extended van is fully stocked with all the tools we need and a 4 x 8 area is kept clear for sheet goods. If it wasn't for pulling the 5er I would most likely have a shell or a utility bed. Good luck with your decision. .

 

[dPierce]

Cliffman...Use of 5er

Is the 5er for tools, etc. or for some other use? The overhead cost of a Van and the CTD seems like a lot to chew while I'm starting up. I'm thinking of starting out using the CTD alone, until I'm busy enough to hire another guy and set-up a van for him to drive.

 

[Rosco]

If your on a start up budget you may have to wait on the van. I would recommend option 1 since you can carry a lot more tools in a enclosed trailer than you will fit in a truck with a cap. Also, you can letter the trailer up nicely so it doubles as a billboard for your business.

 

[Cliffman]

5er is a kitchen showroom. That's my story and I'm sticking too it. I assumed you had the budget sense you mentioned it in your post. Option 1 is a more "budget minded" way to go and you can always use the trailer for other uses if you opt for a van in the future. I know quite a few contractors that use a pickup and trailer combo.

 

[Hudsonhawk]

Check out B&Ws custom beds. They are very versital and lots of storage space. Can be painted to match the truck.



http://www.turnoverball.com/



They still give you the option of using a trailer if necassary.

 

[dmurdock]

My neighbor does custom cabinets and he has a headache rack with detachable rear ladder support and the cargo trailer combo with same paint scheme. He really loves the setup because you can pull the rear ladder support out (lay it in the bed) and you have a nice vehicle worthy of visiting even the most pretentious clients (at least here in Tx. ).

 

[sangell]

I have option #1, I have been using this setup for three years.



Scott

 

[CClayton]

Pierce,

Good luck with the business.

After over 20 years in the remodeling/

construction business I've tried various

set ups and like an open bed with aluminun cross job box. I use a "system one" aluminum lumber rack which is

easily removable by pulling 4 bolts.

(great rack from rack warehouse.com)

I have a fully stocked fully locked cargo trailer which I use to shuttle parts and can park at job sites. Each job site has a large

"job box" to house tools.

I just bought a dump trailer last year

and wish I had bought it 20 years ago!

 

[ttreibel]

I have a canopy and a rack works great for me. Check out my truck pics... ...

 

[NManduke]

I have a trailer (enclosed) that I use for equipment and tools. The bed on the truck stays open for bulky items. I had a van before and I really prefer my current set up. On over nighters or long hauls I drop the trailer on site and don't have to snake it around. Love my combo!



JR!

 

[rhirsch]

I am not a contractor, but I have many friends who are. I myself am currently building from scratch and landscaping. The best setup that I think I have ever seen is a hydraulic dumping flatbed with a couple of storage boxes beneath it on the sides, with a lockable trailer in tow for most of the tools. The one I have seen has a custom made removeable tongue on it so the owner can park it somewhere and not have to worry about it leaving with someone else. The flat bed can be used as 1) a flatbed, 2) a dumpbox with side boards installed, 3) a lumber carrier with a rack mounted in the pockets, 4) a safe work platform, etc. etc. This fall I will be removing the bed on my truck and welding up one of these beauties, once you have had a chance to borrow and use a truck set up like this as I have, a regular box will never again be adequate, especially for someone in your line of work.

 

[Kilby]

Peirce, be sure to check out DC's business link offerings if you haven't already.

You can get some nice stuff for cheap!

How about a free aluminum box for the bed? Or a sliding rack system for $330? Or free running boards?

http://www.dodge.com/businesslink/index.html

 

[Ladders]

Also, years ago we found a company that makes beds with storage compartments all over the sides. The inside bed width is wheel-well width front to back, compartments fill the spaces. NOT CHEAP but worth it for some contractors. Carry a lot w/o trailer tagging along.



Just another option.



SOTSU!!

\\BF//

 

[JD SLVR 03]

I have option # 1. Works great for me. Best thing I like about it is that I can leave the trailer with the tools at the job site. Since you have another guy working for you it is even better. Say you need to go pick up some parts or run look at another job. If you have all the tools in the van or in the truck then the guy on the current job my not have something he/she needs while you are gone. If you just leave the trailer there then everything the help will need will still be there while you are out lining up more work or getting those needed parts.



JD

 

[MCharlebois]

trailer

i would def recomend tha trailer--i got a 14ft WC-tows beautifuly and you have ALL your ****n with ya!!also there is plenty of room for advertisment!!!!

 

[dPierce]

Decided on Option #1

After all the feedback and talking with some local contractors, I'm going to purchase an enclosed trailer and put a couple tool boxes in the bed.



Now..... my next question is which brand and size trailer? I'm leaning toward the Pace American Sport model with dual axles in either 7x18 or 8x18. Any comments on brand/size??



Always Appreciate the Feedback,



Pierce

 

[Cliffman]

We have a 22' pace and we love it! Rides real nice.

 

[CLWilliams]

Oo. I can't say I have done and seen it all, but I have to be close when it comes to outfitting trucks for work! I've done the vans, trailers, utility beds, ladder rack and boxes, removable ladder rack and boxes, the list goes on and on. Finally, I have settled on one setup. My CTD LWB 4x4 '03 is setup identically to my previous CTD SWB 4x4 '99 which was on the cover of Truck Trend Jan/Feb '02 and was in TDR All Dressed Up Issue 37. Spray in bedliner or bedrug----either works well. ARE will make you a custom cap configured to whatever specs you wish with whatever type of doors suits your needs. You need some type of bed-extender like "roll-out" or extendo-bed. There are a host of companies with these offerings (it just saves the knees, makes loading items a snap and serves as a work platform and an extension for step ladders or extension ladders. I am a remodeling contractor that runs a lot of service work and use my truck extensively for work and as my personal vehicle. This is by far the best set-up going in my opinion. Hope it helps!!

 

[Cliffman]

clwilliams, lets see a pic of your rig