HotOiler3 Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 What sort of vehicles do you guys with viable routes use in your vending endeavors? Sedans? Pickup trucks? Minivans? Panel vans? Enclosed trailers? I'm just curious. Myself as of right now I have a Ford Ranger, an F-150 and an F-350, Most likely when my route grows the half-ton will be the go-to truck since it has a shell on it, the ranger has a utility rack so a shell isn't an option, and the one-ton has a fifth wheel plate in the bed and I'd eat up any profit with fuel costs. Mileages are: Ranger gets a pretty consistent 25 MPG, The half ton gets 17-25 MPG, and the one ton gets 7.2-12.7 MPG. Just for curiosities sake is all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HotOiler3 Posted October 23, 2014 Author Share Posted October 23, 2014 Won't let me edit, but the Ranger also has a powered liftgate, so i'll be using it most likely for placing/removing machines Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moondog Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 Won't let me edit, but the Ranger also has a powered liftgate, so i'll be using it most likely for placing/removing machines The F150 with a shell should work - they do make the cargo slider units that pull out to make it even easier to load and unload. Not sure how useful that lift gate will be with the fifth wheel plate in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HotOiler3 Posted October 23, 2014 Author Share Posted October 23, 2014 The F150 with a shell should work - they do make the cargo slider units that pull out to make it even easier to load and unload. Not sure how useful that lift gate will be with the fifth wheel plate in there. I'm sorry, The fifth wheel plate is in the F-350, the liftgate is on the Ranger. What do you use? I'm not necessarily looking for suggestions, I'm sure I can figure out what works for me. I'm just curious what you guys use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mainor5251 Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 I use a '07 Ranger with a camper shell, also have a 5x8 cargo trailer for moving equipment around and picking up used equipment deals I find. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hillbilly Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 I've used a F150 Double Cab. Worked great. I now use a Dodge Caravan for better mileage. It works great too. Looking for a backup for hauling large equipment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick505 Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 I use a '07 Ranger with a camper shell, also have a 5x8 cargo trailer for moving equipment around and picking up used equipment deals I find. I thought you wrote a post about buying a dodge sprinter a year or so ago? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BouncyBalls Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 I use a '07 Ranger with a camper shell, also have a 5x8 cargo trailer for moving equipment around and picking up used equipment deals I find. Still have the chicken wrap on it? E-250 Ford Cargo van here. 14-15 MPG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mainor5251 Posted October 24, 2014 Share Posted October 24, 2014 I thought you wrote a post about buying a dodge sprinter a year or so ago? when I was considering buying a guy out from new port richey part of the deal was a new dodge sprinter. Got as far as picking the sprinter up and began running routes before we reached a deal to make sure it was as advertised. After running a few routes it was obivous a neglected route with run down equipment. Ended up passing on the deal would have taken alot of money and time to get route back in shape. It consisted of alot of chain dollar stores which way under performed what i had expected. It was a couple named Les and Debbie, company was Nik Corp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mainor5251 Posted October 24, 2014 Share Posted October 24, 2014 Still have the chicken wrap on it? E-250 Ford Cargo van here. 14-15 MPG Removed most of It still got to finish it. Only got 1 chicken left, havending took the rest off my hands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mainor5251 Posted October 24, 2014 Share Posted October 24, 2014 Still have the chicken wrap on it? E-250 Ford Cargo van here. 14-15 MPG Removed most of It still got to finish it. Only got 1 chicken left, havending took the rest off my hands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HotOiler3 Posted October 24, 2014 Author Share Posted October 24, 2014 Glad to see for the most part you guys are Ford guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick505 Posted October 24, 2014 Share Posted October 24, 2014 when I was considering buying a guy out from new port richey part of the deal was a new dodge sprinter. Got as far as picking the sprinter up and began running routes before we reached a deal to make sure it was as advertised. After running a few routes it was obivous a neglected route with run down equipment. Ended up passing on the deal would have taken alot of money and time to get route back in shape. It consisted of alot of chain dollar stores which way under performed what i had expected. It was a couple named Les and Debbie, company was Nik Corp.I see. I was just curious. I remember that now. I guess I didn't realize it was a package deal. How is your business going by the way? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mainor5251 Posted October 24, 2014 Share Posted October 24, 2014 sold off all the cranes and the drop deck trailer to another operator in north Alabama. to many break downs and lack of knowledge on trouble shooting and repairing made it impossible for me to turn a profit. still doing bulk, got a ton of equipment to refurb and get out so I invested in everything to powder coat. going forward gonna stick to bulk. got a few ideas I've been tweaking for bars. using the winter to test them out, hoping to sell the labels that include led's and the product to other operators if I have enough success with it. also got some ncaa decals coming to make some themed machines for re-sale to off set the winter drop off. theres already a ton on ebay so gonna sell local on facebook yard sale sites and craigslist. first 3 Alabama machines will be done by next week end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CajunCandy Posted October 25, 2014 Share Posted October 25, 2014 I was using my 2000 F150, was burning all the profits! Bought a used Honda Odessy, way better fuel mileage, and still can move my machines like I want. 17 to 19 in city, 23 to 25 on highway. cajun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkochan Posted October 25, 2014 Share Posted October 25, 2014 I use my 2014 Nissan NV200 mini cargo van to service my bulk vending and crane route. I use my 2007 Chevy Silverado pick-up to put out equipment and to pull an enclosed trailer. I transport my crane machines in my enclosed trailer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Action Vending Posted October 25, 2014 Share Posted October 25, 2014 Ford excursion, has the room of the van length wise, is 4x4 and has all the luxuries a van doesn't. Its diesel and if i drive nice get 20mpg. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HotOiler3 Posted October 26, 2014 Author Share Posted October 26, 2014 Ford excursion, has the room of the van length wise, is 4x4 and has all the luxuries a van doesn't. Its diesel and if i drive nice get 20mpg. Getting 20 MPG out of a powerstroke? That's incredible! is it the 7.3 or the 6.0? I've wanted a 7.3 Excursion for a long, loooong time, but it's just never been a practical option for me, but they sure are sexy trucks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Action Vending Posted October 27, 2014 Share Posted October 27, 2014 Ive had both. The 6.0 can be a good motor if you know what to watch for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HotOiler3 Posted October 27, 2014 Author Share Posted October 27, 2014 Ive had both. The 6.0 can be a good motor if you know what to watch for. When I worked for Ford, 90% of what came through the shop was 6.0 powerstrokes. Honestly they are in no way, shape or form "good motors" you either get lucky with one or you don't. The biggest problem with them is that Ford insisted on programming their own PCM, instead of buying the one that international designed for that motor. You CAN do a bunch of modifications to make it a little more reliable, but I don't think it's right to have to dump a bunch of money into a motor just to get some peace of mind out of it, that sounds like something you'd do with a GM. There's a reason the 6.0 was only in trucks for less than 3 years, and it wasn't because it didn't make power, they were a VERY powerful engine for the time. They did run the 6.0 in the vans until 2009. The 6.4 from my understanding was only replaced by the 6.7 because of the ridiculous diesel emission requirements, that and I'm guessing Ford wanted to get away from International, and start building their own in-house diesel engine. Be thankful you've had good luck with 6.0's, they've been an absolute nightmare for many, many people, with no modifications whatsoever and less than 50,000 miles on the odometer. Ford lost A LOT of loyal Ford owners to the Dodge Cummins because of the atrocity that is the 6 liter Powerstroke engine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodney69 Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 I use a minivan so I can easily access from the side. I take out the middle seat, use a cooler (from costco) sideways, then candy separated out in the case and bagged in between the cooler and the front seats. Extra parts, toys, and machines in the far back. It has sliders on both sides for easy access! Then I use a big gym bag that has what I need to service each location in it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HotOiler3 Posted October 28, 2014 Author Share Posted October 28, 2014 I use a minivan so I can easily access from the side. I take out the middle seat, use a cooler (from costco) sideways, then candy separated out in the case and bagged in between the cooler and the front seats. Extra parts, toys, and machines in the far back. It has sliders on both sides for easy access! Then I use a big gym bag that has what I need to service each location in it. I do have to hand it to you minivan guys. You get CREATIVE! I've seen so many more practical "homemade" modifications to minivans than I've ever seen on pickup trucks......... I just could never bring myself to drive, ride in, or be near a minivan.... I'm a pickup man, but even with the trucks I've had with shells on, you got tons of covered and protected space, but it does get to be a hassle to climb in and out to get something that's in the front of the bed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodney69 Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 That's why I use a van! No climbing in and out at ALL! Ease of use and and when I upgrade I will do more advertising on it. The floor is carpeted so stuff doesn't get scratched. I prefer to go 4 wheel'n and have fun just like everyone else, but this is about the tool for the job Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CajunCandy Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 A van can haul machines! Cajun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodney69 Posted October 29, 2014 Share Posted October 29, 2014 Awesome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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