Utility truck?

Geo-TH,In · Mar 4, 2021

I've been thinking about a utility truck instead of a pickup truck.

Two issues.
Utility boxes tend to rust over time.
Do they make aluminum boxes or diamond plated aluminum?

Can you buy a F150 with a utility box?
Or do you buy a F150 without a bed and install your own box.?

Do utility boxes have a 4x8 bed?
George

AL Moyer · Mar 4, 2021

George, A guy I do a lot of work for has a truck with the utility bed/ body, first yes his has a 4 x 8 bed, but I would never have one, they all leak & rust, he's had diamond aluminum plates made up to cover the rusted out areas, but hinges can be problematic too. I'm a Contractor/ Builder, & I use a van, everything is always dry & secure, so I would never have one ! Not sure if someone makes a fiberglass one ? Alan

jaoneill · Mar 4, 2021

Utility bodys have a number of distinct advantages over a pickup if intended as a work truck rather than a dual purpose work/pleasure vehicle. Typically one would buy a cab & chassis and have the box of your choice installed. I saw a most impressive rig on a job site yesterday. The contractor had purchased a brand new ford F450 with a lengthened frame so that it would handle a custom 12' utility body made to his specifications. He was an older carpenter who was extremely well organized and wanted anything he might need easily and readily available; no more climbing into and out of a van type truck but tools still under lock & key, with the flexibility of a pickup for hauling material and massive heavy duty overhead racks over the boxes for longer lumber, ladders, etc.

mmfan55 · Mar 4, 2021

Due to weight of bed and what most people put in them, I doubt finding a half ton with utility bed will be easy,

Geo-TH,In · Mar 4, 2021

Rust is my concern and keeping tools dry is another.
However adding diamond plated aluminum tool boxes to todays jacked up trucks isn't appealing either.
George

Geo-TH,In · Mar 4, 2021

I read a utility box is about 600 pounds more than a truck bed.

If needed there is a spring shop in town that could add a spring leaf.

My tools would weigh the same.
George

DoubleO7 · Mar 4, 2021

They do make aluminium utility bodies.
Fiberglass also.

You could put one on your red GMC.

But with the weight of the body and all the compartments filled, it might end up to heavy for a half ton.

Traditional Farmer · Mar 4, 2021

How much do you need the tools? A utility bed mounted on a trailer might be better.

ss55 · Mar 4, 2021

Have you looked at 3/4 ton cargo vans?

Janicholson · Mar 4, 2021

The idea is good if you need the tool portability. I have two ideas On Craigs List in TH there is a wheel chair van with a lift that could be of advantage with much additional space ahead of the lift Modest $. The second is the idea of a cargo van. or used utility truck. Many are to be found near TH. Jim

john in la · Mar 4, 2021

There is a place in town that mostly contracts with new truck dealers but you can go there yourself.
They install all kinds of beds on trucks.
For half ton trucks the price usually includes them keeping the pickup bed.
They then resell the beds to off set their cost for use as wrecked pickup replacements.
I do not know that you can buy a half ton cab and chassis truck.

Geo-TH,In · Mar 4, 2021

I worked out of a van before. No thanks.

Tim GA · Mar 4, 2021

George: I retired in 2010 and look at different trucks, vans and cargo trailer. The used rental 14 foot vans were $1,000.00 per foot. I found a 6 x 12 foot cargo van for less than $3,000.00. I now have my tools in the van and I take the trailer to the farmer place and work on their equipment. The trailer has worked great for me. This maybe something to consider.

Stephen Newell · Mar 4, 2021

Myself, I like a van better. You can put shelving on the wall over the tire well and still allow enough room in the middle for 4x8 plywood.

504 · Mar 4, 2021

Poke around here,the factory is here but there are distributors all over the country. And yes you can buy it complete, or just the body,steel or aluminum.
Knapheide Mfg.

Geo-TH,In · Mar 4, 2021

You like Vans I don't.

I want a truck with toolboxes. My truck is a toolbox on wheels that I can haul a 4x8 plywood, refrigerator, riding mower and pull a 14k implement trailer and a 10k dump trailer.

I really thinks a utility truck is better than hanging tool boxes on pickup.

Does anyone have a utility truck?
George.

bc · Mar 4, 2021

I could probably use one but the tools I would always be needing would be on the opposite side of the truck from where I'm at.

I carry almost an extra full set of tools in the backseat and floor of the ford supercab pickup. No one sits there anyway. Have some plastic tubs for some stuff. Pipe wrenches, crow bars, you name it and I probably have it there. Have a crossover style toolbox on the bed behind the cab but it has rarely been used because it didn't really latch when closed from one side without walking around and jiggling it. Adjusted on it forever and couldn't get it right. May as well just take it off.

Farmer Rock · Mar 4, 2021

I was seriously considering buying a used utility bed for my old f250, but after weighing it out, I ended going with a Stahl utility cap. It has 4 full length toolboxes on the outside just like regular bed side boxes and has shelves inside. I am amazed at how much storage there is. It didn't take away any space in the bed at all. I can still slide in a bunch of 4x8 sheets of plywood. I am very happy with the cap. If it is a possibility for you, then it is definitely worth looking into.

Rock

old · Mar 4, 2021

I have a truck with a utility bed on it. It is way over loaded and while I have driven it a little bit it is parked due to gas tank problems and frame problems plus rear spring problems

SVcummins · Mar 5, 2021

jaoneill · Mar 5, 2021

(quoted from post at 23:15:22 03/04/21) You like Vans I don't.

Does anyone have a utility truck?
George.

I have had three utility trucks, two were F250's with 8' utility bodies and full ladder racks, the other was an F350 with a 10' utility body and racks; all were back in the 60's. Unless you travel toll roads where they charge by the wheel, I would go with the heavier truck with duals, especially if you are towing. I bought the first one used (an F250) and the boxes behind the wheels eventually leaked at 8-10 years old, never had a leak with the others, both of which I traded at about that age. All of mine were sprung much heavier than stock factory units.

Jim

Geo-TH,In · Mar 5, 2021

"utility bed mounted on a trailer might be better."

Better for someone to take both your trailer and tools all at the same time.

I park my truck with 3 tool boxes full of tools inside a garage or pole barn.

2 9600 · Mar 5, 2021

yes geo since you asked , i do own a service truck it is a 4wd f450 air bags . as to your other question , i dont know if they make a bed for an f150 . if all you are going to put in it is 600 lbs i guess it would work . i would never waste the time to type the question on a 150 or even a 250 , my 450 works good but is most of the time over loaded with no crane . next one will probably be a small pete or a kw foe crane capacity

blueridge · Mar 5, 2021

George, Contact Clark Truck Equipment, North of Crawfordsville on 231, they sell and install Utility Beds and all other kinds of hoists and Truck beds. Gene

2 9600 · Mar 5, 2021

for got to add my service truck is for on farm, 600 lbs of tools is not gonna get me through the seasons by the time you add welder . gen , air, 200 gal fuel tank that is not enough to run a day . grease ,oil, pry bars and 500lbs of extra in season parts inventory , plus what ever parts that are for a break down that day you are dealing with dont waste your time with a small truck

Determined · Mar 5, 2021

Another option.

I knew a guy that did mobile air conditioning work, he had everything he needed; pumps, tanks, generator, tools etc set up on one of those slide out platforms in the back of a pick up truck with a locking fiberglass box cover over it all.

Unlock the lid, open the tailgate and the whole thing slid out the back of the truck with one hand for easy ground level access.

Carlmac 369 · Mar 5, 2021

How about one of these? I see them a lot around here, never used one though. The ability to remove it easily and use the truck normally seems like a good solution to me.

https://www.spacekap.com/

DoubleO7 · Mar 5, 2021

(quoted from post at 23:15:22 03/04/21)

I want a truck with toolboxes. My truck is a toolbox on wheels that I can haul a 4x8 plywood, refrigerator, riding mower and pull a 14k implement trailer and a 10k dump trailer.

George.

Then why a F150 to pull a 10k or 14k trailer??

chucksoliver77 · Mar 5, 2021

the max. payload for a 2021 f150 is 3320lbs. with the 5.0 v-8 when properly equipped, regular cab and 2 wheel drive.

Vito · Mar 5, 2021

I had a utility body setup when I framed houses. Worked well for that. After 3 box trucks, box length 14 -20 depending on which truck, I am now using a van. It works better than a pickup with cross over tool chest. Its just me so I dont need as much equipment. It used to be like Noahs ark.

Vito

ratface · Mar 11, 2021

Old ambulances make good work trucks. Lots of storage compartments and room for sheet material to be carried in the center. Well maintained by municipalities and can be had relatively cheap after they become obsolete as ambulances.

Utility truck?

Well-known Member

Member

Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Member

Member

Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Similar threads