[GeoffD]

I think if I could build the perfect "1 ton" i would focus around low maint, and that means stainless.

So lets see:

1. Ford F 350, F 550 if you want a spreader in the body.
2. 4x4 Diesel and Auto trans.
3. Rubber floor
4. Cloth seat
5. AC
6. Heated and power mirrors
7. Heated wiper blades.
8. Power Windows
9. Led Lighting on the body
10. Whelen Stobe system
11. Stainless body.
12. While i am not 100% sure on the durablity of the x-blade, i would have to go with a Fisher x-blade.


Now this spec is much different that what I would have speced in the past. In my new line of work, we keep trucks much longer 12 to 15 years is the norm. With the EPA and DEP cracking down on storm water and air quality laws. The old days of wasing the truck down outside are over. This used to remove much of the salt and sand from the body. The days of being able to repaint a plow or body inside the shop with out a piant both are over as well. By going stainless, you have ellimanted some of these problems, yes its more up front. Only if you figure the cost spent repainting blades and bodies every 3 or 4 years. The cost of stainless is easly recovered when you figure in down time, painting and the cost associated with it.

Geoff

 

[GeoffD]

Geoff, are you serious about not being able to wash down a truck covered in salt? Its that the law everywhere? Whats the fine for being caught doing that? That sucks, because the salt is eventually gonna get washed off anyway, even if it rains when you have the truck parked outside, or if you take it to a carwash and let them wash it for you. Mike :headwall

Ok here is how it works with the storm water laws:

We can was our trucks inside, however no sand may enter our floor drains. For no sand to enter we must line the drains with fabric like what is used in a silt fence. This provides for very slow drains, so we use less water. Our floor drains must be hooked upto the sewer system to prevent the contamination of ground water.

We used to just park the trucks outside use a 1.5" line and flush the sand and salt off them. However the EPA says those days are gone.

Geoff