anyone go from a van to a pick-up ? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

painterofeveryt · 12-19-2006, 08:00 AM

thinking of doing the same thing,but have been in a van for 15 years or so...was it a tough switch ? ? or do you love the truck more then the van now ? thanks

KENNEDY · 12-19-2006, 08:33 AM

I'm thinking about going from a truck to a van, but can't seem to force myself to do it. I tried with the last vehicle I bought and at the end came home with another truck.

Richard · 12-19-2006, 05:31 PM

painter--I'm curious why you are thinking of making the switch?

I couldn't wait to stop working out of my truck when I finally got my van. I can't list any advantages to working out of a truck, as a painter.

Danahy · 12-19-2006, 06:39 PM

I made the switch. A few things I like are; It's a really cool truck, no more smellin' the paint trays/fumes etc in the cab, cab heats up / cools down really quick. Additional security, 2 places to break in now instead of just 1. Turns into a really fun non painting vehicle when needed.

I have made a custom built flat top for myself - very heavy duty, but removable if needed, slide out tray for the stuff inside the box.

Can't think of anything I miss about the van..?

painterofeveryt · 12-19-2006, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paintguy26

painter--I'm curious why you are thinking of making the switch?

I couldn't wait to stop working out of my truck when I finally got my van. I can't list any advantages to working out of a truck, as a painter.

well considering buying a new van or a truck and the prices are a tad cheaper for a truck as opposed to a van,but still leaning towards a van.......

Richard · 12-19-2006, 08:09 PM

--buying new huh!? cool, I haven't had a new vehicle yet...I wish you luck, as I know the prices are ridiculous.
--I have always bought used and usually stay around 10K max. I personally dont ever want to invest in a new vehicle, to me paying my $200/mo. payment is enough. Some guys though are paying 400-500 per month

. I dont think I'd ever be able to justify that.

Have you narrowed down what model vehicle you might want yet?

painterofeveryt · 12-19-2006, 08:36 PM

sorry not sure if it will be brand new again or not, chevy... probably a 1500,too much money for me right now for new...time will tell !

**Teetorbilt** · 12-19-2006, 10:48 PM

It seems as though I've posted this a thousand times. NEVER buy new!

My wife and I have both been in car sales. I was just car scum, she went on to F&I. They are the second layer of scum.

Always buy vehicles with the new knocked off of them, you'll save at least 10% right off of the top.

4thGeneration · 12-19-2006, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teetorbilt

It seems as though I've posted this a thousand times. NEVER buy new!

My wife and I have both been in car sales. I was just car scum, she went on to F&I. They are the second layer of scum.

Always buy vehicles with the new knocked off of them, you'll save at least 10% right off of the top.

A friend of mine who is in the service has a buddy who is also in the sevice, but was once in car sales. He said to only pay dealer invoice, maybe $100 more because even at dealer invoice they make a killing. When a salesperson asks for down, does it go partially to them or the whole thing?

**Teetorbilt** · 12-19-2006, 11:44 PM

The salesman gets a cash spif the same day. You throw that money away. The dealer will do just fine on the factory incentives, they could give them away at invoice all day long.

BMAN · 12-20-2006, 12:07 AM

I like my truck/trailer combo for a many reasons. Most important is that the tools stay on the job if I have to go out on estimates or to the paint store. My crew can keep working. I also plow in the winter so a van would make that a tough job. Its more of a swiss army thing, it does more and makes me more money.

paintr56 · 12-24-2006, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by painterofeveryt

thinking of doing the same thing,but have been in a van for 15 years or so...was it a tough switch ? ? or do you love the truck more then the van now ? thanks

I drive a truck with a man lift in the summer and a van in the winter. I think I like the idea of the truck better. It has utility boxes and is easy to organise and work out of. Never a problem with long ladders. The van has racks that I take off most of the time due to the wind noise. The truck is a 1986 with no comforts and the van I bought as a two year old never licensed dealer vehicle in 03, It is fully loaded so I do preffer the van in reality.

Jim Bunton

straight line · 12-26-2006, 09:31 AM

Pick- up trucks are better for bulky items,plywood,lumber,etc.Vans have the edge with tools,small items and best of all,no digging snow out of the back to find something.

SgtBaldy · 12-28-2006, 01:54 AM

I found that with a van all i did was stockpile a bunch of stuff i never need. I keep only what I need with a truck.

I also empty all expensive tools out of the truck every night so they don't stay out in vehicle to get stolen.