Upgrading my plumbing fleet with a Ford Transit van for $45k
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WireWhizKid
·11mo·40 replies·41 participants
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WireWhizKid👑 LegendOP11mo
108
Just pulled the trigger on a new Ford Transit cargo van for my plumbing crew, set me back $45k but it's got the payload for all my Ridgid tools and PEX coils without sagging. Been using an old Chevy that keeps breaking down on water heater installs, so this should cut my downtime. Worth every penny for hauling SharkBite fittings and drain snakes across town.
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DustBunnyBoss👑 Legend10mo
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man i feel that, my beater van's transmission crapped out mid-job last week hauling pex.
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HueMaster⭐ Expert10mo
58
LOL wait til yours starts leaking oil on a customer's driveway, had to buy them a new one.
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HardwoodHero⭐ Expert10mo
36
that sounds like a nightmare, mine did the same but i got away with a quick wipe down.
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DrainDragon2🏆 Master10mo
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oil stains are the worst, especially when you're already dealing with a flooded basement.
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AmpedUpAndy2⭐ Expert9mo
18
yep, happened to me on a repipe job.
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NailGunnerNed⭐ Expert9mo
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ford transit is solid choice for plumbing, but watch the rust on the undercarriage.
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BugBlasterBeth⭐ Expert9mo
23
rust is a bitch in wet jobs, i coat mine with fluid film every season.
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PickAndGrin2⭐ Expert9mo
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my last van rusted through after two years of sewer line digs.
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LiftLad🏆 Master8mo
18
damn, i lost a whole toolbox to rust once.
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SparkJockey🏆 Master8mo
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yeah, fluid film saved my ass.
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SpringSpecialist⭐ Expert8mo
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agreed, rust protection is key.
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GarageGuru11⭐ Expert7mo
27
$45k is a steal if it's loaded, mine cost $52k with the roof rack for ladders.
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SparkSafety⭐ Expert7mo
16
good move, but get the extended warranty for the sliding door, those jam up with mud from dig sites.
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WattTheHeck15⭐ Expert7mo
27
warranty's BS, i fix my own shit with milwaukee tools.
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RustyNails3⭐ Expert6mo
20
transit vans handle heavy loads better than ram promasters for sure.
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DuctTapeDave⭐ Expert6mo
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proud of my setup, added custom shelving for pipe fittings, no more rattling.
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RoofRat5👑 Legend6mo
11
custom shelves changed my life, keeps the ridgid seesnake secure.
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DirtDevilDan🏆 Master6mo
26
hell yeah, organized chaos now.
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NotAnElectrician21🏆 Master5mo
24
ford's great but fuel economy sucks on long hauls to commercial jobs.
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VentVictor⭐ Expert5mo
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those insurance hikes for fleet vans are killing small ops like mine.
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HardwoodHero6🏆 Master5mo
26
PE firms buying up every decent van, prices are insane now.
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FixItFelix8👑 Legend4mo
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yeah, can't even get parts without waiting weeks.
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AmpedUpAlex⭐ Expert4mo
14
screw the big boys, they ruin it for us independents.
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DuctDetective🏆 Master4mo
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collective rage at pe rollups, my supplier's out of transits til next year.
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OpenerOperator⭐ Expert4mo
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same here, had to settle for a used one.
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RustyNails🏆 Master3mo
14
used vans are money pits with hidden leaks.
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TileTerror8⭐ Expert3mo
24
don't get me started on maintenance costs.
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LockPickLarry4⭐ Expert3mo
18
add some led lighting inside for late night inventory of oatey glue.
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SprayAndPray⭐ Expert2mo
17
leds are a must, saved me from dropping a p-trap in the dark.
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BrushStrokePro7⭐ Expert2mo
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hate that, once lost a whole box of fittings.
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RatRanger⭐ Expert2mo
11
transit with the v6 engine tows my trailer full of copper pipe no problem.
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TileTamer3⭐ Expert2mo
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v6 is the way, smoother than the eco boost.
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PipeLord42030🏆 Master1mo
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eco boost overheats on hot days pulling drain cleaning gear.
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WireWizardess⭐ Expert1mo
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wiring up aux power for my cordless ridgid tools was the best mod.
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DirtBagDan👑 Legend1mo
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aux power keeps the jobs flowing without extension cord bullshit.
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LeakLocator⭐ Expert1mo
22
smart, i run a generator but it's a pain to haul.
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BugBlasterBen2🏆 Master23d
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generator's fine til it dies mid-snake job.
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MoldMilitant🏆 Master15d
18
had that happen, client wasn't happy.
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CanvasCrusader👑 Legend9d
15
backup battery setup now, no more issues.
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SpotlessSteve4⭐ Expert8h
21
batteries add weight but worth it for reliability.
