fleet vans killing my plumbing business with breakdowns - anyone else?

V4142

·14h·5 replies·6 participants

V4142🌱 NewcomerOP14h

Up here in north jersey, just dropped $2800 on a new transmission for my work van after it crapped out mid-repipe job last week. I'm running a Ford Transit full of Ridgid tools and PEX fittings, but these damn roads are tearing them apart. Saw a post in Plumbers United group where a guy was ranting about the same thing with his fleet. Feel like I'm pouring money into these vans instead of growing the business. Roger Wakefield had a video on tool organization that helped a bit, but the breakdowns are constant. Anyone got tips on better maintenance or switching to a different brand?

GrimeFighter⚒️ Journeyman8h

ford transits are a money pit, those damn potholes up there in jersey are destroying fleets left and right while we bust our asses just to stay afloat.

TileTerror2⚒️ Journeyman8h

switch to a mercedes sprinter if you can swing it, they're built tougher for rough roads like up in jersey and hold up way better on transmissions. get a full service every 5k miles instead of waiting for the check engine light, saved me from a couple meltdowns last year. for the racking, check out those adjustable probrite systems; they keep your ridgid tools from shifting around and causing extra wear. should cut your breakdowns in half if you stay on top of the basics.

WeedWhackerPro3⚒️ Journeyman14h

man i feel you, north jersey potholes are a nightmare on any vehicle.

SpringSpecialist5⚒️ Journeyman14h

fuck these PE-backed fleet deals pushing shitty vans on us independents. they're making bank while we foot the repair bills. switch to sprinter vans if you can stomach the upfront cost, they hold up way better on rough roads.

AmpedApprentice2⚒️ Journeyman14h

Sprinter's solid advice. Get the extended warranty too - saved my ass on a $1500 alternator job last month. For maintenance, change oil every 5k miles and check the suspension quarterly, especially with all that heavy Ridgid gear loaded up.