Question:
I intend to start pumping and am trying to decide between a 3,600-gallon or 2,500-gallon truck. I’ve got an idea of the difference between the two trucks, but not sure what is best considering I am splitting myself in two directions, and the fact that I don’t live near a place to unload or any real population. The two competitors do.
My Situation:
• This would be my first and primary truck.
• I’m located in a rural area covering two counties and three towns.
• 12,000 households in one county and 17,000 in the other.
• 10 miles one way and 24 miles the other direction to a treatment plant.
• Start with parking at home between runs.
• Servicing a 30- to 35-mile radius each direction.
• Competitors run mostly 2,500-gallon tanks.
Considerations:
• Plan to start with a used truck with 100,000 to 200,000 miles.
• Small truck is lighter and lower for rural driveways.
• Bigger truck allows me to do more tanks before the drive to unload.
• Smaller is probably easier on fuel.
• 3,600-gallon truck has more wheels on the ground for weight distribution, which is probably better on dirt driveways.
What do you professionals think?
Answers:
First of all, there is no perfect-sized truck. I have a 3,400-gallon truck and a 1,700-gallon truck. They both serve a purpose. However, I would start with the 3,600-gallon truck. Your travel time will be greatly reduced. They can be difficult to get in some driveways, but you can usually fit them in somehow. Just make sure to carry enough hose in case you have to park on the street or around the house from the tank. We carry 180 to 200 feet on our trucks. Plus we have the ability to take from one truck to cover the other.
The next trick is to schedule your work so you can fill the truck in one area before you move on to the next.
