You won't find a perfect work truck in America they are all built for misery and hardship, Look at Australian Ute's and toolbox set ups if your serious about work. That's not hate I love America to death but everytine you see a tradie in a tubbed utility or a welding bed that looks like a ww2 bunker for tools you just shake your head in disbelief.
Theirs a company that makes a rac n cap for your truck it opens up so it’s water tight and you could lock it but also when you open it up it has parts you could extend to have a roof rack for lumber or plywood
Seven years ago wanted a service body truck, but didn’t want to spend the money, finally bought one about a year ago and will never go back if financially able. Always full access to all organized tools and supplies even after 12 hr day and bed is heaped full. Took an average daily frustration level of 6 out of 10 to a 1 out of 10. My advice is spend the money to get what will work best for you, whether that is the perfect van and racks or truck and bed slide or whatever. It is so nice to go home at the end of a long day happy instead of frustrated and dreading the hr of reorganization of the truck before you can even think about doing anything else.
Totally agree. Cleaning up is such a drudge. But not so bad if you keep up with it. I've had a bedslide plan in my head for years. With a shell my tools are secure, but I can't do the crawling over tools thing anymore. So many projects.... Bedslide!
Nice to see Jono inevitably be part of the playing field, even though it's just about showing off your truck 😉 I've been following you guys a decent amount of years and he always strike me as the silent, hard working type, comfortable in the background. Like he's there only to do some good work, and then enjoy life on the bike or paddle board 😄 Maybe a little video with Jono and his background would be interesting? I fell like Arlo, Ray & Jay are well documented, you know what I mean?
Jono is definitely an interesting guy. Knows how to do almost everything, and just works away in the background. And if he can't find something to work on, he cleans. A great guy to have on any site.
Regarding trying to reach things in the “back of the bed”, I took a rake handle and screwed a rubber coated, industrial hook into the end. It lays in one the “channels” in my bed, and is perfect for hooking things and sliding them to the tailgate.
Lol, I sprayed rubber under coating on a garden ho, it hangs in a couple of hooks mounted under my weatherguard job boxes that run full length down each bed rail. I modified the mounting leg position to still allow 48” between them for sheet goods on the flat
4 door king bed truck with ladder rack and weather guard job boxes on the rails- allows 4x8 sheet goods to lay flat, secure water tight storage on sides almost like a service body, and ladder rack increasing load capacity for longer materials (maturrls) and of course your ladders. Mine is a do it all as the weatherguard boxes acts as bear boxes camping, dirt bikes, MTBs, kayaks up top on rack, and comfy in the back for the kids
We drive a 2006 Chevy express van for 16 years now been in there since I was a little man. It just works for us, keeps tools, generators, air compressors, coolers, ladders all safe and dry. But trucks are definitely cooler. And I have a 2007 GMC Yukon Denali that I drive on weekends to get whatever we need for work, we also take it on vacations.
Definitely hard to argue not having a van since it has nearly the same capability as a truck but just not as much cool factor. The older I get the more that $10,000 price difference makes the cool factor not matter!
@@ZipKickGo yeah, when I was younger I wanted a truck to look cool but know that I’m a bit older I just don’t care about what people think about me. I let my work do the talking.
My father has been a cabinetry carpenter for decades, and currently works on a mid 00s Silverado. He uses a cap on the bed, and has his own custom duel zone sliders. Its a great balance of being secure, and having fantastic access to the entire bed without needing to climb in
Love the fact you're not advocating brand new trucks, but whatever works for you. I'd been considering changing from a SUV to a van but the prices in the UK are insane (as in the US from the sounds of things). This video is very timely for me and good reassurance. I'll stick with my 2002 Nissan Patrol and trailer setup. 👍. Thanks guys for all the content. Really amazing stuff
I just picked up an ex dpd sprinter LWB, with the 4x4 powertrain - 230k miles but it had a new engine 64 miles ago, paid £3200 at BCA commercial auction, using part of it for tools (building some racks), has 3 seats up front and the rest for carrying load/storage, I'm an engineer now but trained as a carpenter 10years ago, do lots of side work so a van has been on my radar a while
Another thing people could consider is a sprinter type van as a dedicated work vehicle. They get longer and taller to carry sheet goods. Lockable and dry. Plus plenty of room storage on the inside along with towing capabilities.
My last work truck was an ‘01 extended cab Silverado. Much like Jaime, I removed the back seat and built a platform that my small table saw, miter saw, and several totes of other tools could sit on. I included tie down points and often used it for transporting window glass and cabinet doors
The answer: A Mercedes Sprinter Van. Seriously. Embarrasses anything else. By a huge distance. Fast, frugal on fuel. Can walk around inside. Doors fold back on itself. Available 4WD.
Yes I agree, the nice thing with cargo vans is that everything is enclosed - out of the weather, if you opt for the tall vans they're great because you can stand inside without bending over. The only con is the cost of upfitting the interior to what you need. The Sprinter is the only one with 4x4, Ford transit has an AWD option that adds some more ground clearance.
Van user here, I like both vans and trucks, prefer vans just because it’s a rolling tool shed, saves time on loading and unloading etc. material rack on top, diesel is the way to go if hauling trailers a lot. But I agree if it’s not a dedicated work vehicle, a truck is better.
Im a young guy from Chicago, I really thank you guys for the time & effort you put inside your videos editing and what ever you do. But I watch you guys all the time and Jamie please don't get offended but you're like the coolest Freddy Krueger I ever known. We're all men, trying to feed are family s thanks for the help your giving us we need it
I work as a striper as the project manager and sometime foreman. Most days I drive a Tacoma, and for a long time I had an extended cab with a 6 foot bed. I had basically the same setup as Johnno except no camper top. So I had my power and hand tools in the back seat and carried paint sprayers/line stripers in the bed. When I bought a new truck last year I got another tacoma, and this time I bought a short bed and a Diamondback tonneau cover. And I did this on purpose, so that all my tools can be locked in the bed, and now I can't haul line stripers in the bed. And that has been great for me, because I shouldn't be hauling them anyway, and now that I am unable to, no one asks me to.
When I was contracting I ran a half ton with high saddle boxes, a roof rack and 12’ enclosed trailer. The trailer kept drywall, doors and cabinets dry. I added narrow shelves on one side as well. It also provided security if I had to pick up material. It was amazing how people would sell tools in the same parking lot from which they stole them. If I didn’t need too many tools, I could just roll up in the truck. A flat bed trailer was also a necessity. Trailers went home or to the hotel with me at night. The one piece of advice I have looking back, buy heavier and bigger than you think you need. For what little more money they cost, a 3/4 ton may have been a better choice. It takes about 5-10 years of work to figure out what you like and what works for you.
Decked boxes are impractical as hell. If you're a real contractor it's better to get high side saddle boxes. Allows for a full height pallet to be put on even if you have a rack on the truck, and has more space. Decked is for handymen that want to keep their truck looking stock.
I have one and I like it for all my tool bags and it also keep all my other smaller tools without being scared they’ll get wet and I’ve put a full pallet of tile on it with ease and the boxes still open no problem
One more thing to consider: depending on how common vehicle theft is on your area, you should consider unloading tools that are rarely used or that you can't afford to loose whenever you don't need it. My dad is an electrician and got his truck stolen a couple of weeks ago. The vehicle showed up abandoned that same day, but all the tools were gone. And the sad part was that most of the things on his toolbox were not even needed that day
I do 4 to 6 major remodels a year , I have evolved to a four door Dodge 3500 four wheel drive with a utility bad and ladder rack, I keep all of my hand tools in the truck , I have a 16 foot inclosed trailer that most of time I can safely leave at the job site and a flat bed trailer that I use randomly. I generally keep the truck clean enough to take the family places but normally the family goes in my wife’s Jeep JKU .
Similar for me. I have a 450 flatbed welding truck that im going to invest in a nice service bed for. I do multiple different trades so i keep my main tools in the truck, right now everything hangs out in packouts in the back seat, but once i get my service bed i should be able to haul 2 complete stacks and also loose tools in the small boxes, and use trailers to haul my other specialty equipment depending on the job.
I ordered my 2022 v6 long bed Tacoma a few months ago and it should be here at the end of the month. I’m so ready for it, having hauled my tools/ materials in a Honda Accord for two years as an apprentice.
I've had/used every type of work vehicle mentioned in the video and the comments. Personal opinion is a thumbs up for the 3/4 ton truck with a service body. Very secure storage, can haul 4x8 sheet goods in the bed, add a rack for long materials and ladders. Personally I like the ones with the clam shell top lids.
Hello Perkins Builders from Sydney Australia. Thank you for showing the trade vehicles "truck" used in the residential building industry. These days security is the main focus for Sydney builders. Also rain and sun covers: side box with lift door. The days of a pickup with milk crates full of power tools are gone! 🌏🇦🇺
I have the perfect work truck, 2019 f250 four-door four-wheel drive powerstroke with a service bed with flip top boxes. I had a couple other service trucks and my dad had four other service trucks when he was alive. You can carry everything you want , have plenty of power, ladder racks, all the comfort features and good fuel mileage
Bought a 2003 rusted out Chevy suburban for a family truck and started a construction business shortly after. I was so impressed with the space and towing capacity that I bought another one. They are a great work/family truck and all your tools are locked up and dry. Plus YOU NEVER HAVE TO STRAP ANYTHING DOWN. Best part in my opinion lol.
I run basically the same setup as Jono with my Platinum Tundra but I keep my packouts locked in the truck bed. I have always had good luck with Toyotas, but if you take care of any truck it will take care of you.
Always look the part and show up to work looking like you're ready to go to work. I wore sneakers (tennis shoes, to you southerners) for a time but then I realized I didn't look like I was there to do electrical work. I switched back to boots. Now I look like I'm going to work. I drive a 2015 Ford Transit with my business name all over it so I look professional there too. Any time I'm on a job and a guy shows up with a hatchback it's hard for me to take them seriously;y, also here in NJ they're probably violating the law. Good video guys!
Great topic - a key aspect of contracting. I'm a Carpentry contractor in Toronto and I run 3 vehicles (all Ford): 1. 2010 F150 4x4 Supercrew + 6.5' box with trifold hard cover (The "Everyday runner") 2. 2018 E250 Extended cargo van (for ladders + rolling tool box) 3. 2010 F250 4x4 Diesel crew cab + short box + lockable box (towing only) I drive a Ford Mustang GT as my "personal car" and I also have a 12' cargo trailer (to leave on job sites + recreational use). I rent all the other trailers I need to haul (flat/dump/etc). Different weapons for different applications. And all of my work trucks combined cost less than 1 brand new 250/350 Super Duty and I get the best of all worlds.
I see more Ford Transit, Ram Promaster, and even Mercedes Sprinter used by many companies now. They are just so much better than the classic contractor truck because they have all the capacity in an enclosed space that you can STAND UP IN. I do cabinet installs and we've had all three makes over the years, and currently have both a Ford and a Ram. I will say the best is actually the Diesel Mercedes Sprinter, but it's also the most expensive cost of ownership in every way. The Ram Promaster is probably the worst overall, although it depends how much time you spend in the cab, since I feel like the back work space is actually the best. The Ford Transit is the most refined, and honestly the best all around for the money, and the cab is the most comfortable. All three are hands down way better than working out of the back of a truck bed. I would never recommend that to anyone ever.
I would never, ever recommend the Mercedes. We used them as ambulances and they were awful. Couldn't handle hills. Did terrible in snow and rain (and I live in the PNW - rain is common here). Had several electrical issues. Very underpowered. Only advantage to them was I was able to stand up in the back which made patient care easier. We had a problem with people stealing the Mercedes emblem when we were on scene too. We ended up going back to Ford ambulances.
As a repair plumber, my vehicle of choice is a van with a utility bed. I drive a Ford E350 Super Duty. The bed has doors with shelves. Shelves inside too. Perfect for my needs.
Honestly in a wetter environment a good van like a sprinter is for superior. My tools stay dry, organized in cabinets up the wall. Stores my fasteners, and my materials until I need them. I can lock it all up no problem. And i can tow a trailer too. Putting stuff on the roof makes me be able to carry just as big loads, so no capacity problems either. And I basically have a little place to retreat to to have a little coffee if I need to. That said… that new electric Ford F150 that thing is Awesome… and that might become my first truck. I drove on the other day and that thing goes like hell and it has another great dry storage in the front trunk thing. To be fair i don’t drive offroad regurarly, but i think a van is actually more practical for most builders, but it just has an image problem in the US and Canada In europe vans are definitely the common choice.
I don’t do construction and aren’t in the market for a work truck, but I still watched every minute and was fully entertained. Thanks for more content Perkins boys.
I own my own business Doing remodeling and new construction I have always owned and worked out of truck because I really like them. Im glad other people like work trucks. Thanks for the great videos.
When I first started my business I rolled up in my rusted out Malibu Maxx and I had the customer actually give me a hard time on the look of my car. Thankful business has been good and I have an awesome 03 Duramax with a service body.
I bought a “backflip mx4” for my f150. It goes between the sides leaving me room for a ladder rack. Its a watertight hard cover that flips all the way up. Then I put a bedside in in. It’s the best setup I’ve had in years.
Check out the Retrax tonneau cover. They are retractable., water tight,. They make them in Aluminum or Polycarbonate - the Aluminum version will hold up to 500 lbs on the actual cover. They also have T-Slots so you can add ladder racks, Bike Racks, Kayak Racks, etc. which will not interfere with the operation of the tonneau cover.
I always found it interesting working in the states when the majority of people had trucks I still preferred vans. Back in Europe you can get awd/4x4 vans and they're generally seen as more practical.
Definitely interesting seeing how different countries handle materials. The US/Canada where I am is a mix of truck and van, some moving their own materials to site, a lot rely on delivery. Australia is a lot of large capacity trucks with racks and they move their own materials to site. The UK is a lot of delivery and smaller service vans but some of that is dictated by ease of maneuverability in urban projects; and also emissions and market restrictions for trucks.
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Horse and cart. 4 foot drive, 1 horse power, cheap to run. Good load capacity. But seriously, I’ve had vans, single cab tray, single cab work body, dual cab camper top, dual cab tray, dual cab tray with tool boxes. I agree with all you said. Love your work 👍
Here is one thing though. If you have an accident (god forbid but if), all those heavy tools might fly around and smash your head in. Maybe get netting that separates passengers and tools. I really want to enjoy those nice videos of yours a little longer.
Lost a friend- an amazing woodworker/ craftsman, to this exact scenario. Mild slide off a slippery road, a loose tool smashed his head. Please secure your stuff.
I always think trades people should consider 4x4 Econoline style vans. Secure and as useful as any pickup. My dad always had a full size van as a plumber. He was able to keep his expensive tools in it and take 2 or 3 coworkers with him in all weather!
I do not work in construction but love DIY and as a homeowner I do a lot of work around the house. I do remodeling, landscaping etc... I have a 2005 Tundra, single cab 8' bed with a V8 and I absolutely love it. It is not our family vehicle but it sure is nice to have a work truck when you need it. I cannot see how you could make a shorter bed work. Originally I had a camper top which I thought I would love (came with the truck) but I hated it. No visibility, hard to crawl into the bed. Then I got a roll up cover. I liked that a lot more but I disliked having to roll it all the way up just to access my things close to the cab and then roll it all the way back. Also didn't work well for trips where I had one large item and a bunch of small items. Now I have a tool box in the bed like Jamie. I plan to shorten my roll up cover to fit so I have best of both worlds. I also still have the ability to put a rack on this truck as well if I wanted to although I have found with the long bed there is really no need for a rack. If I was a tradesman I would put a rack on. As a homeowner I do not believe it is necessary. Loved this video, thanks!
Drywall guy here and man have I been through lots of “work” vehicles! From a Honda civic hatchback to a Chevy Suburban I must say that the suburban has been the absolute perfect vehicle for my needs in this trade. The benefits of a truck and the most comfortable ride on the road. Tools are always dry and no one is asking me to help them move😉😉! I love the tray in Arlo’s Astro, there’s gonna be one for my Burb soon. Great talking point for a video because each trade presents different needs that dictate what you drive. P.S. I was able to put a 6’ baker scaffold in the civic hatchback and shut the trunk lid! LOL IYKYK!😂
These are great videos for me. I love watching your progress and there's honesty in how you work and show your progress. I know you've been waiting on materials and seeing this kind of video is great to see, as I trust. Your judgment on what tools you use.
At&t service trucks are a great buy for anyone in construction/ related fields. The box is big enough. For 6-8 4'x8'sheetrock/plywood. Access from the rear and driver side, seperate lockable storage on the passenger side. Dual ladder racks on top and a power inverter in the cab that will charger you batteries when needed. Dont expect cruise control but they got a/c and you know the maintenance has been done
I hope that Jamie never gets into an accident with all that gear in the back seat. That stuff flying around in the cab could do a lot of damage. Really should think about adding a barrier between the front and back seat areas. I truly hope that never happens.
I use a 2012 Infiniti G37xS Coupe for my work vehicle in Colorado. I do finish work mostly. Help frame roofs sometimes. Backseat is folded down with quiet compressor, 20v miter saw, nail guns and hoses. Got a tote full of batteries and power cords. Got a large bag full of all the Dewalt 20v tools I need, Got a tote full of handtools. I use diamondback 701 vest setup with MAZO AND EAGLE. No issue ever because of the AWD except when the snow is 6 inches plus and I get bottomed out. Deciding between work van, work truck, or raised Subaru with giant ass wheels for a more spacious work vehicle. Will keep this also for fun :)
My carpenter dad always had a full size van. People would just look in- even with tinted windows- and just break the window and steal the tools. He ended up building a "bed" panel behind the third row and putting all his tools in there. The back doors on the van couldn't be opened when locked inside or out and the second door's "handle" was down below that bed panel. No one breaking in could access this either from inside. No more stolen tools.
@@mikel9567 We had the same van for nearly his whole career. Only two total that I can remember and he still has the second one. And also used to clean out and put the seats back in for vacations too- like the boys here have mentioned. I think also it was easier for him to drive being able to see out the windows. He's retired now.. :/ Hard when the Super hero Dadoo gets old, ain't it...
How about something like a Mercedes Sprinter? Very common in Europe, and has really easy access with both side doors and tailgate. And you can also install nice cabinets for tools
I used to work at a truck accessory store and our biggest seller was the Access roll up cover. It was a soft cover with Velcro edges. This is what I learned after selling 100's of these covers over the years I worked there. We had only 1 customer that had his cover cut, it was an act of vandalism where 4 local boys smashed windows, scratched paint on half a dozen vehicles and cut his cover. They took nothing from his bed, they we interested in destruction, not robbery. The lesson here is out of sight, out of mind. If a their can't see what is in your bed, they will leave your truck alone 99% of the time. These covers outsold every other cover in our store 10-15 to 1. As far as I know they still outsell all of our other covers combined. And this store sells every kind of cover you could want. God bless and stay well.
I am a fashion designer but I really like watching how houses and other stuff made because of you guys And of course I really wait eagerly for your and ray jay builder buddies videos Keep it up 👍🏻
I drive a Mini Van as my work vehicle, for me its ideal for now. I can keep all my tools with me, including table saw/miter saw and still haul up to 10' sticks inside, 4x8 sheets and any longer lumber on the roof. I can not haul big loads of materials, but I don't need to either. I want to get a bigger van like a Pro Master or Econoline down the line, but for now my sienna suits me just fine.
I have a f450 dually v10. Gets 5.7 mph but I use it to haul my 20 yard dumpsters to the job site and pull my heavy equipment. Love that truck. My Silverado 1500 just isn't enough to even pull my 8k lb 16ft work trailer.
Thanks for sharing all of your current truck configurations and use cases, just in case you haven't considered or looked into it, the "Decked" storage system with a "Bedside" on top would fit in a camper shell and allow you to access stuff without necessarily having to crawl into the back of the bed (BedSlide makes an install kit which allows it to be installed over the Decked system)... One other setup I can think of would be using the Decked system with also adding side walls to the bed to make up for the loss of bed height, but this would be open (unsecured) storage... Anyway just thought I'd mention these things as potential future options If you ever had the need.
We've got several 2005, 2006, Ford e350 and e450 cutaway vans with Spartan Supreme Court or ultimaster 14 ft utility bodies in the back with five doors down each side on the outside and two shelves inside on each side... Perfect vehicle for renovation and remodeling... 4 ft by 14 ft down the center for materials... And all the tools are on the shelves and up and out of the way
RAM 1500/2500/3500 with Ramboxes!! Have had one for 5 years now, and it's a must buy for me on any truck moving forward. Water tight, locking & Led lit.
Have you guys ever thought of getting a roll out shade or batwing shade for your work trucks? Awesome for working in bad weather or cover for lunch. Most of the units we use in Australia are rated for minimum 25mph winds unsecured and up to 40mph when using poles and ropes. The batwing awnings are almost a standard for "tradies utes" in Aus as they give a stupid amount of cover for the cost and often do as much work camping on weekends as they do on site, also they have crazy high wind ratings and accessories like zip in sides, floors and led lighting to name a few. Have a look at ARB or other quality offroad manufactures and you will find a stack of bits that are dual purpose and work very well on site!
Thanks for all the great tips! I liked the civic comment-I'm a carpenter and I HAVE been driving an 09 civic around, packed to the GILLS with everything from post-hole diggers to pin nailers and everything in between. Now a guy rear ended me and about wrecked it, so... finally time for an upgrade? Maybe to the tune of an 8ft bed with ladder rack to haul all the tools and materials that the other guys who HAVE trucks forget to bring constantly. This video is certainly helping that decision!
We actually have a work ute called The Unicorn. It's a one ton crew cab Ford Ranger. We call it The Unicorn because it will not die, alway seems to have the part you're looking for, always has room when the others don't, and has some type of healing power. There's been a number of times when equipment has stopped working and gets tossed into The Unicorn only to emerge a day or two later working. It gets passed down from apprentice to apprentice; like a right of passage.
I kind of agree with you even though I have a short bed. Before I had any kids I had a single cab long bed F150 and you could put a lot of stuff in that thing!
I've done all the things...Safari, 2500 with an enclosed trailer, sprinter van, small truck and daily car, van and wagon, etc. My current setup is a similar Ford Supercrew short bed with a variety of trailers. Got a dump trailer, 6x10 enclosed trailer, 6x10 open, and 6x14 open. This gives me a nice enough space to drive the family, and options for doing work. Vans are awesome, but if you only have one vehicle, it is always dirty and dusty. All the fumes and such share space inside, which is sometimes a real bummer. Overall though, each style has compromise, even if it isn't cost, maybe it is parking logistics.
I have had vw transporter and caddy vans when I did à LOT of different jobs now a days I only do house extension and new small house construction! So I bought my dream truck ☺️ I Chevrolet Avalanche, it so veracity and awesome, and it’s perfect for hauling the kids. Have hade it for 2 weeks and I love it
You guys should take a look at Essential Craftsman’s “Tool Tank,” he’s got a ‘97 Ford diesel powerstroke with a custom work body including an integrated CRANE.
In Ireland you'll hardly see anyone in construction using a truck it's all vans mostly Ford Transit vans. I personally use a small van a Citroen Berlingo Multispace seams to be a good all rounder for me as it's got a roof rack cage and can tow up to 1000kg and carry 800kg inside.
Owning both a van (mid roof mid length Ford Transit) and a truck for my construction business, there really is no comparison. The van can hold 10x as many tools, out of the rain, and still haul lumber and plywood.
I was able to buy a Cummins 3500 with a utility bed and it has been the best work truck for me. I work pretty independently, so I need to carry all of my tools plus all the materials. Having the boxes on the sides pretty much fits all the tools I ever need leaving the rack and 4x8 bed wide open for materials. The biggest downside is its big and heavy for daily driving.
No one has mentioned using a retired ambulance. It's like the service truck but almost everything is inside. And if you get the gurney that's a rolling adjustable height table that locks into the truck.
Kargo master makes multiple grade full length roof racks aluminum and steel that are heavier duty and can be mounted on the outside of a full size cap, even with optional leg extensions if you run a taller cap. I did this on my Nissan Titan with full size bed. Standard height cap and steel roof rack. I had fullsize toolbox inside that had 8" bed clearance so I could sneak some things under it or always drop the tailgate and the hitch extension carrier like in the video is really nice when my back hurts to load the roof rack. The kargo master rated to 1200lbs. I use it for toys like bikes, canoes, kayaks, fishing rods to trees for custom cabin work, carpets, 20' 8" PVC pipe, long lumber anything. It solid. I even walked around on top. I'd just prefer a full 8' bed so I can close the tailgate with full sheets in bad weather to keep things dry and also secure. The cap side windows folded out giving me access to my tool box and bed. So I had 3 sides of access. Pick-ups are affordable used and normally easy to find in 4x4 models. Then can spend the extra money on accessories and good tires. Vans are nice to walk around in but are expensive to add 4x4 kit to and then normally don't get seating capacity, payload and hauling space and as strong as roof rack plus towing capacity. The pickup just checks more boxes for me. Building similar setup now on diesel XD Titan with a steelcraft front and rear bumper and side kicker steps for animal and bad driver protection. Saving money by reusing original accessories to new used truck. I tinted my cap windows so almost blackout and no one can see my stuff yet I can still see out rear while driving even at night and towing. I'm adding conduit carrier to roof for fishing rods and pipe. Their are affordable full length draw system and slides to make bed more organized and accessible that are waterproof and professional grade. The options these days let's you build the perfect custom rig. Thanks for your videos guys! Really enjoy them.
I have always loved driving a truck… I think a sprinter type van might would even be better for what I do now… But I’m a Truck Man for life! I have the Decked System mixed with Milwaukee Packout but I don’t build full houses and change tools all the time. Works great for me, but it’s not for everyone. Thanks for your videos!
When I worked production framing, my boss had just a small Ford Transit, just two seats and the back was built into shelving for nail guns, saws, consumables, air compressor and other bare essentials needed to frame a house. It was lean and fast, you never spent more than 2 seconds finding what you need and there was nothing in the van that did not get used at least once during a house project. Material is supplied on-site, there's always a forklift, it was very efficient and that's all you ever really need when it comes to production. I would see more passenger vehicles than trucks in a subdivision build. Now that I'm an Everything Guy like you guys, my truck plays a big role as a mobile hardware store. My setup is a Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Shortbox with a camper shell, I keep all my expensive tools in Milwaukee packouts in the back seats with the seats still in it for weekends, the camper shell is nice for my bigger stuff or just more material to keep dry. I also use it to camp and have a camping setup I can install and uninstall. Originally I had a soft trifold but the height limited what I could protect from the elements. My major downside is having a shortbox so I'm limited to what lengths I can move, I have a hitch bed extender too but I really never go beyond 12' material otherwise it's longer than a crew cab long bed. My next version for the truck is to put racks on top of the camper shell and to frame supports inside the shell to transfer the load to the truck box so I don't crack the fiberglass. I may add a rack above the cab to have additional load support but that'll be figured out as I go.
I asked parts stores and repair shops best era of Silverado. All told me the newer you go more to go wrong. The consensus was 99 through 03 Silverado. Made criteria list, 2 wheel drive. Black, 2003 Silverado found LT. I detailed the paint with various detailing products. The paint is a fat monitor , well shiney as a mirror. Even few Vette owners compliment the truck. Few customers can't believe it's an 03. Like an classic car made it look new, I had look at 2018s thought it's a work truck will haul tools might bang the body. I have had new truck owners stare with paint polished to a deep mirror gloss rims and tires shined. Who needs new make it look new. Save a few
Lol my brothers were all in the construction business together since 1972. We did masonry, building moving and steel sea walls on Lake Huron, Michigan. We worked hard, fought hard and played hard together. We lost our middle brother Randy last May to a heart attack at age 63. He had laid the corner blocks for a modular crawl space two days earlier! Live hard, work hard and play hard, it all goes by to fast!
The second gray truck sounds more like something I would do. I drive an old beat up 1997 rav4 Toyota. I took out the back seats to have room to carry tools and the front passenger side I use to put my lunch cooler, and two gallon water jug. It works!
I’ve worked out of a truck, then a trailer and I finally got a sprinter van. I can’t tell you how much better a sprinter van is. I don’t think I can ever not have a van
I was in the home building business for over 40 years. 4 wheel drive pickups serve very well, but not for hauling large loads, especially lumber. The answer is trailers, good trailers, and more than one for different needs.
My Tundra has a 6’6” bed and my Revolver tonneau cover and 13-year old Trac-Rac fits and functions well together. You can easily outfit an F150 with a similar setup.
I do home renovations and repairs on a bunch of my own rental properties, and I'm not doing a bunch of super-heavy work like you guys do. I'm not too worried about appearances, but it still matters a little, I guess. My main truck is a Honda Ridgeline, and the back seat looks more-or-less like Jamie's. I keep a 27-gallon tote in the box (those black ones with the yellow lid, available at Lowe's and H.D.) for loose tools and small materials. This leaves me enough room for hauling a few materials around (a few studs or whatever). I also have an old beater long box Dodge pickup for hauling trash, lumber, plywood, sheetrock, landscaping materials, scaffolding, etc, etc, etc. I don't own any trailers. I very much like Ron Paulk's tool trailer setups, and almost did that, but worry about the theft, just like you said.
As far as the "work bed", it is possible to put one on a pickup like what you have. I work for Altec out in Burnsville, NC and we actually have something we call a "Pickup Delete", which is essentially a standard pickup truck that the factory bed is removed from and a new utility or "work" bed is put in its place. Definitely an option though!
A van might work for a finish carpenter but a framer has to pull up on raw jobsites. By the time the finish guy comes along there's usually a much cleaner jobsite so a van is fine
Going through this delicate now. Have f350 tank. Had solid cover. Nice for security and water proof, sucks for accessibility. Retrax roll top. Semisecure, but leaks. Test fitted a High topper, didn't like the crouching after jumpuning into the bed. The crew cab was always full of stuff and junk, cleared out for occasional passengers. Sucks to drive and maneuver. Moving towards a transit van now. Still retains towing that I need, and can carry family ( dual purpose). Secure and keeps the lo g loads I have dry instead of hanging 3-4 foot beyond the tailgate.
I’m all seriousness, keens low heel, steel toed and water resistant are the best. They don’t have laces just the… idk sleeping bag string thing. Idk what it’s called exactly. But by far the best work boot I’ve ever owned. So worth the investment
Some day it will catch on that a van is better than trying to turn a pickup into a van. Unless you need a gooseneck or are towing a skidsteer around the van is a superior work vehicle. I broke down and bought a Eurovan as my first van after 5 trucks. Quickly moved to a sprinter then 295k miles later got another used sprinter. Sold it when I “retired” from on location work and picked up an old beater 7.3 1ton which has been great for towing equipment while fixing up a few acres of land but I really do miss being able to keep materials dry, tools safe in the van.
Nice to see I’m not the only one with these kind of thoughts. Recently bought a 02 long bed Silverado 2500 and it’s been very functional! Highly recommend for a beater work truck.
I do handyman and property maintenance in Hendersonville with two F150’s, one with 8 foot bed and camper shell, the other crew cab 6.5 bed and tow side boxes. Having tow trucks is great, I would like to have a truck with the service bed too, but just can’t justify it right now, maybe someday. Great video guys!
Years ago I left my tools locked in vacant house I worked on. It was broken into and I lost my compressor, nail guns, circular saw, drill driver and more. Lesson learned.
I built my own home and while it was under construction I had a job site box that weighed over 500 lbs. It was chained to a tree and someone stole it. Loss every tool I had. The cops told me to claim it to insurance as they wouldnt be able to do anything.
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You won't find a perfect work truck in America they are all built for misery and hardship, Look at Australian Ute's and toolbox set ups if your serious about work.
That's not hate I love America to death but everytine you see a tradie in a tubbed utility or a welding bed that looks like a ww2 bunker for tools you just shake your head in disbelief.
Theirs a company that makes a rac n cap for your truck it opens up so it’s water tight and you could lock it but also when you open it up it has parts you could extend to have a roof rack for lumber or plywood
Seven years ago wanted a service body truck, but didn’t want to spend the money, finally bought one about a year ago and will never go back if financially able. Always full access to all organized tools and supplies even after 12 hr day and bed is heaped full. Took an average daily frustration level of 6 out of 10 to a 1 out of 10. My advice is spend the money to get what will work best for you, whether that is the perfect van and racks or truck and bed slide or whatever. It is so nice to go home at the end of a long day happy instead of frustrated and dreading the hr of reorganization of the truck before you can even think about doing anything else.
Totally agree. Cleaning up is such a drudge. But not so bad if you keep up with it. I've had a bedslide plan in my head for years. With a shell my tools are secure, but I can't do the crawling over tools thing anymore. So many projects.... Bedslide!
8 footbed is a must in my opinion.
I always had 6,5 foot bed before, and one day I made the switch to an 8 foot bed. Wow never gonna go back.
can't understand why they won't make more double cab with 8 bed, Pretty sure am not the only one who want a ranger with that space
Takes a Home Depot parking lot to turn a double cab 8’ bed around. That’s why I made the switch to a 6 3/4 bed. Plywood fits in just fine.
Nice to see Jono inevitably be part of the playing field, even though it's just about showing off your truck 😉 I've been following you guys a decent amount of years and he always strike me as the silent, hard working type, comfortable in the background. Like he's there only to do some good work, and then enjoy life on the bike or paddle board 😄 Maybe a little video with Jono and his background would be interesting? I fell like Arlo, Ray & Jay are well documented, you know what I mean?
I just learned he has a 17 year old daughter!
Jono is definitely an interesting guy. Knows how to do almost everything, and just works away in the background. And if he can't find something to work on, he cleans. A great guy to have on any site.
Team Jono?
@@billincolumbia Agreed. He's a strong, steady, skilled kind of guy.
Jono’s an Arlo-in-Waiting.
Regarding trying to reach things in the “back of the bed”, I took a rake handle and screwed a rubber coated, industrial hook into the end. It lays in one the “channels” in my bed, and is perfect for hooking things and sliding them to the tailgate.
Lol, I sprayed rubber under coating on a garden ho, it hangs in a couple of hooks mounted under my weatherguard job boxes that run full length down each bed rail. I modified the mounting leg position to still allow 48” between them for sheet goods on the flat
4 door king bed truck with ladder rack and weather guard job boxes on the rails- allows 4x8 sheet goods to lay flat, secure water tight storage on sides almost like a service body, and ladder rack increasing load capacity for longer materials (maturrls) and of course your ladders. Mine is a do it all as the weatherguard boxes acts as bear boxes camping, dirt bikes, MTBs, kayaks up top on rack, and comfy in the back for the kids
We drive a 2006 Chevy express van for 16 years now been in there since I was a little man. It just works for us, keeps tools, generators, air compressors, coolers, ladders all safe and dry. But trucks are definitely cooler. And I have a 2007 GMC Yukon Denali that I drive on weekends to get whatever we need for work, we also take it on vacations.
Definitely hard to argue not having a van since it has nearly the same capability as a truck but just not as much cool factor. The older I get the more that $10,000 price difference makes the cool factor not matter!
@@ZipKickGo yeah, when I was younger I wanted a truck to look cool but know that I’m a bit older I just don’t care about what people think about me. I let my work do the talking.
My father has been a cabinetry carpenter for decades, and currently works on a mid 00s Silverado. He uses a cap on the bed, and has his own custom duel zone sliders. Its a great balance of being secure, and having fantastic access to the entire bed without needing to climb in
Those caps are not secure I lost 5K worth of tools and was 60’ away inside a building. Cabinet body or z van I think is a better bet
Love the fact you're not advocating brand new trucks, but whatever works for you. I'd been considering changing from a SUV to a van but the prices in the UK are insane (as in the US from the sounds of things). This video is very timely for me and good reassurance. I'll stick with my 2002 Nissan Patrol and trailer setup. 👍. Thanks guys for all the content. Really amazing stuff
I just picked up an ex dpd sprinter LWB, with the 4x4 powertrain - 230k miles but it had a new engine 64 miles ago, paid £3200 at BCA commercial auction, using part of it for tools (building some racks), has 3 seats up front and the rest for carrying load/storage, I'm an engineer now but trained as a carpenter 10years ago, do lots of side work so a van has been on my radar a while
Another thing people could consider is a sprinter type van as a dedicated work vehicle. They get longer and taller to carry sheet goods. Lockable and dry. Plus plenty of room storage on the inside along with towing capabilities.
My last work truck was an ‘01 extended cab Silverado. Much like Jaime, I removed the back seat and built a platform that my small table saw, miter saw, and several totes of other tools could sit on. I included tie down points and often used it for transporting window glass and cabinet doors
The answer: A Mercedes Sprinter Van. Seriously. Embarrasses anything else. By a huge distance. Fast, frugal on fuel. Can walk around inside. Doors fold back on itself. Available 4WD.
Yes I agree, the nice thing with cargo vans is that everything is enclosed - out of the weather, if you opt for the tall vans they're great because you can stand inside without bending over. The only con is the cost of upfitting the interior to what you need. The Sprinter is the only one with 4x4, Ford transit has an AWD option that adds some more ground clearance.
till it's time to go to the dealer
Respectfully disagree. Cargo vans are great for tool storage but that’s only a third of the duty of a work truck.
@@zenrook1 i got a renault master 4x4 not many other makes have that other than what you mentioned
big engine 4wd sprinters are great, only drawback is the cost
Van user here, I like both vans and trucks, prefer vans just because it’s a rolling tool shed, saves time on loading and unloading etc. material rack on top, diesel is the way to go if hauling trailers a lot. But I agree if it’s not a dedicated work vehicle, a truck is better.
Im a young guy from Chicago, I really thank you guys for the time & effort you put inside your videos editing and what ever you do. But I watch you guys all the time and Jamie please don't get offended but you're like the coolest Freddy Krueger I ever known. We're all men, trying to feed are family s thanks for the help your giving us we need it
Hey thanks, I guess…. Ha. I had to look him up to see who you were talking about. I’m not offended. He has a cool hand thing like me..
I work as a striper as the project manager and sometime foreman. Most days I drive a Tacoma, and for a long time I had an extended cab with a 6 foot bed. I had basically the same setup as Johnno except no camper top. So I had my power and hand tools in the back seat and carried paint sprayers/line stripers in the bed. When I bought a new truck last year I got another tacoma, and this time I bought a short bed and a Diamondback tonneau cover. And I did this on purpose, so that all my tools can be locked in the bed, and now I can't haul line stripers in the bed. And that has been great for me, because I shouldn't be hauling them anyway, and now that I am unable to, no one asks me to.
Wow Jonos truck was clean and super organized just as I expected! It also looked 5 years old not 20!
When I was contracting I ran a half ton with high saddle boxes, a roof rack and 12’ enclosed trailer. The trailer kept drywall, doors and cabinets dry. I added narrow shelves on one side as well. It also provided security if I had to pick up material. It was amazing how people would sell tools in the same parking lot from which they stole them. If I didn’t need too many tools, I could just roll up in the truck. A flat bed trailer was also a necessity. Trailers went home or to the hotel with me at night. The one piece of advice I have looking back, buy heavier and bigger than you think you need. For what little more money they cost, a 3/4 ton may have been a better choice. It takes about 5-10 years of work to figure out what you like and what works for you.
Look into a thing called “Decked”. It’s a slide out bed for your truck. Can hold up to 1500 pounds I think and has a 100% roll out
Decked boxes are impractical as hell. If you're a real contractor it's better to get high side saddle boxes. Allows for a full height pallet to be put on even if you have a rack on the truck, and has more space. Decked is for handymen that want to keep their truck looking stock.
Also not 100% roll out but more like 80%
I have one and I like it for all my tool bags and it also keep all my other smaller tools without being scared they’ll get wet and I’ve put a full pallet of tile on it with ease and the boxes still open no problem
@@helpme8970 you can get a 70% or 100% depending on the weight load you select
Not strong enough for us
One more thing to consider: depending on how common vehicle theft is on your area, you should consider unloading tools that are rarely used or that you can't afford to loose whenever you don't need it. My dad is an electrician and got his truck stolen a couple of weeks ago. The vehicle showed up abandoned that same day, but all the tools were gone. And the sad part was that most of the things on his toolbox were not even needed that day
I do 4 to 6 major remodels a year , I have evolved to a four door Dodge 3500 four wheel drive with a utility bad and ladder rack, I keep all of my hand tools in the truck , I have a 16 foot inclosed trailer that most of time I can safely leave at the job site and a flat bed trailer that I use randomly.
I generally keep the truck clean enough to take the family places but normally the family goes in my wife’s Jeep JKU .
Similar for me. I have a 450 flatbed welding truck that im going to invest in a nice service bed for. I do multiple different trades so i keep my main tools in the truck, right now everything hangs out in packouts in the back seat, but once i get my service bed i should be able to haul 2 complete stacks and also loose tools in the small boxes, and use trailers to haul my other specialty equipment depending on the job.
I ordered my 2022 v6 long bed Tacoma a few months ago and it should be here at the end of the month. I’m so ready for it, having hauled my tools/ materials in a Honda Accord for two years as an apprentice.
Good move… I’m sure you’re gonna love it!
I've had/used every type of work vehicle mentioned in the video and the comments. Personal opinion is a thumbs up for the 3/4 ton truck with a service body. Very secure storage, can haul 4x8 sheet goods in the bed, add a rack for long materials and ladders. Personally I like the ones with the clam shell top lids.
Hello Perkins Builders from Sydney Australia.
Thank you for showing the trade vehicles "truck" used in the residential building industry.
These days security is the main focus for Sydney builders. Also rain and sun covers: side box with lift door.
The days of a pickup with milk crates full of power tools are gone!
🌏🇦🇺
Thanks John! Cheers from North Carolina
I have the perfect work truck, 2019 f250 four-door four-wheel drive powerstroke with a service bed with flip top boxes. I had a couple other service trucks and my dad had four other service trucks when he was alive. You can carry everything you want , have plenty of power, ladder racks, all the comfort features and good fuel mileage
Bought a 2003 rusted out Chevy suburban for a family truck and started a construction business shortly after. I was so impressed with the space and towing capacity that I bought another one. They are a great work/family truck and all your tools are locked up and dry. Plus YOU NEVER HAVE TO STRAP ANYTHING DOWN. Best part in my opinion lol.
I run basically the same setup as Jono with my Platinum Tundra but I keep my packouts locked in the truck bed. I have always had good luck with Toyotas, but if you take care of any truck it will take care of you.
Always look the part and show up to work looking like you're ready to go to work. I wore sneakers (tennis shoes, to you southerners) for a time but then I realized I didn't look like I was there to do electrical work. I switched back to boots. Now I look like I'm going to work. I drive a 2015 Ford Transit with my business name all over it so I look professional there too. Any time I'm on a job and a guy shows up with a hatchback it's hard for me to take them seriously;y, also here in NJ they're probably violating the law. Good video guys!
Arlo always has the most simple way to achieve any tasks! Such ingenuity!
Great topic - a key aspect of contracting.
I'm a Carpentry contractor in Toronto and I run 3 vehicles (all Ford):
1. 2010 F150 4x4 Supercrew + 6.5' box with trifold hard cover (The "Everyday runner")
2. 2018 E250 Extended cargo van (for ladders + rolling tool box)
3. 2010 F250 4x4 Diesel crew cab + short box + lockable box (towing only)
I drive a Ford Mustang GT as my "personal car" and I also have a 12' cargo trailer (to leave on job sites + recreational use).
I rent all the other trailers I need to haul (flat/dump/etc).
Different weapons for different applications.
And all of my work trucks combined cost less than 1 brand new 250/350 Super Duty and I get the best of all worlds.
The roof rack is a LIFESAVER I waited years before pulling the trigger and getting one and I should have done it years before
I see more Ford Transit, Ram Promaster, and even Mercedes Sprinter used by many companies now. They are just so much better than the classic contractor truck because they have all the capacity in an enclosed space that you can STAND UP IN. I do cabinet installs and we've had all three makes over the years, and currently have both a Ford and a Ram. I will say the best is actually the Diesel Mercedes Sprinter, but it's also the most expensive cost of ownership in every way. The Ram Promaster is probably the worst overall, although it depends how much time you spend in the cab, since I feel like the back work space is actually the best. The Ford Transit is the most refined, and honestly the best all around for the money, and the cab is the most comfortable. All three are hands down way better than working out of the back of a truck bed. I would never recommend that to anyone ever.
Plus ford is doing an electric transit now - more torque and powers your tools.
I would never, ever recommend the Mercedes. We used them as ambulances and they were awful. Couldn't handle hills. Did terrible in snow and rain (and I live in the PNW - rain is common here). Had several electrical issues. Very underpowered. Only advantage to them was I was able to stand up in the back which made patient care easier. We had a problem with people stealing the Mercedes emblem when we were on scene too. We ended up going back to Ford ambulances.
I have driven the Ford van, and like it. What don't you like about the Promaster?
@@billincolumbia The front cabin is the least comfortable in the Promaster.
@@FeelingLikeThatNow Ah, ok, thank you. I had heard that the driving position isn't great.
As a repair plumber, my vehicle of choice is a van with a utility bed.
I drive a Ford E350 Super Duty. The bed has doors with shelves. Shelves inside too. Perfect for my needs.
Honestly in a wetter environment a good van like a sprinter is for superior. My tools stay dry, organized in cabinets up the wall.
Stores my fasteners, and my materials until I need them. I can lock it all up no problem. And i can tow a trailer too.
Putting stuff on the roof makes me be able to carry just as big loads, so no capacity problems either.
And I basically have a little place to retreat to to have a little coffee if I need to.
That said… that new electric Ford F150 that thing is Awesome… and that might become my first truck.
I drove on the other day and that thing goes like hell and it has another great dry storage in the front trunk thing.
To be fair i don’t drive offroad regurarly, but i think a van is actually more practical for most builders, but it just has an image problem in the US and Canada
In europe vans are definitely the common choice.
I don’t do construction and aren’t in the market for a work truck, but I still watched every minute and was fully entertained. Thanks for more content Perkins boys.
I own my own business Doing remodeling and new construction I have always owned and worked out of truck because I really like them. Im glad other people like work trucks. Thanks for the great videos.
When I first started my business I rolled up in my rusted out Malibu Maxx and I had the customer actually give me a hard time on the look of my car. Thankful business has been good and I have an awesome 03 Duramax with a service body.
I bought a “backflip mx4” for my f150. It goes between the sides leaving me room for a ladder rack. Its a watertight hard cover that flips all the way up. Then I put a bedside in in. It’s the best setup I’ve had in years.
Check out the Retrax tonneau cover. They are retractable., water tight,. They make them in Aluminum or Polycarbonate - the Aluminum version will hold up to 500 lbs on the actual cover. They also have T-Slots so you can add ladder racks, Bike Racks, Kayak Racks, etc. which will not interfere with the operation of the tonneau cover.
I always found it interesting working in the states when the majority of people had trucks I still preferred vans. Back in Europe you can get awd/4x4 vans and they're generally seen as more practical.
Definitely interesting seeing how different countries handle materials. The US/Canada where I am is a mix of truck and van, some moving their own materials to site, a lot rely on delivery. Australia is a lot of large capacity trucks with racks and they move their own materials to site. The UK is a lot of delivery and smaller service vans but some of that is dictated by ease of maneuverability in urban projects; and also emissions and market restrictions for trucks.
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Horse and cart. 4 foot drive, 1 horse power, cheap to run. Good load capacity. But seriously, I’ve had vans, single cab tray, single cab work body, dual cab camper top, dual cab tray, dual cab tray with tool boxes. I agree with all you said. Love your work 👍
Ha! Good one there… thanks for watching
Here is one thing though. If you have an accident (god forbid but if), all those heavy tools might fly around and smash your head in. Maybe get netting that separates passengers and tools. I really want to enjoy those nice videos of yours a little longer.
Lost a friend- an amazing woodworker/ craftsman, to this exact scenario. Mild slide off a slippery road, a loose tool smashed his head. Please secure your stuff.
@@thefreeak OMG this is horrible. :( Sorry for your loss, mate.
I always think trades people should consider 4x4 Econoline style vans. Secure and as useful as any pickup.
My dad always had a full size van as a plumber. He was able to keep his expensive tools in it and take 2 or 3 coworkers with him in all weather!
If I was in the US it’d be an Econoline 4x4 with the Powerstroke 7.3L diesel.
I'm not in the market for a work truck, I just enjoy hanging out with you guys.
I didn't know Jono had a daughter! 💙
Nice to meet your step dad.
I do not work in construction but love DIY and as a homeowner I do a lot of work around the house. I do remodeling, landscaping etc... I have a 2005 Tundra, single cab 8' bed with a V8 and I absolutely love it. It is not our family vehicle but it sure is nice to have a work truck when you need it. I cannot see how you could make a shorter bed work. Originally I had a camper top which I thought I would love (came with the truck) but I hated it. No visibility, hard to crawl into the bed. Then I got a roll up cover. I liked that a lot more but I disliked having to roll it all the way up just to access my things close to the cab and then roll it all the way back. Also didn't work well for trips where I had one large item and a bunch of small items. Now I have a tool box in the bed like Jamie. I plan to shorten my roll up cover to fit so I have best of both worlds. I also still have the ability to put a rack on this truck as well if I wanted to although I have found with the long bed there is really no need for a rack. If I was a tradesman I would put a rack on. As a homeowner I do not believe it is necessary. Loved this video, thanks!
Don't forget the Leer commercial aluminum truck caps/shells. Huge side access doors and an integrated roof rack.
That's my setup. I have an aluminum ARE with tool boxes on each side and a ladder rack on top. It's 6½', I wish I had the full 8.
Drywall guy here and man have I been through lots of “work” vehicles! From a Honda civic hatchback to a Chevy Suburban I must say that the suburban has been the absolute perfect vehicle for my needs in this trade. The benefits of a truck and the most comfortable ride on the road. Tools are always dry and no one is asking me to help them move😉😉! I love the tray in Arlo’s Astro, there’s gonna be one for my Burb soon. Great talking point for a video because each trade presents different needs that dictate what you drive.
P.S. I was able to put a 6’ baker scaffold in the civic hatchback and shut the trunk lid! LOL IYKYK!😂
These are great videos for me. I love watching your progress and there's honesty in how you work and show your progress. I know you've been waiting on materials and seeing this kind of video is great to see, as I trust. Your judgment on what tools you use.
At&t service trucks are a great buy for anyone in construction/ related fields. The box is big enough. For 6-8 4'x8'sheetrock/plywood. Access from the rear and driver side, seperate lockable storage on the passenger side. Dual ladder racks on top and a power inverter in the cab that will charger you batteries when needed. Dont expect cruise control but they got a/c and you know the maintenance has been done
I hope that Jamie never gets into an accident with all that gear in the back seat. That stuff flying around in the cab could do a lot of damage. Really should think about adding a barrier between the front and back seat areas. I truly hope that never happens.
Thanks, I appreciate that..
I use a 2012 Infiniti G37xS Coupe for my work vehicle in Colorado. I do finish work mostly. Help frame roofs sometimes. Backseat is folded down with quiet compressor, 20v miter saw, nail guns and hoses. Got a tote full of batteries and power cords. Got a large bag full of all the Dewalt 20v tools I need, Got a tote full of handtools. I use diamondback 701 vest setup with MAZO AND EAGLE. No issue ever because of the AWD except when the snow is 6 inches plus and I get bottomed out. Deciding between work van, work truck, or raised Subaru with giant ass wheels for a more spacious work vehicle. Will keep this also for fun :)
My carpenter dad always had a full size van. People would just look in- even with tinted windows- and just break the window and steal the tools. He ended up building a "bed" panel behind the third row and putting all his tools in there. The back doors on the van couldn't be opened when locked inside or out and the second door's "handle" was down below that bed panel. No one breaking in could access this either from inside. No more stolen tools.
Why not just get a work van? No windows to worry about and problem solved. Cheaper than using a passenger van too
@@mikel9567 We had the same van for nearly his whole career. Only two total that I can remember and he still has the second one. And also used to clean out and put the seats back in for vacations too- like the boys here have mentioned. I think also it was easier for him to drive being able to see out the windows. He's retired now.. :/ Hard when the Super hero Dadoo gets old, ain't it...
That’s just crazy… makes me mad to hear about stuff being stolen
How about something like a Mercedes Sprinter? Very common in Europe, and has really easy access with both side doors and tailgate. And you can also install nice cabinets for tools
I used to work at a truck accessory store and our biggest seller was the Access roll up cover. It was a soft cover with Velcro edges. This is what I learned after selling 100's of these covers over the years I worked there. We had only 1 customer that had his cover cut, it was an act of vandalism where 4 local boys smashed windows, scratched paint on half a dozen vehicles and cut his cover. They took nothing from his bed, they we interested in destruction, not robbery. The lesson here is out of sight, out of mind. If a their can't see what is in your bed, they will leave your truck alone 99% of the time. These covers outsold every other cover in our store 10-15 to 1. As far as I know they still outsell all of our other covers combined. And this store sells every kind of cover you could want. God bless and stay well.
I am a fashion designer but I really like watching how houses and other stuff made because of you guys
And of course I really wait eagerly for your and ray jay builder buddies videos
Keep it up 👍🏻
More Builder Buddies videos please!
I want to see Ray & Becca's kitchen finished (before THIS Thanksgiving?)
Thanks for watching!
I drive a Mini Van as my work vehicle, for me its ideal for now. I can keep all my tools with me, including table saw/miter saw and still haul up to 10' sticks inside, 4x8 sheets and any longer lumber on the roof. I can not haul big loads of materials, but I don't need to either. I want to get a bigger van like a Pro Master or Econoline down the line, but for now my sienna suits me just fine.
I have a f450 dually v10. Gets 5.7 mph but I use it to haul my 20 yard dumpsters to the job site and pull my heavy equipment. Love that truck. My Silverado 1500 just isn't enough to even pull my 8k lb 16ft work trailer.
Wow, now that’s a real truck!
Thanks for sharing all of your current truck configurations and use cases, just in case you haven't considered or looked into it, the "Decked" storage system with a "Bedside" on top would fit in a camper shell and allow you to access stuff without necessarily having to crawl into the back of the bed (BedSlide makes an install kit which allows it to be installed over the Decked system)... One other setup I can think of would be using the Decked system with also adding side walls to the bed to make up for the loss of bed height, but this would be open (unsecured) storage... Anyway just thought I'd mention these things as potential future options If you ever had the need.
"the driving factor", "let's throw another wrench in", you guys are on a roll!
Jamie’s blue diesel for the win! 🥳
I’ve been driving a 2005 just like it for 14 years and it has been an awesome workhorse
They are great trucks! I love mine too
3/4 ton gas crew cab 8ft bed 4x4 with a camper shell and bed slide. Was the best setup I’ve had
We've got several 2005, 2006, Ford e350 and e450 cutaway vans with Spartan Supreme Court or ultimaster 14 ft utility bodies in the back with five doors down each side on the outside and two shelves inside on each side... Perfect vehicle for renovation and remodeling... 4 ft by 14 ft down the center for materials... And all the tools are on the shelves and up and out of the way
RAM 1500/2500/3500 with Ramboxes!! Have had one for 5 years now, and it's a must buy for me on any truck moving forward. Water tight, locking & Led lit.
Have you guys ever thought of getting a roll out shade or batwing shade for your work trucks? Awesome for working in bad weather or cover for lunch. Most of the units we use in Australia are rated for minimum 25mph winds unsecured and up to 40mph when using poles and ropes. The batwing awnings are almost a standard for "tradies utes" in Aus as they give a stupid amount of cover for the cost and often do as much work camping on weekends as they do on site, also they have crazy high wind ratings and accessories like zip in sides, floors and led lighting to name a few. Have a look at ARB or other quality offroad manufactures and you will find a stack of bits that are dual purpose and work very well on site!
Thanks for all the great tips! I liked the civic comment-I'm a carpenter and I HAVE been driving an 09 civic around, packed to the GILLS with everything from post-hole diggers to pin nailers and everything in between. Now a guy rear ended me and about wrecked it, so... finally time for an upgrade? Maybe to the tune of an 8ft bed with ladder rack to haul all the tools and materials that the other guys who HAVE trucks forget to bring constantly. This video is certainly helping that decision!
We actually have a work ute called The Unicorn. It's a one ton crew cab Ford Ranger. We call it The Unicorn because it will not die, alway seems to have the part you're looking for, always has room when the others don't, and has some type of healing power. There's been a number of times when equipment has stopped working and gets tossed into The Unicorn only to emerge a day or two later working. It gets passed down from apprentice to apprentice; like a right of passage.
People today do not know what a LONG BED truck is... These short bed 150's are practically useless.
I kind of agree with you even though I have a short bed. Before I had any kids I had a single cab long bed F150 and you could put a lot of stuff in that thing!
I've done all the things...Safari, 2500 with an enclosed trailer, sprinter van, small truck and daily car, van and wagon, etc.
My current setup is a similar Ford Supercrew short bed with a variety of trailers. Got a dump trailer, 6x10 enclosed trailer, 6x10 open, and 6x14 open. This gives me a nice enough space to drive the family, and options for doing work.
Vans are awesome, but if you only have one vehicle, it is always dirty and dusty. All the fumes and such share space inside, which is sometimes a real bummer.
Overall though, each style has compromise, even if it isn't cost, maybe it is parking logistics.
I have had vw transporter and caddy vans when I did à LOT of different jobs now a days I only do house extension and new small house construction! So I bought my dream truck ☺️ I Chevrolet Avalanche, it so veracity and awesome, and it’s perfect for hauling the kids. Have hade it for 2 weeks and I love it
You guys should take a look at Essential Craftsman’s “Tool Tank,” he’s got a ‘97 Ford diesel powerstroke with a custom work body including an integrated CRANE.
Essential Craftsman truck is legit!
In Ireland you'll hardly see anyone in construction using a truck it's all vans mostly Ford Transit vans. I personally use a small van a Citroen Berlingo Multispace seams to be a good all rounder for me as it's got a roof rack cage and can tow up to 1000kg and carry 800kg inside.
Sounds like a winner
I'm a builder and I'm still driving my Ford focus from college 💪. I can pack all the wood filler I need baby! 😂
Owning both a van (mid roof mid length Ford Transit) and a truck for my construction business, there really is no comparison. The van can hold 10x as many tools, out of the rain, and still haul lumber and plywood.
I was able to buy a Cummins 3500 with a utility bed and it has been the best work truck for me. I work pretty independently, so I need to carry all of my tools plus all the materials. Having the boxes on the sides pretty much fits all the tools I ever need leaving the rack and 4x8 bed wide open for materials. The biggest downside is its big and heavy for daily driving.
No one has mentioned using a retired ambulance. It's like the service truck but almost everything is inside. And if you get the gurney that's a rolling adjustable height table that locks into the truck.
Neighbor has one, he loves it. I think it’s a quigly conversion ambulance. It’s a really cool rig.
Kargo master makes multiple grade full length roof racks aluminum and steel that are heavier duty and can be mounted on the outside of a full size cap, even with optional leg extensions if you run a taller cap.
I did this on my Nissan Titan with full size bed. Standard height cap and steel roof rack. I had fullsize toolbox inside that had 8" bed clearance so I could sneak some things under it or always drop the tailgate and the hitch extension carrier like in the video is really nice when my back hurts to load the roof rack. The kargo master rated to 1200lbs. I use it for toys like bikes, canoes, kayaks, fishing rods to trees for custom cabin work, carpets, 20' 8" PVC pipe, long lumber anything. It solid. I even walked around on top.
I'd just prefer a full 8' bed so I can close the tailgate with full sheets in bad weather to keep things dry and also secure. The cap side windows folded out giving me access to my tool box and bed. So I had 3 sides of access. Pick-ups are affordable used and normally easy to find in 4x4 models. Then can spend the extra money on accessories and good tires. Vans are nice to walk around in but are expensive to add 4x4 kit to and then normally don't get seating capacity, payload and hauling space and as strong as roof rack plus towing capacity. The pickup just checks more boxes for me.
Building similar setup now on diesel XD Titan with a steelcraft front and rear bumper and side kicker steps for animal and bad driver protection. Saving money by reusing original accessories to new used truck. I tinted my cap windows so almost blackout and no one can see my stuff yet I can still see out rear while driving even at night and towing. I'm adding conduit carrier to roof for fishing rods and pipe. Their are affordable full length draw system and slides to make bed more organized and accessible that are waterproof and professional grade. The options these days let's you build the perfect custom rig.
Thanks for your videos guys! Really enjoy them.
I have always loved driving a truck… I think a sprinter type van might would even be better for what I do now… But I’m a Truck Man for life!
I have the Decked System mixed with Milwaukee Packout but I don’t build full houses and change tools all the time. Works great for me, but it’s not for everyone.
Thanks for your videos!
When I worked production framing, my boss had just a small Ford Transit, just two seats and the back was built into shelving for nail guns, saws, consumables, air compressor and other bare essentials needed to frame a house. It was lean and fast, you never spent more than 2 seconds finding what you need and there was nothing in the van that did not get used at least once during a house project. Material is supplied on-site, there's always a forklift, it was very efficient and that's all you ever really need when it comes to production. I would see more passenger vehicles than trucks in a subdivision build.
Now that I'm an Everything Guy like you guys, my truck plays a big role as a mobile hardware store. My setup is a Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Shortbox with a camper shell, I keep all my expensive tools in Milwaukee packouts in the back seats with the seats still in it for weekends, the camper shell is nice for my bigger stuff or just more material to keep dry. I also use it to camp and have a camping setup I can install and uninstall. Originally I had a soft trifold but the height limited what I could protect from the elements. My major downside is having a shortbox so I'm limited to what lengths I can move, I have a hitch bed extender too but I really never go beyond 12' material otherwise it's longer than a crew cab long bed. My next version for the truck is to put racks on top of the camper shell and to frame supports inside the shell to transfer the load to the truck box so I don't crack the fiberglass. I may add a rack above the cab to have additional load support but that'll be figured out as I go.
I have an 89 chev Cheyenne with a canopy and 8' pullout drawers sitting on the bed.. with cross bars for ladders or lumber.. the perfect set up !
I asked parts stores and repair shops best era of Silverado.
All told me the newer you go more to go wrong.
The consensus was 99 through 03 Silverado.
Made criteria list, 2 wheel drive. Black, 2003 Silverado found LT.
I detailed the paint with various detailing products.
The paint is a fat monitor , well shiney as a mirror.
Even few Vette owners compliment the truck.
Few customers can't believe it's an 03.
Like an classic car made it look new,
I had look at 2018s thought it's a work truck will haul tools might bang the body.
I have had new truck owners stare with paint polished to a deep mirror gloss rims and tires shined.
Who needs new make it look new. Save a few
Lol my brothers were all in the construction business together since 1972. We did masonry, building moving and steel sea walls on Lake Huron, Michigan. We worked hard, fought hard and played hard together. We lost our middle brother Randy last May to a heart attack at age 63. He had laid the corner blocks for a modular crawl space two days earlier! Live hard, work hard and play hard, it all goes by to fast!
We got the F-150 lightning and I can say that it's the best vehicle ford has made. Best truck for work and great with family.
The second gray truck sounds more like something I would do. I drive an old beat up 1997 rav4 Toyota. I took out the back seats to have room to carry tools and the front passenger side I use to put my lunch cooler, and two gallon water jug.
It works!
I’ve worked out of a truck, then a trailer and I finally got a sprinter van. I can’t tell you how much better a sprinter van is. I don’t think I can ever not have a van
I was in the home building business for over 40 years.
4 wheel drive pickups serve very well, but not for hauling large loads, especially lumber.
The answer is trailers, good trailers, and more than one for different needs.
My Tundra has a 6’6” bed and my Revolver tonneau cover and 13-year old Trac-Rac fits and functions well together. You can easily outfit an F150 with a similar setup.
I do home renovations and repairs on a bunch of my own rental properties, and I'm not doing a bunch of super-heavy work like you guys do. I'm not too worried about appearances, but it still matters a little, I guess. My main truck is a Honda Ridgeline, and the back seat looks more-or-less like Jamie's. I keep a 27-gallon tote in the box (those black ones with the yellow lid, available at Lowe's and H.D.) for loose tools and small materials. This leaves me enough room for hauling a few materials around (a few studs or whatever).
I also have an old beater long box Dodge pickup for hauling trash, lumber, plywood, sheetrock, landscaping materials, scaffolding, etc, etc, etc. I don't own any trailers. I very much like Ron Paulk's tool trailer setups, and almost did that, but worry about the theft, just like you said.
As far as the "work bed", it is possible to put one on a pickup like what you have. I work for Altec out in Burnsville, NC and we actually have something we call a "Pickup Delete", which is essentially a standard pickup truck that the factory bed is removed from and a new utility or "work" bed is put in its place. Definitely an option though!
A van might work for a finish carpenter but a framer has to pull up on raw jobsites. By the time the finish guy comes along there's usually a much cleaner jobsite so a van is fine
I'm that guy on the construction site with a Honda Civic! ;) definitely looking into a truck once I start my owner-builder house... 🤩
Going through this delicate now.
Have f350 tank. Had solid cover. Nice for security and water proof, sucks for accessibility.
Retrax roll top. Semisecure, but leaks.
Test fitted a High topper, didn't like the crouching after jumpuning into the bed.
The crew cab was always full of stuff and junk, cleared out for occasional passengers.
Sucks to drive and maneuver.
Moving towards a transit van now. Still retains towing that I need, and can carry family ( dual purpose). Secure and keeps the lo g loads I have dry instead of hanging 3-4 foot beyond the tailgate.
I like the contraption to haul light lumber is a canoe carrier!
I’m all seriousness, keens low heel, steel toed and water resistant are the best. They don’t have laces just the… idk sleeping bag string thing. Idk what it’s called exactly. But by far the best work boot I’ve ever owned. So worth the investment
Some day it will catch on that a van is better than trying to turn a pickup into a van. Unless you need a gooseneck or are towing a skidsteer around the van is a superior work vehicle.
I broke down and bought a Eurovan as my first van after 5 trucks. Quickly moved to a sprinter then 295k miles later got another used sprinter.
Sold it when I “retired” from on location work and picked up an old beater 7.3 1ton which has been great for towing equipment while fixing up a few acres of land but I really do miss being able to keep materials dry, tools safe in the van.
Nice to see I’m not the only one with these kind of thoughts. Recently bought a 02 long bed Silverado 2500 and it’s been very functional! Highly recommend for a beater work truck.
The modest truck comment is very true!
I do handyman and property maintenance in Hendersonville with two F150’s, one with 8 foot bed and camper shell, the other crew cab 6.5 bed and tow side boxes. Having tow trucks is great, I would like to have a truck with the service bed too, but just can’t justify it right now, maybe someday. Great video guys!
Years ago I left my tools locked in vacant house I worked on. It was broken into and I lost my compressor, nail guns, circular saw, drill driver and more. Lesson learned.
I just bought my first pick-up truck about 3 months ago.. it's a 2022 Ford Ranger..love it....
Everyman in this country need a truck..😂😂
I built my own home and while it was under construction I had a job site box that weighed over 500 lbs. It was chained to a tree and someone stole it. Loss every tool I had. The cops told me to claim it to insurance as they wouldnt be able to do anything.