I need to find one or two trucks for work. Not brand new; maybe 3-5 years old. I need to be able to pull tandem axle dump trailers occasionally, loaded with shingle tear-off, or loads of deck materials. 95% of the time, they will only be carrying ladders, and onsie-twosie amounts of materials to jobsites.

I want gas engines, 2-wheel drive, 3/4 or 1 ton, with little to no amenities. Basically, a fairly heavy duty, basic fleet-type truck. I've checked Craigslist and a few local dealers who specialize in work trucks, but want to cast a wider net, and ideally be able to find a business who buys brand new ones, and sells or trades them off after a few years, without pounding them all to hell first.

Any ideas besides constantly looking, and waiting patiently? If we can find the right truck at the right price, I'm not against flying out to somewhere within 1,000 miles of Madison, WI, and driving back. Not sure what the titling/registering requirements are on that though, before getting ticketed in 4 states on the way back!

Thanks for any/all help!

-Chris

A quick surf brings this: (link) .

I don't have any experience with them, but it looks helpful.

On second surf, I see there's a gas/diesel option further down in the filter list. Good luck!

These guys have a couple of 1 tons on the list:

https://vehicles.fastenal.com/

Good Luck

A rust free southern truck from Florida or Texas could be a good value.

There is one dealer who came to mind reading your post that is here in central MN, just outside St. Cloud that specializes in government and/or fleet trucks:

https://www.northstartrucksales.com

I have bought two new 4dr, 4x4, long bed F250 trucks from Johnston Ford in New Boston, Texas. An ‘09 with a 6.8v10 gas and a 2012 with a 6.2l gas. I have kids and cattle, and prefer a plain truck anyway, so I always get XL trim.

He always has several trucks on the lot. New and used. If he doesn’t have it, I would wager he could find it for you.

https://www.johnstonford.com/

Ask for Joe or Scott
Joe Johnston is the owner, Scott McCool is his son in law. I graduated high school with Joe’s daughter. Yes, it’s a small town, but I’ve seen his dealer logo on trucks several states away.
Fair dealing and good service also. They are the reason I switched from a lifetime of Chevrolet trucks/suburbans.

On a side note: I drove diesel trucks most of my life. But in the last couple of decades they have gotten too heavy with electronics, IMO. Sure, they make more power, but they just don’t seem as rugged and reliable as they used to.

Although these auction companies are geared more toward heavy construction equipment they usually have a bunch of 1 ton trucks as well.
I’ve bought several pieces from these guys and have never had any issues. They can help you arrange shipping if you can’t get the piece back home.

Iron Planet is the mother of all auctions..

https://www.ironplanet.com/Ser...ks?ct=3&kwtag=navbar

https://www.lyonauction.com/

https://www.rbauction.com/

quote:

Originally posted by vthoky:
A quick surf brings this: (link) .

I don't have any experience with them, but it looks helpful.

On second surf, I see there's a gas/diesel option further down in the filter list. Good luck!

Yes. Commercial Truck Trader, it's the only site I use to advertise.

You guys are GREAT! I knew I'd get valuable help here! Many thanks! BigSwede, do you have what I seek?

quote:

Originally posted by Outnumbered:
You guys are GREAT! I knew I'd get valuable help here! Many thanks! BigSwede, do you have what I seek?

No not used, rarely see them in decent shape.

I sell Chevy. What cab are you looking for?

Here are 2 places near me (both in Lancaster County, PA within your 1K mile range) that have good reputations. I know this as one of my best friends owns a plumbing business and gets his trucks from these 2 places (has like 8 vehicles in his fleet).

http://www.jakobsenmotors.com/

https://frontlinemotors.com/

You can scroll thru their online inventory.

Also you just get a temp tag from them and its good for 30 days to get you back home.

Good luck.

quote:

Originally posted by BigSwede:

quote:

Originally posted by Outnumbered:
You guys are GREAT! I knew I'd get valuable help here! Many thanks! BigSwede, do you have what I seek?

No not used, rarely see them in decent shape.

I sell Chevy. What cab are you looking for?

Not fussy on the cab whatsoever.