When it comes to choosing a plumbing truck for your business, there is one major factor to keep in mind: It may be less about the truck you choose and more about how you organize and store what’s in the truck.
So, with that in mind, this will be a two-part discussion involving your choice of the right truck, but additionally, how to be sure you’re storing and organizing everything inside in the best manner.
In days of yore, plumbing trucks consisted of not much more than a station wagon or a pickup. In many sectors, vans and pickup trucks are still used extensively in the plumbing business. But as times change, and technologies improve, vehicles follow the same path. Today, there are a multitude of vehicle choices as well as upfits for trucks, vans, service trucks, and SUVs. For most any service that involves technicians going to someone’s home, these vehicles are a necessary part of doing everyday business.
How to Choose Your Plumbing Truck/Vehicle
We hate to tie you down to the word ‘truck’ when choosing the right vehicle for your plumbing business. You may go with a van or an SUV. Let’s look at what goes into choosing the right vehicle for someone in the plumbing business:
- Factor in operating costs, long-term maintenance, and other expenses for upfitting.
- The vehicle should be big enough to transport additional crew members when needed and every piece of equipment and tool regularly used.
- To make sure you get the right vehicle, give yourself plenty of shopping time.
- Will you be wrapping your vehicle to use as a rolling billboard?
- Consider your long-term needs and make sure the vehicle is adaptable.
- If long pipes are a part of your load, make sure the vehicle is capable of hauling them and other possibly problematic materials.
- Are you going to purchase a used or new vehicle?
- Think about operating costs, such as fuel efficiency, to figure out whether a diesel, hybrid, or other vehicle is appropriate.
- Will this also serve as a family or personal vehicle? Also think about how much you may need to haul at some point in time. A dually may be appropriate.
Optimum Storage and Organization
A disorganized vehicle means a disorganized plumber. Lack of organization can hamper your bottom line. Not only that, you tend to look less competent the longer it takes you to find something in your work vehicle. Disorganization can also lead to injury and damaged materials.
The better you store things inside of and organize your plumbing vehicle, the better off you’ll be. Here are a few tips to make sure you’re organizing your business and vehicle correctly, and that you’ve chosen the right vehicle:
- Use digital technology to help keep your business organized. This helps with processing payments, sending invoices, scheduling jobs, team dispatch, preventative maintenance schedules, and more.
- Check out your competition and other online plumbing services. What kind of vehicle are they using?
- Keep your vehicle as neat as possible. Shelves, drawers, bins, and tiedowns can help greatly with organization.
- Before choosing a vehicle, think about everything that’s going to be kept inside on a regular basis, and even those irregular items that may need transportation. Make sure that the vehicle is either capable of handling them or is adaptable.
Making Genuine Parts and Trucks for Plumbers
Mickey Genuine Parts has used trailers and, occasionally, vehicles. You may also want to check with our sister company, Mickey Truck Bodies for the appropriate vehicle for your plumbing service. Regardless, we’ve got the parts and the service centers to keep your single truck business or your fleet up and running. Trucks that run better last longer and make more money.
Contact us today if you’d like to find out where the nearest service center is or to order parts. We also have qualified representatives available to answer any additional questions you may have.