Key Questions to Ask When Selecting a Mechanic Truck
What kind of work will my truck be doing every day? For general maintenance and field service, a standard truck may be enough. If the job at hand requires specialized lifting components, hauling heavy loads or powering multiple accessories, a custom solution may be better.
How much will the truck be used? A truck that is used all day, every day under harsh weather conditions should be built to meet that demand. Vehicles that aren’ t used daily, or backup vehicles, may not require the same level of specialization.
What local laws need to be considered? Whether it’ s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating limits, emission regulations or CDL licensing requirements, local laws are sure to have influence on the truck you purchase. Sometimes a work-ready vehicle can meet those needs and other times a custom build is necessary.
Do my operators have unique storage requirements? If the tools that your technicians use are unique in shape or size, then custom storage configurations might be necessary. Additionally, if you’ re trying to reduce lifting, strain or steps during a job, those considerations can be made with a unique build.
How often do I want to replace my fleet? If you plan to rotate trucks out every 5 to 7 years, a truck built for immediate deployment and tailored to serve most market needs could be the most practical choice. If you’ re purchasing a service vehicle with the goal of 10 or more years of service, then investing in a custom truck that is designed to reduce wear and maximize efficiency may be a better fit.
What’ s my budget and how much time do I have? Cost and delivery timeline play a big role in choosing the right mechanic truck. Custom builds often require longer lead times and more planning up front, but for the right operation, that investment will pay off in performance.
How can I compare custom-made and work-ready? Explore manufacturers’ websites to see how their specific work-ready trucks compare to custom builds. Some manufacturers may even offer tools such as 3-D configurations that allow you to virtually build a truck to see what the price and lead time of the specifications you’ re interested in might be. This can be a good way to compare actual truck options for your business and determine the right path to a purchase.
December 2025 • www. thepartsconnection. org • 21