Partnership Contract

I know your truck pains. When I first started recycling, the first thing I did was purchase this:


It's a 15' Box van. It was very similar to your U-Haul trucks. It's was a 1997 Ford E-350. It had the 5.4 Triton and the 4R100 transmission (Same setup as the 17' U-Hauls for sale). It was the largest piece of junk that I've ever owned. It was a Pennsylvania truck, so it was rusted out badly. I pulled it off the road for my own safety eventually. And, it was always broken.

But, that truck never worked. Every time I needed it, I ended up relying on the green Chevrolet pickup there. The box van was always broken. My $2000 truck had taken me for over $3000 in repairs when I finally sold it. This is how it was removed from our place:


Notice the tow strap. I ended up with a piece of junk that cost me way more money than it created (I was only able to drive it for 800 miles total). I ended up using a trailer we had on the farm, and I came up with this:




That photo was before I sold the van as parts. It's the same setup I have today. If your F150 has a strong enough frame, I'd look into a trailer. The rear is close to the ground, and they would work fine for appliances. It wasn't my first choice. But, it was the only thing that I could afford at the time. It works pretty well, so I still have it.

I'd do that if you can. If your business starts to grow, then I'd look into something else. I would skip a small box van, though. Mine was rated for 10,700# GVW, allowing for a maximum payload of 2900#. I have 3500# of stuff (Servers are tucked behind the TVs on the trailer) on the rig in the photo. The rig would do about 55MPH only, but that's not too bad for a Chevrolet with a 305.

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If you aren't making a profit on CRTs, they can't be your main focus at first. I do more refurbishing because I do better with it. I still do collection events, but I don't put much money into them. For me, the money isn't there. I've never been to New York, though. Things may be different there.

But, the refurbishing has to pay it's own way. I'm looking into a larger truck, but I won't be going in debt because of it.

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I wish the best for this. I'm glad that there are people who care about CRTs, and doing it right. I want that place to profit. I just don't think that a worn out $4000 truck that can only haul 3000# is the solution. It wasn't for me.

Right now, your volume is low. I'd set some money aside for a truck if you can, but I wouldn't spend it. When your business grows, you'll have a better grasp on the right truck. I jumped early, and it was by far the worst thing I've done. I just don't want to see you make the same mistake that I did.

Best of luck in your new business!

Originally Posted by matador

I know your truck pains. When I first started recycling, the first thing I did was purchase this:


It's a 15' Box van. It was very similar to your U-Haul trucks. It's was a 1997 Ford E-350. It had the 5.4 Triton and the 4R100 transmission (Same setup as the 17' U-Hauls for sale). It was the largest piece of junk that I've ever owned. It was a Pennsylvania truck, so it was rusted out badly. I pulled it off the road for my own safety eventually. And, it was always broken.

But, that truck never worked. Every time I needed it, I ended up relying on the green Chevrolet pickup there. The box van was always broken. My $2000 truck had taken me for over $3000 in repairs when I finally sold it. This is how it was removed from our place:


Notice the tow strap. I ended up with a piece of junk that cost me way more money than it created (I was only able to drive it for 800 miles total). I ended up using a trailer we had on the farm, and I came up with this:


That photo was before I sold the van as parts. It's the same setup I have today. If your F150 has a strong enough frame, I'd look into a trailer. The rear is close to the ground, and they would work fine for appliances. It wasn't my first choice. But, it was the only thing that I could afford at the time. It works pretty well, so I still have it.

I'd do that if you can. If your business starts to grow, then I'd look into something else. I would skip a small box van, though. Mine was rated for 10,700# GVW, allowing for a maximum payload of 2900#. I have 3500# of stuff (Servers are tucked behind the TVs on the trailer) on the rig in the photo. The rig would do about 55MPH only, but that's not too bad for a Chevrolet with a 305.

--------------------------------------

If you aren't making a profit on CRTs, they can't be your main focus at first. I do more refurbishing because I do better with it. I still do collection events, but I don't put much money into them. For me, the money isn't there. I've never been to New York, though. Things may be different there.

But, the refurbishing has to pay it's own way. I'm looking into a larger truck, but I won't be going in debt because of it.

--------------------------------------

I wish the best for this. I'm glad that there are people who care about CRTs, and doing it right. I want that place to profit. I just don't think that a worn out $4000 truck that can only haul 3000# is the solution. It wasn't for me.

Right now, your volume is low. I'd set some money aside for a truck if you can, but I wouldn't spend it. When your business grows, you'll have a better grasp on the right truck. I jumped early, and it was by far the worst thing I've done. I just don't want to see you make the same mistake that I did.

Best of luck in your new business!

I appreciate the encouragement from alot of you, it does help. The truck I use is a 98 f150 which was built in Canada and has over 280,000 mi on origional engine/trans but as I said, the bed's falling apart(it's the bed, frame's in really good shape).

If I gave the drivers side a good tug, i'm sure it'd come off, but I will say it did move us to TN and back without major issue(truck hates hills). Truck was suppose to go up on the lift today so I could see everything else it needs(I think something is binding somewhere when going into 4h, notice it more when turning) but NY issued a state of emergency for Fulton due to this storm. I really don't want a box van, I saw it as an option but I might look into some sort of ramps or something because if I'm up against any more new appliances I don't want to kill myself getting the things into the truck.