I started a logistics business last summer that has miraculously taken off and I've started casually for a work truck to help move what I need moving. we sell and deliver pallets of water all over texas. (picture below as an example). I do not have a lot of knowledge in what would be most beneficial and just starting my research.

requirements:
1. I want to be able to pull 14,000 pounds
2. under or around $20k price tag
3. I think I want diesel, but I'm a bit nervous on a high mileage diesel because of how expensive repairs can be on a diesel.
4. As far as comforts go, really just want a back-up camera, but everything else is flexible

Looking for recommendations on what make and time frame to focus in on / stay away from.

Thank you!

One note:
F350s are often cheaper than f250s for the same used truck, so don't limit your search to just 250s.

Interesting concept and not automotive related, but who are your common customers?

Good luck with the business!

Anything industrial, oilfield, mechanic shops, dealerships, construction. Pretty much anyone who has employees working outside or in a warehouse type setting. I only have one unit so far but working getting more refrigerated trailers for on site cold storage

I appreciate it. It's been a learning experience to say the least

Diesel I would stick to Ford and Ram. In my experience.

F350 has served us well over the years. So long as you are realistic that all vehicles require maintenance. Especially work trucks.

I'd be curious if you could tow 14,000 reasonably well in the new baby duramax or F150 Powerboost half tons. May be worth some research on those.

Not to be negative, but you're going to be hard pressed to find a diesel under $20k that isn't ragged out or 20 years old.

I'm thinking maybe an 04-05 Duramax or a Cummins around the same time frame? I'd stay away from Powerstrokes until you get a few years into the 6.7s, which would price you out.

From a securing standpoint, recommend using rubber under those pallets. That type of securing doesn't do much to prevent shifting longitudinally or transversely, it just increases friction. Rubber would also increase friction

Get a 1-ton diesel dually. You are basically asking for a hot shot truck. All the guys i've used in the past buy a new Ram 3500, drive it for 100k miles, trade in on a new one to avoid major repairs that would eat in to their uptime.

Get the newest, lowest mileage 1 ton diesel dually you can cash flow the payments on. If it really is taking off, you'll soon find that buying trucks and trailers is just another expense.

i saw a 07-08 gmc w/ duramax the other day on marketplace that had 35k miles and they were asking 28k for it. was a grandpas that had died and never drove it. I just wasnt in the right spot to buy something yet.

have a link? I havent had very many issues with shifting, but the couple times I have, they've shifted hard. I usually cut them in half for the long / bumpy trips.

I don't have a link to rolls of rubber, but you'd be after rubber that's about 10" x 1/4-5/16".

Spring or half loop lashing works well to secure stuff without lashing points, but in your case, you'd be relying upon the integrity of the shrink wrapping.

Flaith said:

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Get a 1-ton diesel dually. You are basically asking for a hot shot truck. All the guys i've used in the past buy a new Ram 3500, drive it for 100k miles, trade in on a new one to avoid major repairs that would eat in to their uptime.

Get the newest, lowest mileage 1 ton diesel dually you can cash flow the payments on. If it really is taking off, you'll soon find that buying trucks and trailers is just another expense.

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This. Buy whatever the Hotshot guys are driving. They've already figured out the game.

I wouldn't worry too much about the cost of maintaining a diesel. It's the other maintenance that will get you, and that's the same on gas or diesel. Brakes, suspension, steering, and tires. I would buy a truck based on which one has the best, most reliable transmission for towing.

makes sense. good thing about usual maintenance - brakes, suspension parts, etc. i can do all of it myself. appreciate the insight!

This might be what you are looking for.

https://www.dieselofhouston.com/details/used-2006-dodge-ram-3500/100174034




Edit to add this gem. A little over your budget but the paint job itself is with it….




https://www.dieselofhouston.com/details/used-1994-ford-f-350/91951316

highvelocity said:

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3. I think I want diesel, but I'm a bit nervous on a high mileage diesel because of how expensive repairs can be on a diesel.

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Other folks have mentioned hotshots already but.....most (but certainly not all) of the problems on new diesels seem to come from trucks that are used exclusively as passenger cars. The truck will be much happier if it spends its life hooked to a trailer all the time. That would be the concern with a used one, how was it used?

For that weight a gooseneck makes life much nicer than a bumper pull. Something to think about for the future.

If you are driving all over the place having a nice interior makes life better.

An F350 dually (or equivalent) is certainly nice but an F-450 will turn better which is even nicer.

Stringfellow Hawke said:

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This might be what you are looking for.

https://www.dieselofhouston.com/details/used-2006-dodge-ram-3500/100174034




Edit to add this gem. A little over your budget but the paint job itself is with it….




https://www.dieselofhouston.com/details/used-1994-ford-f-350/91951316

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The Dodge is the year before they introduced DFPs, so that's a big plus. That truck actually looks like a pretty good deal.

i think ive settled on a ford 6.2L gas truck after talking to a couple of mechanic friends. if anyone has one they're willing to part with, please let me know!

I don't know of any 6.2 trucks for sale, but you should limit your search to those with 4.30 gearing.

appreciate the insight! more torque = mo betta