Bee truck advise

[pahvantpiper]

I need to move more hives per trip and am going to buy a bigger truck with a 16 foot bed... but I'm torn. Any opinions on the f450/550 or Chevy's 4500/5500? I'm actually leaning toward the new '08 Dodge 4500/5500. Gas mileage and reliability are high on the list. Right now I drive a 1 ton Chevy with a 13 foot bed (I can move 64 hives). It's a great truck just gets crappy mileage, about 6 MPG loaded pulling my forklift. Thank you.

-Rob Bliss

[Michael Palmer]

Get the Dodge with a Cummins Turbo Diesel. Great mileage, and plenty of power

[greenbeekeeping]

I have a 97 f450. I wish that I would have got a few things diferent. Like a bigger bed and a crew cab and four wheel drive. I have sunk the truck several times in the mud. I didn't know dodge was coming out with the bigger trucks. I checked it out. Sounds good.

[sqkcrk]

Get the Dodge with a Cummins Turbo Diesel. Great mileage, and plenty of power

Does that come w/ 4 Wheel Drive? I've found the 4WD in my F450 Diesel Superduty quite worth the extra cost. Don't forget the glow plug too.

What kind of pallets are your bees on? I had my bed built so I can carry 5 rows of 4way pallets down the lenghth of the bed. That way I can carry 80 colonies. The wheel base is long.

I like my truck, but it likes the fuel, 10 mpg if I run at 55 w/ the cruise control on. Otherwise I get about 8mpg.

I tried to get a Dodge, but at the time I could only get it w/ the box and the delivery date was way in the future and uncertain and they didn't want to haggle. So the Ford dealer won my bussiness. I'd still consider a Dodge.

I don't know about Chevys though. What's popular where you are? If you see lots of them that might mean that they are worth a try. Most folks I know run Dodges or Fords for bigger than pickup size trucks.

[sqkcrk]

Have you considered a small Freightliner?

[pahvantpiper]

"Have you considered a small Freightliner?"

Not really, I know some beekeepers who run ford and small Internationals but I haven't thought much about Freightliner. I need something small enough to drive through apple, peach and cherry orchards so I think a 16 foot bed on a standard sized truck may be my limit. How big is the cab on a small Freightliner?

"Does that come w/ 4 Wheel Drive?"

Yes, 4WD is an absolute! Can't tell you how many times I've been stuck in my 2WD Chevy.

"What kind of pallets are your bees on?"

4way 47"X33". On a 16' bed I can put them 6 deep 2 wide and 2 hight. I think I might still hang over a few inches.

How long does my wheel base need to be? I worry a little about high centering with such a long bed and wheel base. Thanx.

-Rob

[AstroZomBEE]

I have 2 chevy 5500's in my operation, they are terrific. Thier turning radius is much tighter than the ford equivalent. has plenty of power, we have the duramax diesels, and the 4x4. It's a good all around truck for bee deliveries in offroad situations.

Although i love my Fuso's ability to turn down apple rows. and still carry 180 colonies of bees.Fuse are lacking the 4x4 option and thier motors could use a bit more Horses under the cab.

Aaron,

if you need more elaboration than that just ask.

[Scut Farkas]

Go with Consumer Reports magazine or website and the model they recommned. CR is a non-proift organization that does not take money from companies for advertising or sponsonships. They buy all vehicles on the open market, so the automaker has no knowledge or control over which vehicle CR tests.

You can get the info you need by subscribing to their website (approx $20 annually) and doing research.

Do not be sucked in by Consumers Digest. This is an ad supported magazine/website. I would assume they shade their recommendations to their advertisers - not a good magazine to go with.

I've not owned a Dodge/Chrysler product in many many years, but I've never had a a good experience with them. Their association with Daimler Benz may have improved their quality however.

[peggjam]

I've not owned a Dodge/Chrysler product in many many years, but I've never had a a good experience with them. Their association with Daimler Benz may have improved their quality however.

Daimler sold Chrysler last month, for half what they paid for them:rolleyes:. Nothing like bailing when times get tough. I like Dodge, never had one that I didn't like:).

[pahvantpiper]

AstroZomBEE,

Do you carry 180 hives on your Fuso? You run 6way pallets, right?What kind of gas mileage do you get? Too bad they don't come in 4WD. How long is your bed? Do you find Mitsubishi to be reliable?

Also, on your 5500's, What kind of gas mileage do you get and how long are your beds? How many hives can you carry on them?

I would love to get a Duramax with the Allison transmition but among my dad, my brothers and myself we have 5 newer chevy's and we've had so many problems (some major) with all 5 that I'm wondering if chevy forgot how to make trucks.

I wish Toyota made trucks this size. Thanks.

-Rob