LOOKING FOR A NEW SURVEY RIG...

If I were setting up a survey rig, I'd get a 3/4 ton diesel. I'd get something used, regular cab or extended cab, whatever I could find the cheapest. I'd try and find something around 50,000 to 70,000 miles. I'd set it up with one of those slide out rigs for a homemade box, and put some kind of flip top, hard lid over it that sits flush with the bed.

You'll pay more for a diesel, but it will last you 200,000 miles or more if you treat it right. It will get a little bit better fuel mileage than a gasser and will offset the higher price of diesel. Maybe Shelby Griggs will post a few pics of his rig, which is one sweet Dodge diesel.

I have a white long bed 2006 chevrolet V-6 with automatic transmission, power steering, tilt wheel and automatic on headlights. It has 98,000 miles on it and is in great shape. I have a Silver Shield cover and tool box for it. If you are interested. I am in the Myrtle Beach, SC area. My email address is [email protected].

An extended cab F-150 v-8 4x4 with a SilverShield cover and boxes works best for us.
when needed, put the Polaris Ranger on the trailer and tow to site.

Depending upon what type of survey work you do and where you do it consider a smaller pickup like a Tacoma and pull a small trailer to store your gear. Granted, if you do a lot of work in the woods or rough terrain, this would probably not work. But if you do a lot of work in subdivisions or on highways, it might.

if you are looking at chevy look into the 'allstar' package on their new pickups. when we bought one not long ago it was actually cheaper to get the LT Allstar package over the LS and you get a lot more bells/whistles.

We run Chevy 1500 Extended Cab 4x4s with the Undercover brand tonneau covers. Lots of room, easy to see out the back window. Better mileage (not much). Easy to take off if needed.

http://www.truecar.com/

check this when you are price shopping to help negotiate price.

Never ever break down again.

I've always liked diesels for the power -- great hauling and towing.

I just decided to sell my 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 HD extended cab with the Duramax diesel.

I'm the only owner, it's well maintained and in great condition with 93k miles on it. I figure it's good for 250k miles.

If you'd like to learn more about this truck, please email me. Email in profile is good.

Jeff

My new truck is on order now. Decided on a F-250, extended cab, 6.5' box and the surveyor pack from Highway Products Inc.

I've had:

3/4 ton 2WD Chevy six-pack with fiberglass utility bed. (too long, took forty acres to turn around)

3/4 ton 2WD Chevy suburban (one of my favorites)

E250 2WD Ford extended window van (big, but nice in cold weather climate)

1/2 ton 2WD Chevy short box with commercial style cap (pretty handy, but light duty)

3/4 ton Chevy van (not ideal, in my opinion)

I will post a review after the new one arrives.

Dodge 1500 with the hemi.

I'd go with the moped, and the zing stick, and a roll of flagging!

Nate

David, thanks 🙂 🙂

I will try to load a photo or two later, it wasn't too long ago I put some here, so in the meanwhile a search might do.

It depends, BUT for my style and type of business AND most other survey rigs I have seen in the western USA in a non-city setting, anything less than a 3/4 ton rated vehicle is too light duty for a long life. I will probably step up to a 1 ton next time (if there is a next time).

The diesel is nice for long life, economy and power, BUT some of the new gas engines get pretty good mileage too (at least loaded lightly), with the extra cost plus the generally higher fuel costs it will take a long time to make up the difference with the diesel UNLESS you are running heavy and towing, most of the diesels get significantly better mileage loaded than a similarly equipped gasser.

Major repairs on my 12 year old truck with just short of 1/4 million miles have not been on the engine, in fact on the engine proper, I think a water pump and an alternator is it, I have gone through the rear axle (new bearings), the transmission (replaced brass and clutch, etc., gears and bearings OK) and recently front axle bearings, ball joints, etc.

Really for 249K, I couldn't be happier with the Dodge and Cummins, still very solid, I would jump in and go cross county without a moment's hesitation!

Beware that the newer diesels since 2007 have MUCH more EPA plumbing AND the new Fords AND GM's require DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid, a liquid urea for exhaust after treatment), more to go wrong AND mileage and reliability is generally down across the board.

> and drive a more economical ride, but yet rugged (if possible).
>
Few years ago I had to drive 200 miles most every day for two years, but still work surveying part time. Did not want to have license/insurance on two rides so I parked the truck and bought a used Subaru Wagon. Yes, small but economical! I carried a minimum of gear, but did have a box with four spots for two tripods, shovels, lath ect. They have a split seat in the back so I took one out, the box would hold the tripods fully extended. Used the other back seat to hold the GPS cases.
This was all to save gas and not what I wanted for a survey rig, but it worked very well. It was easy to drive and the four wheel drive and smaller size was great for off road. Down side was I felt crowded inside when trying to do some comps on the laptop and such. Would probably still be using it, but my son needed a car and I am a man that likes driving a truck. BTW, the truck has a rat pack drawer that is the best and lid on the back instead of a topper.
Will look for some more pics.

I thought about the same rig, but like you I like a truck....