Here are a few pictures of my new survey pickup. I still have some tweaking to do, and once I figure out the final box configuration, I will probably have the local sheet metal shop build me one out of lightweight steel or aluminum to help with weight.
I decided on the side toolboxes after seeing Stephen Ward's pickup at the TAPS Conference this spring. I also added a bed slide to help reach those hard to get to items at the front of the pickup.
This truck has a 6.5' bed, as opposed to the 5.5' bed on my last pickup. I was surprised how much more room it adds. It has been a long time since I worked out of a truck with a 6.5' bed and camper shell.
Here are a few pictures:
I wasn't quite ready to buy a new truck yet, but am thankful that things worked out to where I was able to. Setting one up is very expensive, but I can already tell I am going to like it.
Looks good. I've decided a bed slide is something I really need on my next purchase.
Really nice. You can be proud of that.
I'm wondering why you feel the need for 2 scheonsteds? Also, I'd look to secure that heavy sledge better. Frankly, I use the heavy sledge so infrequently that I contemplate not carrying one at all.
Thanks, I am very thankful to have been able to get this pickup.
Before the downturn, I was gearing up for two crews, and even ran two crews a few times with some part time help. A metal detector was the last piece of equipment I needed to fully outfit two crews.
It just depends on the metal detectors. I bought the pistol grip from Matthew Filus last year I think. I use it in the woods and when working solo, most of the time. It has a loose connection that I need to take a look at. Sometimes it acts a little funny.
I use the bigger one when working close to the truck, or when I have a lot of corners to find. It was my first detector, and I already had a space in the box for it.
Unfortunately, I need the heavy sledge more often than I would like. Driving hubs for curbs around here can be tough during the summer months when it is dry. I might add a small lip on the front of that bin. I have something similar on the back of the top flat areas.
Nicely Done.:good: :good:
I had exactly the same problem with a pistol grip Schoenstedt, bad connection.
I never liked it, intermittent screaming for no reason, finding air, I guess. We had it "repaired." It was the same after the "repair" as it was before.
We replaced it with a standard Schoenstedt, much better.
I assume all the important stuff is in the back seat. I took the seat out of my extended cab and made a shelf so everything would fit back there.
For now that is where the instruments will ride. I would like to be able to lock the equipment in the back at the hotel or when I am away from the truck. Out of site, out of mind.
Jimmy,
Are the side toolboxes custom made or did you buy them somewhere and install them yourself?
Sweet.
I know that you have thought, studied, designed, and contemplated this new setup for a long time.
For those who may not know, Jimmy has an awful lot of links to our various truck box designs posted here.
Alan,
These are a standard option from ARE in their DCU line.
One thing I really, really like about this new shell is that the ignition key locks and unlocks the camper shell. My red Ford shell had two keys to unlock the three doors. One key for the two sides, and one key for the rear. Pretty inconvenient.
Brad,
Yes, I have studied quite a bit, and I just might totally reconfigure the layout. I would really, really like to transport the equipment in the back as well. The area for the equipment would be padded of course.
Thanks, Jimmy.
Hi Jimmy,
Very nice looking rig. You did a nice job on that truck.
I am currently renovating/upgrading/retrofitting a Ford Expedition to replace the old 97 surburban. I will post pics during the conversion later this weekend.
Bob
