Can i fit all of my mobile equipment in a shortbed ranger

Hi guys and girls Tryna choose between a shortbed ranger or a e250 the van has a gas guzzling 351 but the truck is only a 4 Banger just didn`t kno if it was big enough

It depends on if you take a generator, PW, and tank with you.

Gotta agree. It all comes down to how much stuff you have and what your future plans are. If you plan to bring your own water, generator, power washer, all of your supplies, etc you will need the van. You may even need it anyway if you have a ton of equipment even if you don`t bring water and electric with you. I squeeze everything in my Tahoe but find it very sloppy and unprofessional at times, especially when I`m finished and just want the day to be over, and just throw everything back in the truck when I`m done. Fuel mileage really is a big factor these days, so I totally understand where your coming from. Just keep in mind that Ranger beds are really small, especially step side models.

It also depends on how many cars you plan on doing in a day, if you plan on hitting 10 cars in a day, you`re going to want at least a 100 gallon tank, and I`m telling you right now, the ranger isn`t going to cut it. When your tail end is dragging on the road with sparks flying everywhere and water tank smashing into all your equipment you might as well kiss your truck goodbye. But on the other hand, if you plan on using your clients water, power, then yes, you may take the gas saving ranger and succeed in saving gas. There is no simple explanation on what your best option is, I went out and bought a 1000 dollar van and I`ll tell you what, I`m spending all most twice as much on upgrades, not because I want to, but because I have to. My water tank isn`t even a 100 gallon tank and it was popping tires left and right, and I`ll tell you what, that just makes me look bad, when my customers pass me on the side of the road and see my van all broken up from poor equipment, oh man, you do not want to go there...

I`m going to start small by getting by with their water and electric I have a decent idea of where everything will fit if it comes down to needing water ill sub my brother In he has a full trailer set up

You would probably be fine with the Ranger then. Best of luck to you :-)

Thanks for all the helpful hints!

I have a crew cab gmc canyon that has just a 5` bed and have a full-mobile setup. Includes 40gal of water, 2500 watt generator, 2 crates, 2 buckets, product container (18"x 36" tupperware style with plenty of MF`s and my bottles in another crate inside), 50` of hose, electric water pump and extension cords, and finally my vac. It`s definitely filled out but it fits. I`ll post pics when I get out of class.

I`d say definitely go with the truck as better gas mileage will allow you to reach out to further clients. I`ll travel 50miles without hesitation if the client is purchasing a full detail or more.

If you also carry a pressure washer you might be out of luck. There`s no way I could add one to the current setup. If you absolutely need one you can add a hitch-shelf thing that I`ve seen some use.

We worked out my partner`s short bed ranger for the last 2 years without any problem. Didn`t haul the water tank though since most customers will have the hookup.

-Kody-

After putting some thought into it every ranger I look at has a patched frame would be great for gas but I think a astro or econoline is what it will have to be

If you can find an Astro, go that direction. The Astro cargo vans are getting very hard to come by, especially at auction, which also means that folks are getting top dollar for them. Imo you`ll get the space you need with decent fuel economy. One tip..if you plan on hauling water, beef up the leaf springs.

Thanks! I`m looking at a 99 which I believe is steel leaf packs instead of those garbage fiberglass jobs

With some creative organization you can fit everything you need into the truck.

I would get a truck and then add a trailer if need. you get the best of both world.. if you don`t need the water then leave it at home....

I`ve seen some of the smaller imports with work bodies on them they would make a great detailing truck

I really would like a truck but came across a deal I couldn`t pass on the astro