By: Paul J. Batista
In the past few years, I have noticed that the way to market, package and sell pre-owned fire apparatus has changed a little. In the day and age of gadgets and conveniences, we are finding that departments buying used equipment desire the same opportunity to purchase more of what they want and not necessarily what is available to them at the time in the marketplace.
One of the main reasons for this is that even small communities that do not have the budget to purchase a new apparatus have a sizable budget to purchase a late model used truck. Consequently, they require certain options that may not necessarily be on a truck that is on the market. To accommodate these needs of our customers, we at Fire Trucks Plus are retrofitting or adding features to late model apparatus.
For instance, some of the options we add to many of the trucks we sell include foam systems, special paint schemes, graphics, and cab air conditioning systems. Other items that can be easily installed or modified on a fire truck are seating arrangements, lighting packages, auxiliary braking systems, hose bed configurations, additional pump discharges and auxiliary intakes. Generator packages, scene lights and cascade systems are also popular additions. Shelving, slide-out trays, and toolmounting systems can add to the payload capacity of a truck. Many of these features are fairly easy to install and may add only 10 to 20% to the base price of the vehicle. These items can greatly improve the performance and efficiency of the vehicle.
Previously, it was not cost effective to make certain improvements because the value of the used trucks did not warrant adding the systems onto the unit. Now with the late model apparatus holding a decent value while at the same time creating substantial savings for a community when considering used versus new, it makes sense to add some options. These features can increase the overall value of the truck while making it more suitable for your department’s application.
So the next time you are looking at an advertisement for a truck that may not be exactly what you want in the way of options but the basic truck is fairly close, consider having your dealer add some features that will make the truck more custom to your application.
It is always important to identify an honest and capable dealership whenever you are considering purchasing used fire apparatus. This is especially critical if you desire to have the apparatus retrofitted. Ask the dealer or broker you are working with if they are interested in or have the capability to make the necessary changes to get the truck’s specification closer to what you need. Be sure that they have experienced technicians that can fabricate or install the items or systems you have chosen. Plan ahead during your purchasing process and identify a truck and a trustworthy dealer who is capable of making any modifications you may require, and you will find that is worth the wait in the end because the apparatus will always suit your needs.