Answer These 4 Questions Before Buying a Water Truck

Scouting the right water truck for your specific application can be challenging. Our customers often have questions regarding key features of the truck itself: chassis fulfillment, tank capacities, materials used, and production timeline.

Today, we explore the four most important questions you should ask when shopping for a water truck. From chassis choices to pumping systems, capacities to choosing new vs. used, we share everything you need to consider.

But before we dive into the specifics, the first step is to consider every possible use for your water truck. Will you use it for fire suppression in areas with tight turns and curvy roads? Is it for dust control on a wide-open farm? When your current project is complete, will you be selling this truck in the foreseeable future?

While your subconscious works on those thoughts, let’s address the most important questions you should ask when buying a water truck.

What Sort of Chassis Do I Need for My Water Truck?

The chassis of any piece of equipment is (quite literally) its foundation. The type of chassis you choose will determine what sort of work and terrain the truck can handle.

Ask yourself:

• Will my truck be making tight turns in a quarry or mountain road?
• How rough is the terrain at my usual job sites?
• Will this truck drive only on paved roads forever?

Generally, water trucks are built with three different types of chassis:

1. Off-road platforms, which are often best for agricultural, construction, and some quarrying situations
2. Standard truck chassis for hauling water on paved roads only
3. Articulate frames: these jointed chassis are more maneuverable for sharp turns and are often used in construction and mining.

At TPL we build water trucks with durable steel chassis and both on- and off-road capabilities. Our trucks are built to take a beating on all sorts of tough terrain.

Tank Capacity: How Much H2O Do I Need?

While there are some applications that require an extra large amount of water, typical water truck tank capacities are anywhere from 1,000 – 4,000 gallons. To help determine which capacity will best suit your needs, consider how often you’ll be using it at any given job site, how many job sites you usually service, and how often you will have access to a refill source.

Imagine, for instance, a local landscaping crew. They only need to wet a few dozen acres a few times a week to keep their clients happy. There is a handy creek right on the property for quick refills. They may only need 2,000 to 4,000 gallons of capacity.

On the other end of the spectrum, imagine a government subcontractor controlling the dust at a new 300,000-acre air base development. With a long drive back to water and huge areas to cover, they need the most tank capacity they can find in a water truck.

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, so it’s worth thinking through and discussing with our savvy sales team.

Which Pumping and Spraying Systems Do You Need?

The water-dispensing system is arguably the most important aspect of your new water truck – after all, that’s its entire intended function. Your pump and spraying system should make the job as quick and easy as possible.

Start by considering ease of use. The water truck you choose should cover all the bases of convenience for drivers and laborers. At Taylor Pump and Lift, we cover all the bases when it comes to our builds. All our water trucks are essentially the same when it comes to dispensing. We build our trucks with sprayers on both the front and back, and everything can be operated from inside the cab. 

Of course, there are other, old-fashioned, less convenient pumping and spraying systems on the market. But if you’re looking for a professional truck, most of them are out-of-date and inadequate for your needs. 

Now that we’ve covered your chassis, pump and spraying systems, and water truck capacity, let’s move to the final question when buying a water truck: Should you buy new or used?

Which Is Better, a New or Used Water Truck?

Whether you are shopping for your first water truck or this is your tenth time replacing your fleet, it’s best to prepare a checklist of the pros and cons of new vs. used vehicles.

New Water Truck Benefits

For larger corporate organizations, businesses looking to reduce their taxable income with vehicle depreciation, those “scaling up” with a heavy workload on the horizon, and anyone who would sell this truck in the foreseeable future, we suggest you buy a brand new water truck. 

At TPL, our brand-new water trucks are:

• Reliable, because they’re under warranty.
• Supported with service and support contracts and records for future sale.
• Easy to finance.
• Easy to sell in the near future, with support records and warranty intact.

Now, let’s think about used water trucks.

Used Water Truck Benefits

The only real benefit of a used water truck is a lower up-front cost. Realize that you’re trading warranties, service and support, and guaranteed reliability for that lower price. You may also be trading fuel economy and safety features, depending on the age of the truck.

And, frankly, in the truck market today, gently used vehicles with low mileage and outstanding maintenance records aren’t that much cheaper!

Unlike a new water truck, a used vehicle will be:

• Difficult to finance with a bank or credit union.
• Possibly unreliable, especially without maintenance records.
• More difficult to sell without warranties and records on hand.

Ultimately, only certain customers will be happy with a used water truck. For most of our customers, the benefits of a new truck definitely outweigh the cost issue by a landslide.

We Invite You To Contact TPL & Learn More

If you’re considering a brand-new water truck and want to explore your custom options, contact us. Our experienced, down-to-earth sales team will help you make the right choice for your organization. We offer a variety of options to suit your needs, and we know each model inside and out, so call now.