Keeping It Simple

Making the decision to buy a new tool truck can stem from any number of things. It can range from simple realities like the age of a distributor's current vehicle, to more unique factors like geography or route changes. Regardless, the actual decision to jump behind the wheel of a new truck should be the most difficult part of the process.

In my opinion, tool truck production and purchasing really breaks down to five steps. And being well-prepared for each can make the entire process easier, more productive and help ensure you get the final product your business needs to be successful.

#1. "I Want A New Truck"

The first step is a fairly obvious one. You've made the decision to investigate a new truck. Being on the receiving end of this call means the builder needs to listen, get your initial ideas and brainstorm with you to get a general idea as to what you want. Then we have to check it out and report back with some specifics.

To help the builder move more rapidly from the initial request stage to putting a blueprint together, it helps to know what your personal preferences are. I recommend driving some different chassis types to get a feel for how they handle. The same goes for the various box configurations. Try to learn what types and sizes are most comfortable for you, preferably from behind the wheel.

The same thing can be said for things like special knife cabinets or sunglasses displays. Taking a look at other trucks can help you get a clearer idea as to what you want your truck interior to look like.

#2. "I Want The Biggest One You Got"

Once the builder gets a general idea as to what a customer is looking for, then it's time to get specific. While your first point of interest usually relates to how big you want to go, we try to get an idea as to why you want a specific size or layout. So don't be surprised if the builder starts asking questions centered more on your business than the truck.

First of all, tool truck builders know that bigger is not always better. Also, our experience in designing numerous trucks every year (ProVanUSA will build about 200 trucks this year alone) puts us in a position to offer advice in refining your initial requests.

In the end, your truck should represent the most effective and efficient way of meeting all the special, customized needs and wants you desired when first visualizing your new storefront on wheels. So here are some things to consider in getting your wildest dreams to sync with cost-effective, profitable tool truck features:

There is no set configuration. Remember, the truck should be customized to you and your business. It's the builder's job to take those requests and make them work without putting your payments in the stratosphere. That's where some give and take will be needed. There's very little a builder can't do, but we try to lead our customers down a path that makes sense from all angles, including the level of investment they're capable of making.
What are you selling? If you're the company's leading iron man, then that's where your focus should be when it comes to displays and shelf space. On the other hand, if you move a lot of toolboxes, then a larger truck box might be the way to go. With the growing need for diagnostic tools, many distributors are looking to have nicer displays for scan tools and multimeters. Cases and special shelving not only help showcase products, but also keep them secure without going to lengths that inhibit you from putting these items in a customer's hands.
Make the most of all the space available. Here's where an experienced builder can really help you get the most out of your tool truck investment. When talking to distributors during the design phase, it helps to know specifics, like how many square inches of storage you currently have on your shelves. What you carry and how you prefer to display product is also crucial in matching you with the right vehicle. In the end, the more the builder knows, the happier you'll be with the final product.

# 3. Back To The Drawing Board

Now it's time for the builder to take into consideration all the things you told them regarding your business and the new truck you want. The blueprints should be drawn up showing options that consider different chassis types, alternate display locations and less glamorous features like battery access, computer lines and fuse box access.

The key here is to really try and visualize what you want when looking at the blueprint. If you can get to the builder's location and go through the plan with them in person, even better. We've found that this type of face-to-face interaction helps ensure fewer misses in terms of not hitting exactly what the distributor had in mind. Again, being as clear as possible with what you want will help speed up the process.

#4. The Financials

Once everything is selected and final decisions are made in regards to the mechanicals, layout and interior design, it's time for the builder to provide the final proposal. This should show all of the costs associated with designing and building your new truck, including how different options break down from a price perspective.

At ProVanUSA we gather insurance premiums and break down your monthly payments by working with the insurance and finance companies. Our feeling is this simply saves you time.

At this point you obviously need to know what you can or cannot afford. Now is the time to scale things back or move forward with more expansive plans, relative to your financial situation.

#5. Christmas Morning

When accepting delivery of your truck, try not to get caught up in the moment. Take the time to go over things with whoever delivered it. Specifically:

You should know where everything is, from the battery compartment to the light switch. Go through every inch of the truck and make sure you know where all those special display and storage features are located.
We put our trucks through a 150-point inspection process, but you should still examine it very closely and make sure nothing is leaking, missing or out of place.
Know how it works. Knowing how your tool truck works means more than just turning a key. It's a store on wheels, so make sure you're onboard with everything from the spare tire to the interior light bulb.
Make sure all the related documents are in your hands before letting the builder's representative leave.

Following these steps, and making sure you're ready at each point along the way, wr tool truck should be a proud representation of you and your business, with features and qualities as unique as the peill help the truck-buying process go more smoothly, and prevent anything from being missed or misunderstood. In the end, yourson behind the wheel.

ProVanUSA was founded in 1988 by former Snap-on tool dealer Gary Young. Today, the Commerce City, CO-based company is run by his son, Michael Young. For more information, go to Making the decision to buy a new tool truck can stem from any number of things. It can range from simple realities like the age of a distributor's current vehicle, to more unique factors like geography or route changes. Regardless, the actual decision to jump behind the wheel of a new truck should be the most difficult part of the process.