Tips For Inspecting A Used Pickup Truck For Your Construction Business
If you run a construction business, the time may have come for you to replace the work truck you use onsite. If you have decided that your budget only allows for a used truck, and you have narrowed down your choices to one or two possible vehicles, use the following tips to carefully inspect each one for possible problems before you make a decision on which one to buy.
Inspect the Bed for Signs of Damage
Since the bed of any pickup truck will most likely see a lot of use while working on the construction site, be it hauling supplies or transporting your tools, you want to make sure the bed is in excellent condition. When inspecting the truck bed, make sure you look for two possible issues.
First, look for any dents and dings in the metal of the bed. If the vehicle was formerly used as a work truck, you will probably see a few small ones. However, if you see large gouges with deep scratches that are missing paint, the truck may have seen rough usage. Also, the unpatched scratches could have exposed the metal to moisture, possibly leading to hidden rust.
Speaking of rust, it is the second thing you should look for, especially underneath the bed. If you find a lot of rust under the bed or along the corners, the bed may not be strong enough to hold any equipment or supplies you need. If the rust is extensive, the bed could rip apart, making the heavy objects fall through. This situation could potentially cause a lot of damage and even injury if you are on the highway.
Check the Rear Bumper
Another part of the truck you should check out is the rear bumper, especially if you plan to haul a trailer or equipment with the truck. The rear bumper should be free of rust and be attached securely.
Also, make sure you check out the condition of the tow hitch. It should also be free from rust. The hitch or bumper should also not have any cracking or splitting, especially where they attach to each other. If you do see any breakage, the hitch and bumper will most likely not be able to handle anything you need to haul and could break off if a load is especially heavy.
Using the above tips to check out a potential used truck for your construction business can help you discover any possible issues. Speak with an auto dealer before you buy work trucks to find out more about their history.