1 ton chevy chip truck

[wes nichols]

I am debateing on puting a chip box on my 2500 hd to cut back on inshorence and gas costs and am wondering if anyone has any experence with such a set up. pleas addvise or comment on the idea thanks alot wes.

 

[dave066]

that's what Istarted with. and I still use. but for large jobs the bigger the truck the bigger the load=less trips to dump

 

[Blakesmaster]

I am debateing on puting a chip box on my 2500 hd to cut back on inshorence and gas costs and am wondering if anyone has any experence with such a set up. pleas addvise or comment on the idea thanks alot wes.

I've been there, wouldn't go back. Because it's a smaller truck it costs you MORE in fuel because you have to make more trips. Not to mention the time you lose while dumping. It's ok if you only do small jobs but it's completely worthless on large ones. Going to a big diesel chip truck was the best decision I ever made...so far.

 

[flushcut]

As said already more trips to the dump on big jobs. If you are mostly doing small prunings and what not it may be worth it for you. I know a few guys that have that kind of set up and it works for them. I personally would not go any smaller than a 1 ton just so you have the capacity to pull a bigish chipper and a full load of chips comfortably.

 

[Bigus Termitius]

A one ton is all I want really. The bigger jobs take more trips, but I allow for that.

You say you have a 2500 hd, I wanted to put a dumbbox on the back of one of those just to get me by while pulling a small chipper around to trim service drops while working on the ROW. I knew the box wouldn't be very big, but that it would do.

I ended up building a large box on to a 10 ft contractor bed attached to an old '75 one ton drw. It's over built, and hauls maybe too much, but I like it. I use a tarp with supports when I want to chip, take it off when I want to top load with a tractor. Insurance is cheap, and with a great running 350 gasser, I'm good. But I'm spoiled with a lot of flat land.

I'm half way done with my '89 Ford Super Duty drw that has an 8ft contractor bed. There is enough room between the cab and the bed for a fuel cell or work box, so I installed a nice workbox for gear. I'll be hauling less chips and wood, but more gear easily. The 460 is a powerhouse, but will hurt at the pump some more.

Depends on how the year goes, but I hope to upgrade again, retire the chevy, and use the '89 as a backup and eventually put a dumping flatbed in place of the old contractor's bed on it.

I'd be happy with a 4x4 diesel 1 ton truck. I can see getting a larger truck eventually as well, but if I have to pick between the two, I'd rather a 1 ton for so many reasons more than just fuel and insurance.

I've watched some really good deals go on ebay for a one ton with a chipbox. That might be alot cheaper than converting a 2500 hd. What kind of box did you have in mind?

 

[Bigus Termitius]

I've been there, wouldn't go back. Because it's a smaller truck it costs you MORE in fuel because you have to make more trips. Not to mention the time you lose while dumping. It's ok if you only do small jobs but it's completely worthless on large ones. Going to a big diesel chip truck was the best decision I ever made...so far.

I'll bet. What have you got there?

I might grab an old asplug chip truck, if the top comes off, later in the year, but would rather have a diesel.

I figure by the time I go big diesel I'll likely have a grapple, or tandem dump.

I agree with more fuel for more trips if you have to make them, but the overall savings for what you get across the board is often in favor of a 1 ton up to a certain point. Beyond that, having both on hand seems to be the best approach in the long run for a couple of reasons.

The best idea I've seen yet for a bigger chip truck is Arbor Pro's mini skid platform between the box and cab. The further out I reach area wise, the smarter that looks.

 

[Blakesmaster]

I'll bet. What have you got there?

I might grab an old asplug chip truck, if the top comes off, later in the year, but would rather have a diesel.

I figure by the time I go big diesel I'll likely have a grapple, or tandem dump.

I agree with more fuel for more trips if you have to make them, but the overall savings for what you get across the board is often in favor of a 1 ton up to a certain point. Beyond that, having both on hand seems to be the best approach in the long run for a couple of reasons.

The best idea I've seen yet for a bigger chip truck is Arbor Pro's mini skid platform between the box and cab. The further out I reach area wise, the smarter that looks.

I run a cummins F800 with 17 yard capacity currently. Had a F350 p/up with EZ dumper and homemade chip box before that. Probably only 6-7 yard capacity. Had the 460 gas hog engine. On large jobs we could burn $200 of gas a day hauling loads. It takes me a week to do that in my big truck.

Another thing we found out quick is that once you get a decent size chipper the capacity of your chip truck needs to increase substantially as well. Not just for towing purposes but because the bigger your chipper the bigger pieces of brush/wood you chip which makes a lot more chips a lot faster. When we upgraded from the chuck n'duck to the Bandit 200+ we could fill the 1 ton in about 15 minutes. It became essentially useless. Have only used the chip box on it once since we got the big truck. Only use it for hauling the stumper or mini now.


AP's set up is real sweet for a smaller tree service. The only thing I'd want different is a diesel.

 

[squad143]

I am debateing on puting a chip box on my 2500 hd to cut back on inshorence and gas costs and am wondering if anyone has any experence with such a set up. pleas addvise or comment on the idea thanks alot wes.

Need a bit of information first. What are you using now? Are you just starting up? What size jobs are you doing? Working fulltime or PT? Is this truck doubling as your personal vehicle? How large is your chipper?

A friend of mine has one for sale: 2002 Ford F-350 superduty 7.3L Diesel - Markham / York Region Cars For Sale - Kijiji Markham / York Region Canada.

Here is a pic:

Using a pickup (with a dump insert/box) is a great way to get started, but does limit you due to it's size. Just realize that you can easily overload your vehicle. From my understanding of a GMC 2500 is that they are rated at 3/4 ton, not 1 Ton.

You're insurance should be based on what the GVWR that you registered your truck for. Unless you want a large fine from the DOT, you should register your vehicle on the weight you'll be hauling. Also, if you do get into an accident hauling more weight that your registered/insured for, the insurance company can refuse to pay.

Just a few thoughts. Hope it helps.

 

[Bigus Termitius]

I run a cummins F800 with 17 yard capacity currently. Had a F350 p/up with EZ dumper and homemade chip box before that. Probably only 6-7 yard capacity. Had the 460 gas hog engine. On large jobs we could burn $200 of gas a day hauling loads. It takes me a week to do that in my big truck.

Another thing we found out quick is that once you get a decent size chipper the capacity of your chip truck needs to increase substantially as well. Not just for towing purposes but because the bigger your chipper the bigger pieces of brush/wood you chip which makes a lot more chips a lot faster. When we upgraded from the chuck n'duck to the Bandit 200+ we could fill the 1 ton in about 15 minutes. It became essentially useless. Have only used the chip box on it once since we got the big truck. Only use it for hauling the stumper or mini now.


AP's set up is real sweet for a smaller tree service. The only thing I'd want different is a diesel.

Nice. Any pics? What year? How many miles? 17 yards is hauling some stuff. That's about 2.5 times your old capacity, and I'm guessing you get about twice the mileage. Can't beat that if you need it. How bad is it to insure and tag and what not? Still making payments or did you buy it outright? What did it set you back? No question your money ahead on that deal over your old set up. Plus, with the better chipper you can fit more material into a yard verses a chuck and duck.


I've yet to spend 200 in gas a day on one truck, that would be a killer, but maybe the 460 will introduce me to that, especially with the area I now have to cover with the yellowbook ad. The Ford is a good looking truck, so that was part of the motive, having some room for a sealed lockable box was another. It'll do for the most part for this year. The old chevy has paid for itself several times over and that's running part time. I expect the same of the Ford. I will always have one in the wing, 4x4, and perhaps diesel powered eventually, but the next step maybe a grain truck or an asplug special. In the meantime I have a grain truck at my disposal if I need to go large and the loader tractor that comes with it.

I suppose the initial cost, extra plate fees and insurance, and the price of parts or labor has me a little shy right now. Paying extra in fuel on big jobs, or big days, being able to do all repairs myself, and other savings and advantages that goes with a smaller truck is something I can absorb and employ along the way much easier right now. If it gets to $200+ a day in fuel per truck, I'm sure I'll be shopping for something else. :msp_scared: