A used fire truck is an economical way for a station to save money when replacement vehicles are needed. A fire department can’t operate with fully functioning trucks, but sometimes they break down or need costly repairs that aren’t in the budget. For departments that would rather allocate their funds for a different fire truck, considering used is a good option. There are many factors to consider, however, when choosing a used fire truck, according to Fire Rescue 1.

Budget

The budget is one factor to take into account when purchasing a used fire truck. The amount of money spent shouldn’t be too much. A station should consider what repairs might need to be made, the value of the fire truck and what features it has. It doesn’t make sense to spend more money than is reasonable on a fire truck. Researching the options and testing out several models is the best way to find the right truck.

Features

Used fire trucks for sale come with a variety of features. Inspecting each is a good way to ensure that a truck meets the needs of the station. The engine, wheels, hoses, ladders and hook ups should be looked at and tested. If any of those pieces of the truck aren’t in good working order, a station might be able to have the cost of the fire truck reduced. If not, it’s best to look for other options.

Who to Buy From

While some fire stations might sell their used fire trucks to another in a private sale, a better place to look is at a fire truck dealer, such as Firetrucks Unlimited. These locations typically sell new models, but often have used ones as well. This can save money by eliminating the middleman and ensure that a quality item can be found. At the same time, most fire truck dealers offer a wide variety of trucks, from aerials to ladder trucks to wild fire fighting vehicles. This makes it much more likely that a station can find the specific type of used fire truck they need to meet their needs.

Another used fire truck option is to look for a demo truck. Because they’ve been driven and operated in demonstrations, they are often reduced in price, even though they’re virtually new. That means good working parts, an undamaged exterior and interior and perhaps the latest model. All of the above recommendations are still important to consider even when buying a demo. It doesn’t make sense to purchase one, even if it’s a good deal, if the model and features don’t fit the current needs of a fire department.

Test drives are the ultimate way to find the right used fire truck. Most dealers allow department representatives to test out the trucks and make sure each equates to the specific requirements of the station. During a test drive, it’s easier to figure out if the specifications of the fire truck for sale will work with the needs of the department. If not, other fire trucks can be driven. If it does align with the what the station needs, it’s usually a simple process to write a check and take the fire truck back to the station.