Age of Pickups and Equipment used on highway construction projects.

[Brian556]

It seems like in the old days, they would use a lot of old, beat up equipment on highway construction projects, but not so much anymore.
The DFW Connector, I-635, and now I-35Express projects all use or used brand-new pickups.

And, on the 35Express project, much of the equipment, including one of the large cranes, is brand new.

[roadman]

I suspect the principal reason contractors are using "fancy" pickup trucks these days is because, as I understand it, no car manufacturers currently offer "bare bones" models (i.e. no radio, headliner, etc.).  Remember that the pickup truck has evolved from lowly work vehicle to "must have" status symbol for many people in this country.

[SteveG1988]

I suspect the principal reason contractors are using "fancy" pickup trucks these days is because, as I understand it, no car manufacturers currently offer "bare bones" models (i.e. no radio, headliner, etc.).  Remember that the pickup truck has evolved from lowly work vehicle to "must have" status symbol for many people in this country.

You still can get the stripped down model, they just look expensive

[Pete from Boston]

I suspect the principal reason contractors are using "fancy" pickup trucks these days is because, as I understand it, no car manufacturers currently offer "bare bones" models (i.e. no radio, headliner, etc.).  Remember that the pickup truck has evolved from lowly work vehicle to "must have" status symbol for many people in this country.

What I really don't get, having done plenty of time in the trades, is how pristine and unused so many trucks look on construction sites.  Do these guys actually haul anything, or is that diesel F-250 a glorified throne they just use to sit up above traffic?

I know, I know–their boat isn't going to pull itself.  Still, I always found the mud and scratches to be marks of some pride in hard work over appearance.  When I see guys at work in these just-detailed shiny Cadillac(!) pickups, I just feel a little embarrassed for everyone. 

[SteveG1988]

They do get used, but the supervisors get the better models, as at times that is their office, and sometimes it is used to show prospective clients the work site.

[Pete from Boston]

They do get used, but the supervisors get the better models, as at times that is their office, and sometimes it is used to show prospective clients the work site.

I understand that.  This accounts for too few trucks.  I think Roadman has it right in conjecturing that a lot of these trucks are bought for status more than utility.

[SteveG1988]

They do get used, but the supervisors get the better models, as at times that is their office, and sometimes it is used to show prospective clients the work site.

I understand that.  This accounts for too few trucks.  I think Roadman has it right in conjecturing that a lot of these trucks are bought for status more than utility.

now, here's the question. Are they just fancy looking, but basic models, for example I don't think you can get a truly stripped down looking f150 any more. For a few years you couldn't even get a v6.

Also, how many are replacements for a 1990s pickup? That got worse mpg, and possibly had less utility, due to having a lower spec engine. 300 i6 in a f150, or a 4.3 v6 in a Chevy.

[cpzilliacus]

Also, how many are replacements for a 1990s pickup? That got worse mpg, and possibly had less utility, due to having a lower spec engine. 300 i6 in a f150, or a 4.3 v6 in a Chevy.

The Ford 300 (4.9L) I6 was a great motor, as long as it was fuel-injected.  I had one in  a 1990 Bronco.  The motor was discontinued because of emissions requirements.

Plenty of torque, good acceleration and reasonably easy on fuel. 

[SteveG1988]

Also, how many are replacements for a 1990s pickup? That got worse mpg, and possibly had less utility, due to having a lower spec engine. 300 i6 in a f150, or a 4.3 v6 in a Chevy.

The Ford 300 (4.9L) I6 was a great motor, as long as it was fuel-injected.  I had one in  a 1990 Bronco.  The motor was discontinued because of emissions requirements.

Plenty of torque, good acceleration and reasonably easy on fuel.

I wasn't saying it was a bad motor, just users nowadays expect more. Also, I wonder how many are actually just leased.

[triplemultiplex]

It seems like in the old days, they would use a lot of old, beat up equipment on highway construction projects, but not so much anymore.
The DFW Connector, I-635, and now I-35Express projects all use or used brand-new pickups.

I suspect most large contractors capable of bidding on big projects probably have some sort of lease arrangement for fleet vehicles these days.

[SteveG1988]

It seems like in the old days, they would use a lot of old, beat up equipment on highway construction projects, but not so much anymore.
The DFW Connector, I-635, and now I-35Express projects all use or used brand-new pickups.

I suspect most large contractors capable of bidding on big projects probably have some sort of lease arrangement for fleet vehicles these days.

5 year leases possibly have tax benefits

[bugo]

The Ford 300 was good in carbureted form as long as it was coupled to a manual transmission.  The slushbox must have sapped 50 horses and 60 lb-ft of torque from the trusty inline six.  I've driven a fuel injected/automatic 1988 Ford pickup as well as a carbureted/3 (on the tree!) 1983 Ford and the 1983 was much peppier, more powerful, and better on gas.  Automatic transmissions do not belong in working trucks.