I've been watching non-CDL flatbed trucks on ebay for some time now to
get an idea about what is available and how much they cost. Some day
I'll buy one. But for now a guy can dream, can't he?

I was very curious about this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=180201941305

I don't know much about Isuzu NPRs but there sure seem to be a lot of
them on the roads in my area. I like tilt cabs because of their
greater maneuverability. I like automatic transmissions because my
area is congested. I like the size of this truck (14' bed, not too
big, not too small). I can't tell if the bed is wood or steel (it
seems to be covered with snow). If it had a liftgate on the back it
would be perfect for my needs.

For some reason, this one seemed to have sold for between 1/3 and 1/2
the price of other trucks of similar age and mileage (at least
according to my observations). Is there something special about a
stakebed truck that makes them less useful than a normal flatbed
truck? When the stakes are removed, isn't the bed just like a regular
flatbed but with some rectangular holes near the edges, or a rub rail
around the outside? Or is the 14' bed an uncommon size that is not
useful for most people?

On Mon, 7 Jan 2008 23:49:26 -0800 (PST), with neither quill nor qualm,
Albert quickly quoth:

I've been watching non-CDL flatbed trucks on ebay for some time now to
get an idea about what is available and how much they cost. Some day
I'll buy one. But for now a guy can dream, can't he?

I was very curious about this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=180201941305

I don't know much about Isuzu NPRs but there sure seem to be a lot of
them on the roads in my area. I like tilt cabs because of their
greater maneuverability. I like automatic transmissions because my
area is congested. I like the size of this truck (14' bed, not too
big, not too small). I can't tell if the bed is wood or steel (it
seems to be covered with snow). If it had a liftgate on the back it
would be perfect for my needs.

For some reason, this one seemed to have sold for between 1/3 and 1/2
the price of other trucks of similar age and mileage (at least
according to my observations). Is there something special about a
stakebed truck that makes them less useful than a normal flatbed
truck? When the stakes are removed, isn't the bed just like a regular
flatbed but with some rectangular holes near the edges, or a rub rail
around the outside? Or is the 14' bed an uncommon size that is not
useful for most people?

I looked into getting one of these before I settled on a Toyota Tundra
last year. They're wonderful little HEAVY DUTY trucks. After driving
one, and noting that you'd need a kidney belt to drive one around town
daily if it weren't loaded, I saw why they're not really considered
daily drivers. Yes, the shortbeds are less attractive to people using
them to make money on hauling things around. I like them because
they're much more nimble and easier to navigate around tighter spaces.

There's a guy in town here with and old Isuzu(?) LCF-style truck with
a 7' bed. He makes and hauls around kids' playhouses with it. It's
cute as hell and does a great job for him.

Another reason they sell for cheap is that brand new, they're only
$35k, about the same as a half ton pickup from American automakers.
Go test drive one from a used lot and see if you like it.

Isuzu has been the leader in these small trucks for 32 years now. they
may have some Chebby parts, but they're certainly not your typical GM
falling-down-wreck.

If I were to buy one, I'd look into getting some lighter springs
installed so it would be easier and more comfy to drive.

Go for it. They seem to run forever.

--
"As democracy is perfected, the office represents, more and more closely,
the inner soul of the people. We move toward a lofty ideal. On some great
and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's
desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron."
- H. L. Mencken, in the Baltimore Sun, July 26, 1920.

On Mon, 7 Jan 2008 23:49:26 -0800 (PST), Albert
wrote:

I've been watching non-CDL flatbed trucks on ebay for some time now to
get an idea about what is available and how much they cost. Some day
I'll buy one. But for now a guy can dream, can't he?

I was very curious about this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=180201941305

I don't know much about Isuzu NPRs but there sure seem to be a lot of
them on the roads in my area. I like tilt cabs because of their
greater maneuverability. I like automatic transmissions because my
area is congested. I like the size of this truck (14' bed, not too
big, not too small). I can't tell if the bed is wood or steel (it
seems to be covered with snow). If it had a liftgate on the back it
would be perfect for my needs.

For some reason, this one seemed to have sold for between 1/3 and 1/2
the price of other trucks of similar age and mileage (at least
according to my observations). Is there something special about a
stakebed truck that makes them less useful than a normal flatbed
truck? When the stakes are removed, isn't the bed just like a regular
flatbed but with some rectangular holes near the edges, or a rub rail
around the outside? Or is the 14' bed an uncommon size that is not
useful for most people?


They are a GREAT truck

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

We use these trucks in the UK with tilt & Slide recovery beds. They're
cheap to buy which is the only good thing I can say about them. The
Mitsubishi equivalent (Canter in UK) is far, far more superior in build
quality & engineering.

For our needs they are cost effective as we have to renew our trucks
after 3yrs (contractual obligation) but even after this short life we
can expect little re-sale value.

They fall apart, they rattle, the electrics were wired by a 3yr old
apprentice & the cabs are uncomfortable for anyone over 4' tall. I'm
shocked that the handbrake system ever passed UK type approval, we have
to chock the rear wheels to pull anything onto the bed with the winch.

The engines are good & reliable, I can't remember one of ours ever
needing work other than routine but the chassis/cabs & electrics need
almost constant attention from our recovery mechanics.

If you need a rugged/reliable workhorse stay well clear, if you need
something only for occasional use then they can be had cheap, we part X
our trucks as you can't give them away in the used commercial market.