The right vehicle can make running a handyman business easier, more profitable, and more fun.
So let’s talk about what the best vehicle for a handyman business is.
In this article, I’m going to break down the various available options and the pros and cons of each.
Then, you can read the 70+ comments from other pros who share their opinions in the comment section at the bottom of the page.
Let’s jump right in.
Handyman Vehicle Options
Most pro handymen drive a work van, a pickup truck, or a truck and trailer combo.
I’ve heard from several handymen who say a van is hands down the best option.
But I’ve heard from others who tow a small trailer to store their tools and equipment and love the extra space.
I drive a Nissan Titan king cab equipped with two lockable truck bed toolboxes, which works great for me. I like that I can park it in my garage, it’s easy to drive and park, and I like the minimalist nature of a simple pickup.
I’ve even seen a handyman that drove a Honda Pilot. I actually watched this guy rebuild an entire fence for my neighbor by taking small loads of wood with his Pilot. Not ideal, but it shows that you can make just about anything work if necessary.
Or, check out this post from the Handyman Marketing Machine private Facebook group. He is converting an old ambulance into a vehicle for his handyman fleet.
I’ve also heard from pros who operate from mini-vans, hatch-backs, and Suburbans.
But the question remains…What is the best overall vehicle?
Below I’ve written out the pros and cons of each type of vehicle to help shed some light. Check it out, and let me know what you think is best in the comments at the bottom of the page.
Truck, Van, or Truck with Trailer. Which is better?
Pickup Truck
Advantages
- Good gas mileage – at least compared to other options.
- Looks good – Trucks look cool, vans don’t.
- Good Ride – I like the way a truck drives better than a top-heavy van.
- You can leave the chemicals in the back and not have to smell them while driving.
- Can park in most home garages.
- Versatility – you can haul just about anything you would need to as a handyman.
- Easy to load lumber.
- Easy to clean.
- Can use as a personal vehicle as well.
Disadvantages
- Not as much room for tools. You usually end up loading and unloading tools every day and for individual jobs.
- Tools and common supplies are less accessible, which can slow you down.
- Whatever is in the back is open to the elements. This is a problem if you live in a rainy climate. But, could be solved with a camper shell.
- Limited space for vinyl stickers and branding.
- Any tools in the bed are susceptible to theft.
A pickup truck has a lot of advantages. I especially like how I can use it as my personal vehicle as well. But the lack of storage and access to tools and supplies is a big downside. I’ve developed a system over time where I have a series of toolboxes in my back seat, but I can see how having a van or a trailer would give me more space and a permanent place to store tools. That would save me a lot of time each day from having to load and unload tools and supplies. It would also help me avoid forgetting to bring an essential tool on the job.
Van
Advantages
- Abundant storage space.
- Better for organizing supplies and tools.
- Excellent for branding/advertising. Pretty much a driving billboard.
- Easier access to tools.
- Tool Security.
- Keeps everything out of the elements, which is especially nice in rainy areas.
Disadvantages
- Can’t park in most home garages.
- Typically get bad gas mileage.
- Not ideal for trips to the dump.
- Limited room for lumber.
- You are in the same air space as whatever chemicals you are carrying.
- Not good as a personal vehicle, which means you’d need a dedicated work vehicle.
Clearly, a vans strength is in the amount of stuff you can pack into it. A well-stocked van is pretty much a mini hardware store. Everything has a place and you never have to stop and think about what tools you need before you go because they’re already loaded. I can also see a van being extremely efficient because everything would be easier to access and you are less likely to leave tools at home that you need for a job.
Truck and Trailer
Advantages
- Workshop on wheels – You can set up a workbench inside.
- Storage – Can haul larger items plus more tools and supplies allowing you to stock more materials. If managed well this could reduce trips to the store.
- Excellent for branding/advertising.
- Good for dump loads.
- Easily load lumber.
- More efficient to work out of once you get to the customer’s home.
- Doubles as a personal vehicle. All of your company brandings can be on the trailer so all you have to do is unhitch your trailer to use your truck as a personal vehicle.
Disadvantages
- Maneuverability and parking are more challenging. Not ideal for densely populated urban areas where parking is a challenge.
- Requires a secure place to store the trailer.
- Gas mileage is the lowest of any option.
- An extra set of tires and more maintenance are required.
The truck and trailer combo pretty much has it all, but it comes with the price of being difficult to maneuver and store. When you are driving to three to five houses each day, you’ll have to spend more time parking. And, while having a workshop on wheels can be more efficient, if you can’t park close to your customer’s home, that benefit is negated by the extra time walking between your truck and the customer’s house.
If you are mostly doing larger jobs like kitchen and bath remodels, then a truck and trailer is probably the ideal setup. But if you’re doing up to three jobs each day, then a smaller, more maneuverable vehicle is a better choice.
What is the best vehicle for you?
Let’s talk about a few factors to consider when making the right choice for you…
- What services do you offer? If you’re doing mostly small repairs and installations like TV Wall Mounts that don’t require hauling large items, then a van is probably best. If you do bigger jobs a truck and trailer combo is likely ideal. If you do a mix of the two then just a pickup is the most versatile option.
- Who are your customers? If you live in a densely populated urban area, then a truck and trailer would be my last choice. Also, a pickup wouldn’t be ideal either because you’d have to worry about theft. A van is probably best in urban areas where you are servicing a lot of condos, apartments, and other high-rise buildings.
- Are you running your business full-time? It’s hard to justify a dedicated work vehicle if you are only working part-time. In this case, even if a van was a more ideal option, it may make more sense to drive the pickup you already have as a work vehicle and keep it simple.
Honestly, if you are new to the handyman business, the best vehicle for you is probably the one you already have. Getting a new truck or van right off the bat can add a lot of additional financial stress that you just don’t need while starting up. There are enough startup costs.
I remember when I first started my business I was concerned about whether or not I’d be able to work out of my truck efficiently. I started with a 2006 Nissan Titan king cab that was completely stock. No toolboxes in the back or anything. I would just throw in whatever tools I needed for the job I was doing and head out for the job.
Since then the only upgrades I’ve made are the addition of a couple of toolboxes in the bed. I’ve considered adding a rack so I can carry longer lumber, but so far I’ve found this as non-essential.
Personally, I’ll stick to a truck for my handyman business. It has the most advantages for my situation and doesn’t limit the services that I offer. When I’m hauling stains, epoxies, or other chemicals, I can throw them in the back and not have to inhale the fumes. If I’m loading several sheets of plywood like I did last week, I can easily throw them in the back of the truck. I also save a lot of money by using it for a personal vehicle.
Storage for small tools and hardware is a bit of an issue and my truck tends to get pretty messy by the end of the day, but I’m pretty sure a van would get just as disorganized.
Of course, this is only my opinion.
What do you think? Please share your experience in the comments below.
Good article. I noticed from your picture that you have an extended cab truck. wouldn’t a crew cab (4 door) truck work better for this situation because you could put your tools in the back seat area and they would be locked up and out of the elements with the only sacrifice of loosing about a foot of bed space?
Hi Larry,
Ya, that would probably work a little better. I still keep my tools in the back seat it just isn’t quite as easy to get to them. Unfortunately, this is the truck I had when I started out so that’s what I have to work with.
I have a F350 and trailer and a Toyota 4Runner
F350/Trailer – Why????
Trailer is fully lettered – its a rolling billboard – this advertising tells people who I am and what I do. It also tells people that if its parked in your neighborhood your neighbor likes my work and hired me..you should too:)
This set-up gets about the same gas mileage as a van but much more versatile.
I have everything I need to do every service I offer with me. No running back to the shop(home) for that tool I didn’t thin I would need today. This saves time and time is money…end of story
Toyota 4Runner – Why?
I have the back built out into storage and have a second set of tools for any and every small job I can do. This is for traveling light when I know exactly what I will be doing.
Better gas mileage – this allows me to be more competitive and extend my service area.
I also use this vehicle for meeting clients and doing estimates.
SUMMARY – in my opinion
If you can afford both I would absolutely recommend it. This has made my business much more efficient.
Sounds like a pretty solid setup. I have definitely forgotten tools and had to go back and get them.
I guess the only downside is that you need somewhere to store the extra vehicle and trailer. But if you have the space, it sounds like a really good setup.
Thanks for the tip!
Will an 8′ folding ladder fit on the inside of a 4Runner? Assume the driver is alone and the rest of the vehicle is empty.
Hey! Do you have any pictures of your 4Runner setup ?
Nice post on vehicles for handyman. I would say that a new handyman in this business should use vehicle that he already has and when once he is established he can buy a vehicle as per choice. In particular if you ask I would go with a van. As you said it has quite good storage capacity alongside it can be used for branding and advertising.
What if the vehicle you currently own is a car? Do you think that it would be acceptable to start out with?
Hi Joey,
If it were me, I’d save up and buy a truck or van before going legit with a handyman business. There are just too many jobs that require a truck or a van. That being said, I also wouldn’t start a handyman business with a Honda Pilot.
Can you start a handyman business with a car? Yes. It’s just going to be more difficult. But, if you are truly motivated to make it work until you can buy something better, then go for it. You’ll never know until you try!
Big D
I have a Honda Accord where I can pull down the seat n’stuff 16-foot trim and that goes from the very front and sticks out the back about 5 feet.
I took out the front passenger seat for more room and been doing the handyman business for about two months now with this vehicle setup. I plan to buy a truck van or trailer not sure yet but if I need to haul something heavy I just rent The Home Depot truck for $20 or rent a U-Haul.
I started working with a Geo metro 3 cilynders… Funny facts on my way to Rocky Mountains i have to pull over to left the mountains bikes pass by… When a load this car with some tile and hardibacker on the roof i had to use ropes to close the doors because the weight frame go off square…. Now i own a old uhaul box truck to carry material which this I pull a 12ft trailer with all tools and I drive a Chevrolet uplander van daily… I live at the country so space is never a problem…
I am having this same question. I currently drive an 89 camry and it is OBVIOUSLY not ideal for a handyman business. Then again, my Dad has converted his 2002 Corolla into a fully functioning ‘work truck’. He hauls a folding ladder, and many tools necessary to get the job done. He lives way out from the city and has to commute to where most of the work is.
But I digress. Along with the Camry, my wife drives an 06 Odyssey, and that make for a very sutiable ‘work truck’. But it is her baby, so I have to be SUPER careful when hauling lumber/trash (double layer tarps everywhere makes for longer loading/unloading times). I am thinking I will shoot for a truck and add a trailer if necessary.
Thanks for blogging, it has helped me get my business off the ground (like 2 inches so far, but baby steps right?)
Art,
Hey man, getting started is further than most get! I like how you are making what you have work until you can get up and running with a truck.
An older Chevy or ford makes a fine work truck they can be bought for under 1000 I still have an 89 ford and a 88 Chevy both have 8 ft beds and if your a handyman they stay going
I started with a 1996 olds. Then that got totaled, so I have a Honda Odessy with removable racks fpr the top (which I hang by the clothes hangers near the doors in the back. It is nice also to have 4 seats when needed and 2 when needed without clearing out the back. BUT nearing 200,000 mi and I am having a mystery problem and may have to replace it with somethig else. My father in law gave me a rusted, wheeless trailer frame that I redid and built up it is good fro taking big stuff. but I don’t want to strain the van too much so I only bring it when necessary. If I have to trade off, for pricing reasons I think I will have to go witha truck and my trailer
Thanks so much for the insightful post. After reading all the comments it has really helped me to decide on the best Van for me!
Good Stuff!
Many years ago was in the process of getting on my feet. At that time I gave someone a deal on some jobs at her home , and she sold me a well cared for old sedan for $75.00. I remembered when a butcher in Europe
rescued my stranded ass. He graciously drove me to safety in his old diesel
Mercedes which he used for work and had removed the back seat. The blood from the day’s work had dried, I piled right on in.
So… I Sawzalled My sedan wheel wells, rear bulkhead and bench.
It “got her done” until I was able to get a van.
It takes what it takes !
In true handyman fashion! Nice work.
Hey Dan,
Recently, I was in a pretty bad accident, totaling my beloved ’06 F150. But because it had over 200,000 miles, I didn’t get much from the insurance. And I wasn’t having much luck finding a decent truck in my price range. Then, I came across great deal on an Ford Expedition that I couldn’t pass up. I knew an SUV is NOT an ideal work truck, but I figured I could buy it, fix it up a bit, and sell it for a profit when I got back on my feet and was able take bigger jobs again.
However, it turns out that I really like my Expedition, and I haven’t had too much trouble hauling my gear. In fact, I was somehow able to fit a couple of large toolboxes and eight foot ladder in the back, all while hauling 4 sheets of 4×8 drywall strapped to the roof rack. But again, NOT ideal.
Then the time came to buy a more suitable vehicle, I was conflicted over whether I would get a truck, or simply buy a trailer for the Expedition. Ultimately, I decided to keep the SUV and get used van, and it has been the single best decision I have made for my business.
In only 6 weeks I have almost made back the price of the van by leads generated from people seeing the vehicle. I still can’t believe how many new customers say, “I got this number from one of your vans.” The storage space is great and it actually just fits in the garage, without ladders on top. And I did have to trim down the corners of the roof rack slightly to fit under the door.
But the greatest benefit was one I hadn’t anticipated. I have a good friend who I used as a helper on some of my bigger projects. But now with two vehicles I have been able to send him on some simpler jobs, while I go do an estimate or a more complicated job. Since I charge 50-60/hr, and I pay my helper 20/hr, there’s 40/hr in my pocket. And all I have to do is provide the equipment, vehicle, and the customer. Now, this is still in the experimental phase. I’ve only sent him out on a few calls, but so far nothing but compliments from my customers.
So, not only do I now have a second great work vehicle, but I have increased my sales and expanded my capabilities. Since I was 16, I have always had a pickup truck; but now, I am officially on the van bandwagon.
Thanks for everything you do, Dan.
Hey Sean,
Thanks for sharing that extremely helpful story. I love how you turned a bad situation into a learning experience that allowed you to grow as a business. There is a lot to be learned from that story. Not only does that make me want a van, but it makes me want to hire a helper!
Dan
I think you should look at the fully loaded cost of the employee. Workers Comp, vacation pay, pay for hours not billed, social security, state unemployment. Don’t make the mistake of saying he is an “independent contractor”, when he isn’t. The IRS HATES people who do this. They will hit you with the withholding and Social Security you should have paid even if your employee is entirely forthcoming on his taxes. If he gets seriously injured and you don’t have worker’s comp, you will be paying the costs of his injury.
What do you think about a pick up with a utility bed? You get the outside hauling ability that a pick up can provide and still have compartments to keep all tools organized. Well it is what I would like to get, though currently using an Durango which doubles as the family car. So until I can afford a truck, unfortunately I am stuck taking tools out and replacing car seats.
It really depends on the type of jobs you do. It’s good that you are starting with what you have and after you get a lot of experience you’ll know exactly what you need.
Believe it or not. I perform about 30 jobs a month out of my Toyota Prius. (I know.. just dong this part time so I can make ends meet) The car cost me $18k new and I can even carry sticks of PVC,conduit..etc. I am too old to do fence building so I mostly due plumbing, electrical, and general stuff (like TV install, door locks..etc) . I get 48 mpg on average and I still get to claim the full mileage deduction on taxes. Didn’t buy the vehicle to save the environment, but I am saving my wallet. Plus when I show up for bids people actually think it is ok even in a Republican city (smile)
That’s a true handyman right there. Making due with what you’ve got and it sounds like you’re doing pretty well with it, too.
Truck all the way for me mate!
I currently have a truck and plan
To get a enclosed trailer. I am also looking at getting a good gas millage station wagon. I feel more than anything the condition of you vehical will delegate whether your a. Competent handyman, or not. In other words don’t drive an old rust bucket.
Maybe I’m not very ambitious about expanding my side jobs into a full fledged business, but I too have been working with “what I have” for several years. For sheer gas mileage, I use a 1st gen. Honda Insight! It fits 8 ft lumber and has a surprisingly versatile hatch area. Not ideal, but I can fit a full tool box, small vacuum, hammer drill, extension cord, parts and drop cloth, plus a little giant behind the passenger seat. 90% of my driving is to a real job which supplies me with the proper vehicles. It just wouldn’t make sense for me to buy something newer when most of my side jobs are for friends and family.
I’ve worked out of a Ford E350 with a 10 ft. cargo box and refuse to use anything else. It’s manoeuvrable and I can stand up inside to access my tools. I’ve towed dump trailers and flat-beds. Only downside is I get 11 mpg.
I’ve got a 2011 E-250 with a 5.4 and I’m getting almost 18 mpg it has been my businesses most profitable and most helpful thing I can put 10 foot in back and a ton on top and it’s a billboard and it can literally pull anything best thing for a true handyman is a E series van
Hey Dan,
First off, I love your blog and it has been very helpful. I have a truck and trailer right now but as I am having to find a new place to live it is extremely difficult in the area I am in to find a spot to park/store a trailer. I don’t know if a trailer really is necessary to run a handyman business but there have been occasions where I could do jobs because of the trailer. What are your recommendations and thoughts? As I continue to look for a place to live I’m feeling like I’m going to have to sell it as I have no where to store or park it. I’m worried about not having it anymore as I just started doing this for work.
Hey Justin,
I’ve never had a trailer and have done just fine without. But, I likely offer different services than you. Here’s a good way to make the decision. Go through all of your jobs you’ve done so far and see which ones absolutely required a trailer. Is this a large percentage of jobs or just a few here and there? This should give you some clarity on whether or not you really NEED the trailer or if it’s just a nice-to-have.
If you do need the trailer, you could always consider renting a parking space at a storage facility close to where you live.
Well after reading the comments posted here I am not so leery of stepping out with my Jeep Wrangler and PT Cruiser. I think picking up a trailer will be the way to go starting out. The only dilemma I’m facing now is do I get an open trailer with adjustable or higher side walls or an enclosed trailer.
Hi! My husband has just started a handyman business and like you, his tools are just thrown all over the back of his SUV. I want to get him some sort of tool box or organizer that he can keep in the back part of his SUV for Christmas but I have NO idea what I’m looking for. I looked up the UWS low profile toolbox that you have but that seems like it’s more for the bed of a pickup truck. He does have a carseat in the car for our son (he takes him to preschool every day) so it would have to be something that would fit in just the back part of his Chevy Equinox. Anyone have any suggestions to help him be more organized?
Hi Kelly
I thought I would dive in and tackle this one for you. I run a new handyman service in Naperville, Illinois.
I find myself in a similar situation to yours. My current vehicle, a 2012 ford Edge also has to pull double duty, the Ford edge is pretty comparable to your Chevy Equinox in terms of size etc. I have three kids and a spouse who all need ferrying around during the week as well. I am not yet in a position to afford a dedicated Handyman vehicle, so I had to get creative. I went to crate and barrel and purchased two large ABS plastic drawers which are the same length as the trunk area with the seats up in their normal position. I then fabricated a platform out of 3/4″ plywood to create a new raised trunk area with drawers underneath ( I carpeted the plywood platform with marine carpet in black) the whole set up cost about $200 to make and works great.I stacked milk crates on top for extra storage. hope this helps just shoot me an email if you would like pictures for further clarification.
Cheers
Bruce
Dan,
I do not currently own a vehicle because my job provides me with one. I am looking at vehicles for my handyman side hustle (launching soon). How often do you find the need for a larger truck? I am looking at inexpensive smaller pickup trucks. Typically the smaller trucks have less maintenance and less fuel expenses. The smaller trucks can accomplish most jobs, but I don’t know if getting a larger truck justifies the expense.What are your thoughts on this?
What do you mean by larger and smaller truck? I would say if you are going the truck route that an F-150 size truck is just about right. Just shoot for a longer bed.
I was looking at used Toyota Tacoma’s due to their fuel efficiency and reliability. I was also considering the Chevy Colorado in terms of a smaller trucks. My budget is limited to 10,000 or less. I have owned larger trucks in the past and found that they are more expensive to maintain man many of the American brand full size trucks do not fair well at higher mileage (I have multiple problems at 80k plus). However, my concern is that I may be limiting myself In terms of towing capacity / hauling ability. How often do experienced handymen find themselves needing that full size truck bed ? I have been renovating my house for the past several moths and found that I only needed a large truck maybe 3 or 4 times for hauling drywall or sheets of plywood.
I have a thriving business in Sioux Falls sd and I worked out of my 89 f-150 for a long time I hated loading and unloading and when it finally died I bought a 2011 E-250 ford van totally set up I absolutely love it it is however a commercial truck and I can’t just drive it around but that’s it’s only disadvantage I have everything I need all the time and it can pull anything I need and I have uniforms and just look professional I’ve gotten a lot of business on that alone
Also reading these comments I am a licensed contractor I do so big jobs and need what I have if your smaller and do lots of small things and travel a lot a good pickup has worked just fine but I do just about everything and have a lot of tools and require a van and a big one if you just do a little of this and a little of that a good pickup with a locking tool box is optimal
Wow, you guys all get to start with your own vehicles. I’m trying to start with a rented van until I find out if this is going to work for me. One big issue is finding one that is not marked with the renters information and where do you put the ladder.
Nice write up as I am looking to upgrade my car to a truck or van. I am not a Van person but as an electrician I worry about theft and moisture. I guess the backseat of a pickup or a lockbox in the bed would take care of that.
A negative under the truck you can add is that you would have to unload any extra tools every time you come home from work.
A positive for a truck is that you can plow snow which in turn can generate some cash to make up for some costs throughout the year.
Big D, It’s good to see someone take the time to help other people out.
I have a small Commercial construction company and work out of a Dodge Grand caravan with the rear seats removed and I built a 8″ high platform that has 4 24″ deep drawers (1 on ea side and 2 in the back. I can store and haul all my tools, have them secure and weather proof and the comfort of driving a car/van. I am on my third one and this setup really works well for me.
PS I can carry 8′ plywood by moving the front seats forward and still able to close the back door. 🙂
Dan,
I’m thinking about starting a small handyman/construction business. My problem is that I have a Mazda 3. I barely was able to haul some 10ft pieces of drip edge, running it from the trunk all the way to the front windshield. I am also currently working for a contractor doing anything from framing to painting. I have been using my Mazda for all of these jobs and I am seriously considering an upgrade. Is this premature? I read how there was a guy on this thread who used an ’89 corolla…any thoughts?
I think that comes down to how dedicated you are to grow a handyman business. If you are serious about it, then I’d say upgrade. But if you are just testing the waters to see if you like it or not, then you might wait.
Hey guys. I’m a young guy that has started and lost and went back up to getting on the top. Right now I have a ford ranger super cab with a topper that I keep basic tools for working on the job site. A 5×8 enclosed trailer with just about anything you need for simple jobs such as basic carpentry, electric, and plumbing even a little of some underground work. Then I also have a flat bed utility trailer that’s a 5×8. And then a few places where I keep the big stuff like pumps generators and even another trailer with some lawn maintenance equipment. Now I’m not here to gloat and only to learn about how to make everything that I have more efficient and smarter. I really want to expand at night since I do day work as an assistant superintendent in construction for GC work. I want to find out ways to make my truck and trailers work more efficiently for me. I had experience at being in basic street medicine and also simple rescue so I know how important tools are and having them. Hope to hear some good ideas thanks.
Dan,
I’m just starting out after retiring from the police department in Las Vegas and I found you on iTunes. I love your podcasts. You inspired me so much, I spent the day building a website with WordPress and I just checked in for your opinion on truck or van. Thanks for all the great information.
Dan,
I went the F-150 pickup route for many years while doing construction, maintenance and doing side jobs for myself. I had the extra wide extra deep toolbox behind the cab and 2 large plastic boxes behind that with a smaller plastic box just inside the tailgate. I also invested in a ladder rack. That setup was great but always was afraid I would park in a large parking lot only to come back from shopping to find all these nicely stocked tools bins gone. I often needed to remove this or that for hauling say plywood or something so nothing was secured permanently.
Well I finally decided to go with a full size van and lucky me there was a promotion where businesses got a bin package with the cargo van included. I also forked out some extra funds for a ladder rack. Having a place for everything and knowing it isn’t at the bottom of 20 tools is great. I do have boxes that contain small parts, misc screws, nails and such. I also purchased a mechanics 5 drawer tool box and mounted it behind the wall partition behind the seats. Now I have an empty bag I place tools from the tool box for each stop as needed and when done with the job put the tools back in their proper place. Makes for great organization. Tools stay in better condition as they don’t get thrown in the mix with everything else. The one downside is limited space for building materials.
I have a open trailer for hauling trash and materials if needed. Normally if it is more than I can get on my rack, I try to have it delivered or use the trailer of course.
My vote would go with the van, trailer and deliver service when possible for larger projects.
The photo is a Honda Element, not a Pilot. Just sayin’.
I would love to have a pickup truck but the majority of work that I do is fixture installation. I have a KUV E350 and for the work that I do, it works perfectly for me. I do agree with you that the gas mileage is not good for a van, but I have a well stocked van which means less trips to hardware store. I would love to have a pickup truck for my smaller jobs. I am considering a Tesla pickup because of the gas mileage and also I can use it as an everyday car as well. For now I have to use my van everywhere I go.
Dan,
first of all thank you for summarizing the pros and cons for trucks and vans. I am leaving my comment because I liked your post and read all the comments below, so my comment is more underlining some points 🙂
Truck:
the best thing about them – they really look much better than vans. And you are not afraid of the bad roads or even mud (eg. on unfinished construction field) because of 4×4 and stronger and more reliable suspension. Downside – if you close the bed from elements (there are many good solutions for that) – you won’t be able to load something taller.
Van:
very good moving billboard, plenty of space, but even with good stickers it will be very different from many and many commercial vans around…
Truck+Trailer:
good capacity, you can use truck only for smaller jobs etc, but you cannot use trailer without a track, so if you have a co-worker, which could be at least partially autonomous, then you are limiting your moving ability and do not use your time in a efficient way.
SUV:
wondering why did you not mentioned them? Not speaking about small ones, but about more spacier ones (Land Cruiser, Patrol, Suburban etc). They combine many pros of trucks and vans: look good, have 4×4, fit to almost every garage, have decent space for advertising, all the tools are inside and can be organized pretty well, with additional roof rack you can transport almost anything. Unload it and you have a nice car for your family rides.
So my my priority list would look like:
1. SUV
2. Van
3. Truck. For the protocol – I like it much better than van, sometimes event better than SUV, but in real life van is way more versatile. Except for low-ceiling garages of course, which could be a real issue sometimes if you have to load/unload heavy things as close as possible.
4. Truck/SUV+Trailer
And of course this is only my opinion 🙂
I have just started my 15th year as a handyman. I started with a Ford E150 . conversion van that doubled as a family vehicle. I like to hunt and fish so wanted a 4 wheel drive vehicle. I bought a 2006 Suburban with 80,000 miles 6 years ago. It is the perfect vehicle for work and play. The suburban holds up to 12 foot long lumber, all my tools and a couple dozen sheets of plywood, sheetrock etc. all inside out of the weather. I now have 195,000 miles with no major issues. It takes about an hour to unload everything vacuum,and clean it up for a road trip with up to 7 people. The perfect utilitarian vehicle. Plan on keeping it another 2 plus years then purchase another slightly used burb.
That’s an interesting choice of vehicle but it sounds like it works!
Thanks for sharing this post, It gives me information that I’m looking for 🙂
I’ve been in construction, a rental property owner and a house ‘flipper’ for over 40 years.
Vans (I’ve had them early on) are excellent for all the above reasons, but difficult to convert for use as a personal vehicle and they scream ‘steal my stuff’ if you have signage.
A mini-van I had (chevy vandura) worked pretty well, but was too short.
A trailer is only a ‘must’ if you are doing some large projects.
For the last 25 years, I’ve had several SUBURBANS. (They just scream ‘soccer mom’) with 8″ high full-extension drawer with platform over . The drawer stores all small tools, that are always necessary to have, with an 8′ space next to it for 6′-8′ levels and some lumber. I can put plywood or drywall on top if need be.
Basically, I have raised the bed to accommodate the drawer space under. I still can use this a personal vehicle if need be, with an hour of cleanup. Suburbans are plentiful, pretty reasonably priced, easily converted to personal use, and look pretty classy.
I’m getting signs from .stickergenius.com that stick to rear side windows and can be removed easily.
GOOD LUCK DECIDING!!
Jerry
I’m a Landlord, Inspector, Handyman (Home Tech). I’ve had Astros and g10…. In 05′ I got a 06′ Honda Ridgeline…….. hands down best vehicle I’ve owned. Never had a problem until it hit 200k and that was just the rear shocks from me keeping a couple hundred pounds of tools on the trunk for 90% of my trucks life. 100k service, changed oil and brakes……that’s it! What ppl don’t realize is that the bed is 49″ wide 5′ deep…..6′ with the gate down (sheets). I’ve been working her since day one. If she went down today, I would find a used one. I’ve got an open trailor, and a hitch latter attachment. If I’m working outside from my truck, it looks like a Swiss Army knife of utility vehicles. Locking trunk for tools and ki all the Bennies of a pickup. I’m considering removing the rear seats and making custom storage for supplies since all the power tools are in the trunk!
Sorry so late!
I have used a pick up and a van for my handyman service. I found that a suburban fits all of my needs with the benefit of 4 wheel drive. Plenty of room with 8 feet to the back of the front seats for sheetrock/plywood. I can also in a pinch carry 12 foot long boards totally inside the vehicle. All my tools fit inside out of the weather.
A myself don’t have either truck or van so I rent from U-Haul for the week and I carried the cost of the week over to the customer I can get a truck or van whichever one I need this works for me
With a business account it’s a whole lot cheaper when you get it monthly
Ford Ranger Xlt 4×4 w/ a cap and ladder Racks.
Extended cab has the jump seats in the back. Folded up leaves a good amount of room for paint and power tools to be better locked up, keep dry and warmer. Good on gas. Hauls all the ladders , paint, tools and a 6’ x12’ enclosed trailer if needed. Cap has side doors as well. Easy and cheap to work on if needed. No doubt a number 1 contender in my book.
Around here, the foreman gets the company truck and a trailer and all the smaller guys in the company drive a company minivan. Works pretty well.
I’m a cousin home builder and been on the full size pick up truck side of things for 20+ years. I’m considering a change to an SUV as I am mostly supervisory these days.
But, I wrote to tell you that picture way back in the beginning, is NOT a Honda Pilot. It is a Honda Element, which is very similar to the first generation US Ford Couriers. Although far more versatile.
I would have to say it’s probably an excellent vehicle for someone starting a handyman business. Especially if they are based in City limits.
I have been working out of a 2009 Honda accord exl v6 for 2 years now. It is not the best choice for handyman work however I surprisingly get alot done with it. Recently I made a new friend that is also a handyman and he owns a 2007 nissan quest. After seeing how versatile his minivan is for work I have made the decision to buy one myself. I’m getting a red 2006 Nissan quest in two days, I cant wait. Finally I’ll have enough room for all my tools and when I need to haul lumber or anything big I can either strap it to the roof or put the seats down and slide it in. When I get more money in going to stiffen up the rear suspension so I can increase the payload capacity. Anyway, let me know if any of you use a minivan for work, if so, how do you like it?
What about the Ford Transit Connect?
So far my double cab pick up does the job I added a rack for lumber etc and I’m planning on removing the back seat for more room for tools since nobody really sits back there anyways . I also found a rack that I can also have a roll up cover to keep all the bed stuff out of the weather
started up llc ….home management…do a bit
of home fixing but not considered a handygirl…carry many tools thrown in back of truck…never know what you will need…what needs to be done…roof repair, painting, put in a new bathroom…would this truck be considered a tool of mine, needed for my job…should I consider trading in…1997 dodge ram 2500…love this truck…what you guys think….all replies and comments appreciated…no hard feelings…I can sling rock like the best of them
I’ve been running my handyman business from out of my 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring GLS. It’s a hatchback with roof rack. It is, and was already, beat to hell body wise.
I’m not too hard on my cars as far as the motor or innards go, but I’ve always been known to have an UGLY looking ride.
In any case, this little hatchback is THE Beast. Ive had over a thousand pounds of lumber on top with the hatch packed tk the brim with tools and some of my junk on many occasions. When I build fences, I usually will carry all the materials for each unobstructed length at a time. Gets pretty heavy with concrete and all once you get to 50 or 60 feet, but that lil Hyundai rises to the challenge each and every time I turn her over. The back wheels are butterflied out so for it’s a wonder I’m not dragging all the time with even a little weight in it. Don’t get me wrong, it’ll hit over s crack in the concrete, but she just keeps on humming away. It’s almost like she drives better the more stress I put on her. It’s got close to 200 thousand miles on it, paint on just about every panel, scratches and dents and dings snd the plastic Beauty plates at the edges of the roof runners have been gone for since I can remember exposing their ugly indo-skeleto poly construction, someone keeps intentionally striking it with some sort of metal pipe or bar or something leaving massive gashes in then body work (it’s already beyond simply dinged or banged up, it looks like it crawled out of a Tyson fight barely alive), I accidentally cut into the hood by about 5/8 inch with the circ saw trimming up shelving in a rush and in a pinch for a work table, the transmission sometimes only shifts into reverse…unless I turn the lights off, RE shift, and then turn lights back on at just the right moment…
Did I start my business with it? Yes. Am I grateful for it? Absolutely. Is it constantly making a spectacle of me and giving me the fishbowl feeling? Yes. Would it be massively embarrassing if I had it in me to give two Franks about what random people think about me? Undoubtedly. Have I made up stories to make me not look so lame or incompetent as a service provider dude to having to drive it? Ha! Every single day….
I just bought, after 9 1/2 months in the trenches, Doin the dirt and dealing the deeds, absolutely remarkable in its performance, absolutely impressing and wowing not just me but anyone who knows what I put that vehicle through on a daily basis, the fantastical Hyundai, showing any and everyone who may have something negative or smart to say that it keeps pace with, if not outperforms under similar conditions considering output and engine size and weight, any small truck or suv matched up with it.
I’d take my hyundai over. It’s small sized anything’s in the planet after the last two and a half years of surprising and impressing the hell out of the whole damn neighborhood.
Would I do THIS with it again? From the start?
Do I sigh?
I’ll say this.
It’s a pain in the ass.
And I bought a van yesterday. And today is my first day on the job with it. Paint job sucks, but less than a hundo on the dash AND on a remarkable deal, and.
Am I thrilled that I finally have worked hard enough and have the bills paid and then built up enough on the back end to invest in the machine that pulls me out of the “what is this guy even DOING?” category and into the “damn, that handyman needs to touch that van up…” Designation? That I’ve finally got the space to put stuff like shelving for today so it’s not just a bunch of boxes piled in the back with buckets and jackets and 649 gloves that don’t match and 114 tubes of caulking strewn about after the frustration of losing the one tube of damn foam insulation adhesive, plus life saving and game changing organizational apparati, a little bobble hula figurine shaking her thang for saint Christopher and the suction cup mini prehistoric fellers my youngin says are my guardian angels?
You bet your buns there, sweetheart.
My point is this:
If you want to do it, and your will to succeed and your determination and drive outweigh your ability to shrug off the looks and judgements and your ability to come up with a colorful story about how your ride is the family f—-up car that all your siblings have passed between each other when they’re between cars for long enough to get in enough work to save a few bucks and Facebook manifest yourself the much needed upgrade you’ve been working toward, then man.
Any ride is doable. Any vehicle you can rig up a way to move stuff with and carry your tools, even if it’s like 8 boxes, three buckets, tool belt, a briefcase Handyman kit, car tools (the butterfly wheels wear em out, Lemme tell ya… gotta switch tires all the time) extension and multi position ladders up top, plus materials where applicable, chop says, fold out work benches and still find room for your cooler (even if it’s ratchet strapped to your ladder through the handle with your job can and bucket vac and hanging off the side and blowing in the Wyoming wind), I’d say it’s worth every bit of the 19,000 sticker price whoever bought it for ten years ago and most definitely worth the struggle it takes you to get to the next level.
And it gives you mental and psychological strength to outdo and outperform your competitors.
And plus, It feels real good to win jobs over those guys with the brand new loaded Ford F-350 superdutys that don’t take you seriously whatsoever and that actually called you “Chuck” one morning in the Lowe’s parking lot before crackin wise at the expense of the Hyundai corporation and your dignity.
Hot DAMN it’s going to be a great Thursday. I’m pumped. Good luck fellas, in all your journeys and may wealth be as abundant as the many words I’ve left for your morning coffee.
Great article about a subject that I’ve been thinking about for a long time. I have both a 1993 Chevy pickup (that my Uncle Norm gave me) and a 1999 Chevy K-1500 Suburban (which supplanted my older ’93 K-3500 model after it wore out). However, it too is requiring lots of service calls these days. And I often haul most of my tools in an undersized utility trailer. That said, that’s why I want to move up to something less mechanically demanding and more dependable, along with a larger trailer if possible. Thanks for all the pointers, chaps!