Questions on a used hotshot truck, is this worth the money?

After itching the idea on getting on the hotshot biz for about 2 years im finally making the move.

Im looking at a 2018 3500 w/ chassis with 195k miles. They are asking 29k for it. Is that a good deal or should i find a lesser mileage dodge but for more money? Also the dealership offers a warranty and ive heard pros and cons for warranties such as taking it to the dealer will have you off the road for longer and end up losing money.

I believe it was used for hotshotting prior also but looks like it was maintained well.

 

That’s a lot of coin for a truck that’s been ran hard it’s whole life. Maintenance or not.

I hate to beat the dead horse, but these 3500/f350’s weren’t built for this kind of work long term. I’m retiring my 2019 Ram 3500 after 100k miles. She’s done good getting my business going but even babying the #### out of her and being extremely anal on my maintenance isn’t enough. She’ll be the family/RV hauler.

If you’re looking at the 30k budget, get a 5500 or one of those Chevy Kodiaks. In hind sight, I wish I had gone this route as the costs are the same but those trucks will handle the hotshot work better than a regular 1-ton. I even saw a ###### Freightliner M2 with 115k miles for like $28k.


And yes, being a former Ram service manager, I can tell you the warranty is nice to have but who knows how long the tech will take to get to your truck.

 

From what ive researchers and others personal experiences the rams with the Cummins engine were the way to go. Ill look into the 5500 or chevys...thank you

 

Stay away from the 19’s and 20’s because of the fuel pump but 18 and down are okay. That one seems a little high on the price IMO.

 

30k for 200k miles.. no way.

 

Priced way to high for the miles. Almost 100,000 a year. for another 20,000$ish you could have a new truck with the bells and whistles you want. Can't see a dealer giving a warranty on a 190,000 mile truck.

 

My company purchased a 4500 and at 40,000 miles they blew it up. Of course everybody thought it was still under warranty but Dodge jerk them around for 5 months because they supposedly couldn't get parts for that high output engine. The company finally purchased a aftermarket motor and put in it. We also have a sport chassis M2 sitting out there on the lot. It's a very expensive flower pot because what's that thing got to 400,000 miles we could not keep it on the road. That's the second one I've seen like that. We have eight Ram 3500 and the company sells them at 300,000 miles. Motorized internally on the 3500 we've never had an issue with any of the truck in 8 years. We start getting a little nervous about 230,000 because you start losing other parts but internally is good to go. The way I tell some of the new guys is if you're wanting to plate over 30,000 you might as well get Class 8 and find Freight everywhere for better money