Check out my new tow rig

[garlicbreath]

Finally bit the bullet and bought a tow rig!

1997 Ford Powerstroke F350 4WD with 45000 miles!

It was an ex city water and lighting truck, so it has some wierd hydraulic setup on it.

So now my ideas are clean it up a bit, throw a coat of paint on it, then do the usual chip, down pipe, guages, etc, then do a 3 tank system for running biodiesel, diesel, and WVO.

It has a huge hydraulic pump setup already on it, so I was thinking that could be perfect for running a hydro powered generator and air compresser.
It's got the utility body so it would be great for hauling tools and such.

And it already has a stack!
Oh yeah, and MTr's on the back so I couldn't pass it up.

What would you do if you this was your first tow vehicle?

 

[GotBoykins]

I would sell the hydro setup to buy a generator and small welder. Paint it desert tan, with a satin black rocker stripe, tint the windows, chipped/tuned, cleaned, and fille with tools. Convert of the tool compartments into a fridge.
Then use it for a DD just cause it would be the coolest ute bed 4wd around.

 

[twoslo4five0]

how much did you pick it up for if you dont mind me asking..

 

[rjfguitar]

As others said, go for the paint and getting it cleaned up. I'd go with a set of Alcoa 8 hole wheels. Those steels do nothing for the look at all.

I think I would do nothing with the hydro setup. The problem with the hydro motor driving a compressor is that you now have to run the engine burning more fuel per hour than with a small gas engine. I would go with a York for air before a hydraulic motor because a York would be simpler and both require the PSD to run.

With my service rig, I thought I was going to be all clever and run a 220v air compressor off of my Hobart welder. It would work, but for the amount that I use air, it would eventually burn up the 220v motor on the compressor because generators and electric compressors don't like eachother due to the surge as it comes on.

I just went ahead with two Kohlers sitting behind my cab, one in the Welder and one on the compressor. It's the way to go if you need air a lot.

 

[muddermilitia]

very cool! I'd love to get one. I'm also interested in how much it cost. Definitly throw a coat of paint on it, and change the wheels to some alcoas or at least paint the wheels also.

 

[garlicbreath]

I didn't think of desert dan, that would look cool!
I was thinking gun metal grey.

I paid 5,000 for it. And today it's dead in the water. :-(

I am bummed, it was throwing Cam Position sensor codes, so I replaced it, 137.00!! And it's worse now.
Guess I get to learn how to work on diesels now too!

The reason I was going to use the hydro setup for power and air is I am going to build a biodiesel processor and process waste oil, then it won't cost me much to run the truck to power the tools, would certainly be cheaper than 3.00 a gallon for gas.