New USIC Trucks

**Locator5000** · February 11th, 2010, 08:43 PM

Got a sneak-peek at 'em today. Not sure how I feel about the graphics...the USIC looks photoshopped on the truck, and the red stripe reminds me of a fire marshall's truck. At least they did away with those single strobe lights and upgraded to rotating halogen beacons...

**Goldenboy** · February 11th, 2010, 09:07 PM

I'm surprised to see the toneau covers. I thought they were not getting any of these due to not having enough room for all the manhole equipment. I do like those better than your normal camper shell because of the increased vision but the loss of room would be hard to get used to.

**big boots mcghee** · February 11th, 2010, 09:29 PM

Any logo has to be better than the Nascar-like group of stickers I currently have on my truck. I drive an extended cab Ranger with the toneau covers and I love it, though like Goldenboy said it's a tight fit with all of the manhole equipment. Any time I need to get into a manhole I spend an extra 20 minutes just loading/unloading my manhole gear. I also think these trucks are a bit more professional looking that the ones with the camper shells.

**Locateforlife** · February 11th, 2010, 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by Goldenboy

I'm surprised to see the toneau covers. I thought they were not getting any of these due to not having enough room for all the manhole equipment. I do like those better than your normal camper shell because of the increased vision but the loss of room would be hard to get used to.

I am also surprised, I thought they were getting rid of those covers. I do not like them. Dealt with a couple here in the district and it was difficult to get things out. Just makes me take extra care of the truck assigned to me now.

**paintitnow** · February 11th, 2010, 10:01 PM

Do they come with the new GPS or our they going to use the laptops or phones to track people now?

**jarhead** · February 11th, 2010, 10:13 PM

I want my topper with all the manhole equipment paint flags and supplies where do I put my pump hose tie it on the roof

**Doc Brown** · February 11th, 2010, 10:41 PM

I like the added vis, but it's going to be a tight fit, not to mention awkward lifting positions needed for some supplies. I see some minor back issues coming out of this. Love the extended cab! Finally, I can remove my knees from my teeth!!!!!

**sprayandpray** · February 11th, 2010, 10:46 PM

I don't particularly care for the company logo now. It doesn't seem to go with the scheme at all. Almost looks temporary???

**FiosKing** · February 11th, 2010, 11:20 PM

those dont look bad i would have to tint that rear window probably limo black

**sling'n paint** · February 12th, 2010, 07:22 AM

.

**Goldenboy** · February 12th, 2010, 07:42 AM

They have been getting 6 cylinders for years now. I was told they went to the extended cabs because they couldn't even get rid of the standard cabs. There just isn't a market for a standard cab small truck.

**ProfessionalLocator** · February 12th, 2010, 08:40 AM

Originally Posted by Goldenboy

They have been getting 6 cylinders for years now. I was told they went to the extended cabs because they couldn't even get rid of the standard cabs. There just isn't a market for a standard cab small truck.

The 4 cylinder engine in the Ford Ranger is very good, really decent pickup for a 4 cylinder. Those that have complained of the four cylinder and want the six like it for hitting the gas and accelerating fast. I remember the guy that complained of the 4 cylinder preference the loudest got a speeding ticket in the 4 cylinder.

I have no problems with the Ford Ranger 4 cylinder.

For locating the extended cab is the way to go. The extra space is needed in winter to keep locate equipment and paint from freezing. Cold locate equipment equals dead batteries.

There is another important factor with the extended cabs, employees over 6 feet tall. Back pain is a problem for tall employees in the small pickups that do not have extended cabs.

Many firms no longer keep any four wheel drive in inventory for the oncall man. These transfer cases and extra drive gear adds a lot of expense and long term maintenance cost. I was wondering if any fleets out there have tried vehicles with limited slip rear differentials as an in between measure. Certainly not a full replacement for 4WD but as I recall when I first thought of it the Dodge Dakota option for this cost $180.

**sling'n paint** · February 12th, 2010, 09:24 AM

.

**Locator5000** · February 12th, 2010, 10:00 AM

I'm in a Tacoma right now so I have no hope of seeing a new truck for a while, my mileage is barely over 70k so they'll probably keep me in my truck as long as they can. It's a 4cyl, and it does alright for the most part but it's tough to get out into traffic sometimes.

I agree, it's going to be rough getting everything in the back with the flat cover, but I think it's do-able. Then again, our group has shared pumps that we keep at a storage facility so I don't have to lug one around.

Nextel? Verizon? We use AT&T down here...

**AULupstate** · February 12th, 2010, 10:48 AM

I have always thought of 'Sanford and Son' when I see one of those Tacomas drive past. They always look like the rear end is getting ready to take a dump, they remind me of a squatting dog.

I don't know if those Rangers will fair any better.