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What should I be looking for in a onsite service vehicle? |
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Written by canadiancree
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Monday, 01 January 2007 |
" Hey all
I'm looking to price out a vehicle(s) for installation at customer houses, poles, towers, you know the usual things that your average WISP would be doing out in the field.
Now I was originalyl thinking a used utility truck, not the huge ones but a doneup F-450 with a 32 to 36 foot boom with a cheery picker on the end. However after pricing those out (and getting sticker shock), and finding that they're a real pain to find used, I'm wondering if maybe I'm being more complicated then I need to be.
So what do you use for your business, and mroe importantly, why do you use that over other options?"
polk5:
While a bucket truck would be nice as you said they are expensive and the insurance is astronomical last I checked. I use a chevy van with a small extention ladder and a 34'er I think it is. Will reach most two story roofs and I can handle it myself perfectly. I wish I would have got one of the ladder racks that bring the ladder down to you. They look like they would be a little easier but what the hay. My van came loaded with shelves and drawers and it helps keep everything neat and organized when I get around to cleaning it out here and there.
milbrath:
Ford Econoline van. Would love a bucket truck, but honestly it would not be used that much. Have a ladder rack with a 20 & 36ft ladder on it. Van is networked with a 500 watt ac converter. It does the job, wish it got better gas mileage.
Airplane777:
I have a Chevy Venture van. It's works great for me.
I was out this afternoon to do a site survey at a coffee shop at a local industrial park, about a mile from my AP (located at my home). I was able to easily and quickly mount my 40' telescoping Wonderpole on the back hitch mount on the van, quickly mount my CPE to the pole, and raise it into position for testing. And yipee...I had a good signal there.
I also used the van when I did my first CPE customer install. If I luck out, the coffee shop will be my 2nd WISP customer. And I also used it over the past couple years when I did hotel WiFi installs.
I love my van for all the WISP testing that I have done over the past year.
gunther_01:
Started off with my personal Ford Expedition. It was nice but not enough room. So now I have a Ford E-350. It's over kill on the weight side but the price was right. Love the van. I only have a 24 footer at the moment but really need to get a taller ladder in addition to that one. I at least can carry all my crap now. I also have a small power inverter so I can program CPE's on site with out having the home owner on top of me. Inverter is also for two way radios, laptop, and drill charger. I just need to rig up a relay so the darn thing turns off with the vehicle. Keep forgetting and draining battery when van not in use. Maybe I ought to just use the van more 
robbin:
Dodge Sprinter -- I love mine!
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