I have looked at about a half-a-dozen 5-ton wreckers over the past two years, and I have seen prices from $5500 to $18000.
All of those were the multifuel engines, which seem to be more popular and desirable.
The gas engine has a pretty decent torque rating, but it gets a low score for fuel economy (anywhere from 2 to 6 mpg)
It seems the gas engine trucks are typically $2000-$3000 dollars less than a comparable multifuel truck.
Lots of parts are still available, but I can't guarantee everything. (I been able to find a water pump, carburetor, ignition parts, etc.)
Think about what uses you have for the wrecker.
First, they are very cool looking (imho), and the rotating boom makes them much more versatile than a conventional civilian wrecker.
However, the boom has a very limited reach if you plan to use it as a crane. . . . and of course, the 6x6 is not the most practical vehicle if the truck will never leave the paved roads.
Check out this conversation also:
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/DotNetForum/default.aspx?f=43&m=18289
The trouble with buying a truck that doesn't run is that not only are you unable to assess the engine, but also the transmission, transfer case, clutch, axles, pto, brakes, etc. In addition, you will not be able to check the operation of the entire wrecker boom system.
Keep that in mind when you are considering your bid. Be honest with yourself -If you have the knowledge and resources, it may make a good project.
Keep in mind that if the truck turns out to be more than you can handle, you can always part it out or scrap
One rule of thumb is to base your bid on the sum of the individual parts that you could sell - so that you don't end up with a big money pit.
Here are a couple of examples:
http://www.easternsurplus.net/183.html
http://stores.partseek.com/adelmans/ItemPublic/details.cfm?ItemID=264&Category=13
http://www.trucktraderonline.com/caddetail.html?/ad-cache/4/1/1/79014411.htm
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4534348718&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT
http://oshkoshequipment.com/wrecker_new.htm
Just one opinion- my [
] Hope that helps.
Jeff
