Is it worth it?

[tnmule20]

Is it worth it to buy a Deuce or 5 ton from Memphis Equipment Co. for some piece of mind? The trucks seem to go through an extensive process of refurbishment. Really like that the brake system is completely rebuilt. I know it will be more expensive but these trucks are gone over by people that do this on a daily basis. Just wondering.

 

[tguinn]

In my opinion, no. I personally think if you are to own one, its better to do what you want yourself,( becoming familiar with your truck), with what and how things were done.
Really nothing on a Deuce is rocket science

 

[DaneGer21]

Yes AND no.

Yes if you want a nice ride with no issues from day one, are NOT the type of person to get your hands dirty, and have the cash up front.

No if youre the type of person who will fix it regardless, likes to tinker, wants a challenge, and wants to say; “I built that.”(no matter how it ends up)

 

[m1010plowboy]

My buddy had one 'done' before he bought it from a truck nut above Memphis..... He was a clean fella so although capable of wrenching, he could afford not to do the pre-trip PM's. He drove it from the East side of the U.S. all the way to Alberta. Things can still go wrong that aren't foreseen doing PM's so everyone still needs to do constant maintenance. When traveling I still grab spare tools, filters, jacks, often a second vehicle.......and a friend that comes with a credit card.

The only time you may need a rocket scientist is if they attach a rocket.

 

[fuzzytoaster]

I say no. There's not much "peace of mind" when it comes to 20, 30, 60+ year old military equipment. The key word is equipment. They all require maintenance and anything mechanical can fail at any time regardless of what you do or who you buy it from. @wreckerman893 said something that stuck with me many years ago and it was that every time you started your truck be prepared to spend at least $500. So learn how to work on your truck, enjoy the hobby for what it is, and if you feel you want a "safer" option buy from a fellow SS member. You can at least see the truck and test drive it, oh and you could buy 2 or 3 for what the big surplus guys will charge you.

 

[Elk1111]

Not trying to put down Memphis or anything they do (I buy parts from them) but... many of us on here work on our vehicles daily and have done as much or more than they do there. Without that big name on your classified add when your selling your vehicle do you think we could get those prices??
Better yet try buying a truck from them or anyone “big name” and then sell it a year later. Any bets on if you could get even half your money back.
I think if money is not an issue then by all means go for it but it is an issue for me and learning everything and taking pride in your own progress is where the enjoyment lies.

 

[ldmack3]

It's still going to break.
Why not use the rebuilding to confirm what needs to be corrected and to gain the knowledge on how to repair it all the while saving a lot of cash up front.

 

[kendelrio]

It's still going to break.
Why not use the rebuilding to confirm what needs to be corrected and to gain the knowledge on how to repair it all the while saving a lot of cash up front.

^^^^^ #truestory

 

[HDN]

I favor buying from private sellers, even better if they're local. Best is to buy from someone in a local military vehicle club or someone here because those sellers have reputations to maintain. Also know what you're getting into - engage the seller, talk about the truck, take it for a test drive.

I remember reading a thread here awhile back about someone who spent around $30k on a 5-ton wrecker that was gone through buy one of the popular truck surplus dealers. The buyer had nothing but problems from delivery on. While it's my understanding that the dealer solved the problems, it shows that just because you buy from a surplus truck dealer doesn't guarantee that something will break shortly after the truck rolls off the trailer.

That said, I take comfort in knowing that I may have the same problems buying from a private seller but for 1/3 the price or less of surplus truck dealers

Truck parts though? The dealers are mostly where it's at, though I peruse the classifieds here sometimes!

I just looked at the location of each poster here so far and everyone's from a different state. Isn't this place great?

 

[cattlerepairman]

If you
- want a truck that is turn key..um...press button ready when you get it and has the closest thing to a "warranty " one can have with a 60 year old vehicle
- do not wish to go through and troubleshoot every major system on the truck or engage in "restoration" type work
- find that complex wrenching or repairs are not your thing
- simply want to enjoy your truck and drive it, without doing more than preventative maintenance

AND

- have the funds to pay what they are asking and don't mind spending the money

THEN

a truck that has been restored/rebuilt/maintenanced in one of the myriad ways by one if the reputable surplus specialists is indeed for you. ***add on: the purchase price point also serves as an indicator what you will be in for, cost-wise, if you plan on having your new truck serviced and repaired as needed by a commercial shop. Nothing wrong with that as long as- see below.***


If you answered "no" to any of the above, other options of becoming a truck owner might be more suitable.

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