Best pick-up truck for hauling around furniture to rentals?

Question

Hi Everyone,

Just wondering what your opinions are on the best pick up truck for hauling around furniture to rentals? I’m pretty frugal so I would exploring used vehicles.

Thanks in advance.

Sean McDonnell · Answer

My Dodge RAM 1500 has been super reliable and useful for me. I choose to buy one with the Eco diesel engine and I am hoping it will last for a long time.

Just to warn you, with a pick up you will run out of bed space quick and you will probably start looking for trailers to buy.

Jon Reed · Answer

@Max Maysonet I would say having a pickup truck is extremely low on the 'things needed' to be a property manager. It may be worth it if you have dozens of property and you do a lot of maintenance, appliance replacement, and landscape work on them yourself.

However... you are looking at sinking at least $15-25K into a used truck. That is enough money to fund a new deal.

My suggestion.. don't buy a truck. Take that money you were going to use to buy a truck and invest it in real estate and WHEN you need a truck just go to Lowes, HomeDepot, or UHaul and just rent one for the day for $10-20 bucks.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Get a sensible, used vehicle and then buy a used trailer for under $200. A trailer is more convenient to load, you don't have to worry about scratching paint, you won't feel bad loaning it out, and it's a heckuvalot cheaper.

Don't get trapped with the excuse that you "need" a truck. If you want to spend the money because you like trucks and want to treat yourself or impress someone, that's fine. Just be honest.

Brian Pulaski · Answer

I couldn’t live without a truck. I would hate to have to go hitch up my trailer or deal with the rental counter every time I wanted to buy something that didn’t fit in a car. Everyone’s priorities are different, but if you find constantly needing a bed, then having a trailer or renting might be more of an annoyance. If you need to replace your current vehicle, a truck might be the answer. Look into a newer F150 with the 2.7 motor. I’ve heard good fuel economy and less desirable (lower trim levels) than the 3.5 or even 5.0z

Michael King · Answer

@Max Maysonet I just bought a new pickup yesterday for this very reason. I had a Wrangler with a tow hitch and a good 5x8 utility trailer. However every damn time I went to the hardware store and my wife came with me and convinced me to buy a ton of crap, I would always leave butt hurt wishing I had a damn pickup truck - because I would either be in her Subaru that can't tow, or in my Jeep without the trailer. It's 20 mins each way to the orange store. If I was on my way from work and need to stop for a big item...well I need to go home first, get the trailer, hook it up and drive back. Now it's cost me an hour. No wait, a couple of days lost because I get home after work, I aint leaving to go back to the store. And when I do go back, it's now a planned affair.

I've got no ego to need a pickup truck. It cost me $29K out the door, actually it was a straight swap with my Jeep. End of year sale, lots of deals to be had. I guess if you need a $70K Raptor, then maybe you need to check your priorities.

Tom Kastorff · Answer

Like other's said, rent a truck at home depot for this.

As Kenny said, if you buy go Tundra. I have a '14 for hauling stuff to my rental in the mountains, including my skis. It's a super reliable beast. Will never sell it.

Kenny Dahill · Answer

@Max Maysonet, Toyota Tundra!  American made too!  Fun fact: They brought truck manufacturing back to America when all the US brands were shipping to Mexico.  Since then a lot of the truck manufacturing has been brought back following Toyota's lead.

I bought mine in 2016 for $9k.  A 2002 with 125k miles on it.  Toyota's in general are built superbly and will last a long time.

There are two parties: those who want a truck for real estate and those who completely oppose and think they're a terrible investment.  My advice: if you think there is value, get it.

Last week my girlfriend and I decided to convert one of our rentals to AirBNB.  It took us 4 mad-dash days to get it ready for its first guest.  I can honestly say without a truck it would not have been possible!  Having a truck on hand is very convenient.  It's not my main car either, but a used pick-up truck is a good tool to invest in if you are a hands-on landlord/manager.

Pat L. · Answer

I love my Ram 1500 (179'd it) & have a couple of trailers for the longer heavier stuff. One is a 25ft beast that can carry 7500 lbs. Some of my favorite..why do you need a truck pics!!!

Alexandra Jimenez · Answer

This is an old thread, but I had the same question so I thought I'd chime in since there were so many surprisingly negative responses.

I don't own a car ( I share one with my partner), but I do own 10 units (and counting), half of which are MTRs and STRs. I was also considering buying a truck as it would make my life easier when I'm trying to load up on furniture (from stores and FB Marketplace) to furnish a new rental. Similarly to @Max Maysonet I could also use a new car so why not buy one that would also help my needs as an investor. Plus, I'd imagine there could be some tax benefits, too.Based on the people that did provide helpful responses, I'm going to look into getting a Toyota Tundra, Dodge Ram 1500, or Ford 150. Thank you to those people for the helpful feedback!

Jill F. · Answer

I love my old (decidedly uncool) landlord beater honda odyssey minivan

Best pick-up truck for hauling around furniture to rentals?

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