How many DIY without a truck?

[William Huston]

I am curious how many DIY folks here are making it work without a truck, recently i have been contemplating switching out the car for a truck as i perform more and more DIY task myself, i have been making everything work so far with a 2012 Chevy Volt i purchased when i got my real estate license with the expectations of doing more driving as a Realtor, but surprisingly i have driven very little in the last 2 years with my license, i have only been doing sales part time while working part time as a registered nurse with the expectations of switching over, but i have yet to feel comfortable going full time in real estate sales with the income i have been earning vs my nursing income, so i have been only averaging around 10k miles a year the last 2 years. 

The reasons i have been thinking of making the switch is i have spent a good chunk of money the last 2 years after selling my previous truck on deliveries and paying friends to grab something or move something for me with a truck. Also there has been many of days i could have finished a project if i could get it that day with a truck, but couldn't, so i had to pay to have it home delivered...

I purchased a hitch kit for my Volt, as a lot of people online told me they tow with trailers with light loads all the time without an issue, but after adding the hitch with the intentions of just renting a cheap trailer from uhaul when i need one... came to find out that because my car has a 0 tow rating from the manufacture, uhaul cant legally rent me a trailer.. their system says every trailer is above the towable limits, preventing me.. So i would have to purchase a trailer now and i really dont have anywhere to truly put a trailer, HOA prevents it outside, so it would take up my garage space, which i prefer to park my vehicle to keep it out of the weather, and safely inside.

Recently a coworker of mine purchased a Chevy Colorado with the 2.8L duramax diesel as a realtor, his is a 2wd version and driving around showing houses his fuelly claims he is averaging 27-34 mpg per tank driving it, so been thinking of trading my car in for a used 2016 model to spend the least amount on a depreciating asset. 

[Thomas S.]

I have used a van for 40 years both through my employment and personally. For 20 years I have used a dodge caravan, with fold down seats, and have been a landlord and home flipper for the entire time. Van is capable of carrying 4 X 8 sheet goods and, with tinted windows, you simply lock up all your tools safely at night.  The van along with a utility trailer has served all my construction needs.

Problem with a truck is the items in the box are exposed and can not be left unattended. Advantage of a van with the fold away seats is it is also a family vehicle when needed. Look around and you will see that trades all use vans to carry tools and material. Generally you will see the supervisor, not the trades, driving a pick up.