Truck or SUV?

[jlt19]

Dh is in construction, so he needs a lot of space for tools and such. He'll be needing a new vehicle soon and I've been trying to convince him to get an SUV. That way, we have a way to transport the dogs if need be w/o having to take out car seats. But BIL made a good point the other night saying that his tools and grout and such are pretty dusty and if we had an SUV it'd be all over the car. The kids are in his car almost daily as he does pick up from daycare.

I can't decide if they're just trying to scare me out of an SUV or what. Price would be about the same b/c we'd have to get a full double cab for the car seats. Which would you choose?

[Deleted]

If I worked a job that involved carrying around tools and materials - truck all the way. For this very reason. SUVs are great for groceries and trips but not if you're hauling work equipment around.

I'm sure you're kids will be out of car seats soon and booster seats are much faster to move around.

[definitelyO]

Can he get a truck with a king cab and then have a cover for the bed? not a flat one but one that is the same height as the top of the truck. I'm not sure what they're called.

like this:
www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200412462_200412462?ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=571612&gclid=CJLZ1OOJlrUCFcc7MgodAkAA1Q

[jlt19]

He could, but it wouldn't help the dog situation (I wouldn't let my dogs in there) and I don't like those He'll get a bed cover that lays flush with the top of the bed. It's what he has now to lock his materials in.

[rubytue]

H gave up his truck for the Subaru Forester. We still have a truck, but it hasn't been used for work for about 3 years. The Subaru actually makes a really good work vehicle. That said, he is an electrician, so his tools aren't covered in grout and tile dust. Just sometimes general construction dust. Also, he works in the city, so he was happy to give up some general space for parking ease. That all said, the back seat is all tools, too. Occasionally we clean it our and take the dog with us. we wouldn't have room for car seats, a dog, and the tools that live in the car.

[msmerymac]

What about the type of SUV with the back seats that can fold flat and that you can hose down? I know the Honda Element was like that (not sure if they make them anymore), and possibly the Chevy Avalanche (not sure if they make them anymore).

[Deleted]

The handyman we use has an SUV. That's all I've got:)

[Norticprincess]

Family members in contracting/construction. One has a truck two have full sized vans (easier to lock things on site)

[lys]

With his job, a truck is the better way to go.

[chessie]

Feb 1, 2013 20:15:54 GMT -5 lys said:

With his job, a truck is the better way to go.

For the heavy hauls, def truck.  I would never give up my f350 for anything, can do it all and fit 4 people with no issues and the dogs.

[jlt19]

Feb 1, 2013 21:21:59 GMT -5 @fivedogs said:

I would not want my kids to ride home in an SUV with heavy tools, grout, etc. in the back because it will all fly forward and potentially hit them in an accident (and they will obviously hit with a much higher force than their actual weight). I don't like having anything in the back, but haven't found a good way to secure groceries, etc.. Even if you managed to get a dealer/factory-installed barrier that is hardware-mounted, I don't think it would hold back heavy stuff like that. It would be better to have the tools, etc. secured in a locked bed and with the back window between the kids and the projectiles.

Depending on how big your dogs are and how old your kids are (i.e., will they kick the dogs), you can tether the dogs on the floor of the backseat with harnesses. We do this if we have to take everyone to the ILs for Thanksgiving, but mine are only 45-55 lbs.

That's a really good point, thanks. And my dogs are 85 and 130lbs, so not fitting on the floor! Well, at least the great dane isn't.

[CloudBee]

Truck with backseat cab.

[jene]

Truck, my H is in construction as well and I don't think he would ever do anything but a truck

[thinkofthesoldiers]

Truck. I wouldn't want all the construction dust in my car. The Avalanche is great because the backseat can extend the bed and there are hidden compartments for different stuff. (The Honda version is nice, but its cab is smaller if I remember correctly.) They have crate covers that really insulate crates well in the bed of a truck and you can anchor the crates down. I see that a lot around here during hunting season and it seems to work well for quite a few people, even when we visit family in the colder climates.

[mrsfarmer]

Check with your accountant if this is a business asset. Certain SUVs can be considered "luxury vehicles" and I think there is a gross vehicle weight minimum involved. This can make a difference.