I've got a possible business opportunity coming up and will need 2 trucks with a minimum 12'long, 600 cubic foot van body and a payload of 5000 lbs. I've been doing some searching to see what all is available. Maximum price I want to spend is around $15,000 each, so needless to say, they will not be brand new trucks. Definitely must be diesel, prefer inline (either 4 or 6 cyl) but if it has a v8, then only T444e or 7.3l PSD (no 6.0l!). I'm on the fence as far as transmissions go. I hate autos but since I won't be the only person driving this truck, an automatic may be the way to go. Total annual miles driven will be approx. 25,000. Ease of maintenance is also very important, and the most important thing, it has to be a non-CDL required truck.

Here is what I've come up with:

Ford F-450/F-550 (Don't think F-350 Cab and Chassis has a high enough GVWR and, likewise, previous generation Dodge Ram)
Isuzu N-Series/GM W-Series
GMC Topkick/Chevy C-Series
Hino
Nissan
Mitsubishi
Freightliner FL50
International

Of course, to keep to my target price, the predecessors of these models may be more appropriate. Does anyone particularly have any experience with LCF trucks? Isuzu/Nissan/Hino/Mitsu engines? Any other suggestions that I've forgotten. Thanks.

 

We actually have a 1998 FL70 w/ 20' box, 40' long truck for sale. Unfortunately it does require a CDL and has a 13spd tranny.

 

The little Isuzus are great trucks. Actually, all the Japanese trucks are pretty good. I agree that automatics are more abuse resistant. If turning radius/overall length is a factor, you definitely want one of the little Japanese cabovers. The American trucks would be good if long stretches of highway are involved, the longer wheelbase is a lot easier on the driver.

 

I was looking at a Mitsubushi Fuso FG (4x4) before I bought the Ram. My wife quickly gave me the thumbs down. Problems were it didn't have a rear seat and only a top speed of 68mph. Pretty cool little truck though. -> http://www.mitfuso.com/pages/model_fg.html
Also I'm sure I couldn't afford it.