Things to Consider When Outfitting a Mobile Service Truck

Checklist to use before upgrading or outfitting a mobile lube service truck

For lube trucks used in colder environments, spec'ing an enclosed, heated lube body will keep fluids at an appropriate temperature for ease of transfer and maximum flow rate.
For lube trucks used in colder environments, spec'ing an enclosed, heated lube body will keep fluids at an appropriate temperature for ease of transfer and maximum flow rate.

When outfitting or upgrading a mobile service truck, there are several factors that should be considered:

  • Analyze the fleet to determine what fluids are necessary to accommodate different vehicles.
  • Know whether the lube truck will be used to “top off” vehicle fluids or if it will be performing complete fluid exchange. This will help to determine the necessary tank capacity. If the lube truck will be servicing vehicles at a remote site and won’t be able to be refilled frequently, it would be wise to specify higher-capacity tanks.
  • What is the required flow rate for the intended application?
  • Climate also should be taken into account. If the lube truck will be used in a colder environment, it would be beneficial to select an enclosed, heated lube body so that fluids remain at an appropriate temperature for ease of transfer and maximum flow rate.
  • Decide upon appropriate storage areas for new and used filters, tools and other essential service items. If the truck will be used at night, ensure that there will be sufficient lighting on board.
  • Specify an appropriate compressor to provide adequate volume for pumps, air tools and filling tires.

Hose reels

Typically, lube trucks use spring-rewind hose reels. Hose reels should be rated for outdoor use.

Standard hose length is 50 feet with 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch diameter hose for most fluids. Fuel and used fluid evacuation reels use 1-inch to 1-1/2-inch diameter hose.

The operating environment needs to be taken into consideration when selecting hose reels. The harsher the environment, the more important becomes durability and reliability.

Lincoln, by way of example, powdercoats its reels to make them resistant to water, dirt and oils.

If the lube truck is spec’d with the customer’s applications in mind, it will provide years of service in maintaining its vehicle fleet.

Steve Kornet is western regional manager for Lincoln Lubrication Systems’ PESD (Petroleum Equipment Service Distributors) operation. Lincoln provides the industrial and automotive industry with lubrication equipment, fluid control systems, pumping products and technical service.

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