Small Truck: When Going Compact Makes Sense

The truck you drive can either protect your margin or quietly drain it, and most pros overestimate how much vehicle they really need. We walk through a practical, field-tested approach to choosing a pool service rig that balances chemical safety, daily ergonomics, and total cost of ownership. From compact cars with hitch carriers to mid-size workhorses and full-size comfort machines, we talk through what actually matters when you’re loading chlorine, parking in tight neighborhoods, and making 20 stops before lunch.

We dig into the real math on electric trucks versus gas and hybrids, including purchase price gaps, charging costs, and how route mileage affects payback. You’ll hear why an open bed often beats a van for chemical service, when a van still wins for repairs, and how to avoid carrying excess liquid that degrades in the sun. We compare fuel economy between popular models, call out the surprise benefits of lower bed rails and shorter wheelbases, and share tips for keeping your truck organized without hauling a rolling warehouse.

Reliability can swing more by model year than by badge, so we share a simple research process: check year-specific issues, confirm recall work, and look for warranty extensions on known components. Brands like Toyota and Honda often lead on dependability, but you should still verify the exact year you’re buying. By the end, you’ll have a clear checklist for test drives, load planning, and making a smart buy that fits your route, budget, and body. If this helped you think differently about your work truck, follow the show, share it with a fellow pro, and leave a quick review so others can find it.

• weighing compact, mid-size, and full-size trucks for route work
• pros and cons of vans for chemical service
• using personal vehicles with dry chemicals and carriers
• true cost of electric trucks versus gas and hybrids
• realistic cargo needs and safe chemical storage
• parking, ergonomics, and bed height for daily efficiency
• reliability by model year, recalls, and warranty extensions
• brand perceptions versus actual dependability on route
• final checklist for test drives and research

Send us Fan Mail

Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! 

HASA  REWARDS App
https://hasa.com/hasa-app

The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100
https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/

Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:
https://getskimmer.com/poolguy 

Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA

Support the show

Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:
Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL
Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/

UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA

Pool Guy Coaching Group

Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business.

Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs)

$59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching

Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits

     [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ]

$50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road

Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits