Talk me out of another CDS 4.8

[Bryce C]

I need to get a second van/truckmount so I can keep rolling when serious repairs come up. Going from a portable to a Hydramaster CDS 4.8, and learning to do a lot of the basic mechanical work from folks here and going for it... I'm thinking about getting a second CDS 4.8 in a Chevy Express. Something used for under $30k that has a lot of life left in it.

How spread out and easy access the whole system is to work on, the only major weakness seems to be the aluminum waste tank (which so far my gas tank epoxy is holding), many larger fleets opting for them, it seems like a solid choice. I'm already familiar with it, it is cost effective, it's easy to work on and operate, reliable, and if I have 2 identical setups I can then stock some critical parts.

But!!! If I get a second CDS 4.8, I'll probably just keep getting them for the rest of my glorious days wanding carpet. So now I am at a crossroads. It is the only truckmount I have ever used. If you were in my position would you get a second CDS 4.8 or something else? If something else what would you go for, and why? Also keep in mind I am moving to a more populated area soon, so there will be less driving miles...

 

[hogjowl]

Go with what you know. Don’t change just because of personal quirks of posters on the quirkiest board on the interwebs.

 

[Dwain Ray]

The hydramaster pto is a good machine, my suggestion is maybe this time put a little more upfront and get a newer/ lower hour/lower milage van and machine and just maybe you'll spend less time wrenching and more time cleaning. The more you clean and the less you repair, the more you make, the more you make the better the investment. How about a used van with under 30k miles and under 2000 hr machine as a goal??? I would spend a little more and get newer more reliable instead of another project. That's my advice. Talk to suppliers look for a repo keep your eye on classifieds on Mikey's board, tmf, (illness ,divorce ,moving forces sale) if not already join hydramaster groups on Facebook. I would look for equipment used outa your area ie south midwest west coast (no salt road areas) even if it adds 2k to the sale to check it out and ship you could be tens of thousands ahead. I can go on and on but i think you get what I'm saying. Don't buy someone's worn out pos because its all you think you can afford. Your better off sticking with what you have and wait till you can afford more that taking on a second project cus it was in or under budget....

.. YOU'RE ONLY AS GOOD AND RELIABLE AS YOUR TOOL!!

 

[Mikey P]

stick with them IMO

I had at least a dozen CDS' during my COIT years, lots to love about the design.

 

[BIG WOOD]

If you’ve already got one, stick with it.

I’ve never owned two of the same design and I regret not keeping my little fleet in uniform

 

[Bryce C]

Thanks y'all, good tips. I think I'll stick with my machine. Maybe save up for a really young one.

 

[Dwain Ray]

Ive always had the same, but then again ive always ran steamgenis. When i ran slide ins i ran a hydro1 and 2 hydro 2s the had the same engine water heater pressure pump etc etc only difference between the two was the hydro1 was built on top of a 100gal waste tank and had 2 blowers and the hydro2 had a 50gal tank and 1 (same) blower. When i stepped up to ptos they were all the same except blowers but even they were all interchangeable . This stream lined spare parts inventory and made troubleshooting over the years a breeze. The hydramaster cds system has been in production since around 1985. So un like most of there (and any other company's) slide ins they haven't changed much only small refinements here and there no to tal model discontinued and complete redesign every couple of years. That really goes for most all pto's . The one big problem with ptos is the vans. Sooner or later GM gunna stop producing vans capable of being converted same as ford did in the 90s when they came out with the triton series of engines and were no longer adaptable. But at that point you'll just need to double down on a few spare parts to keep your fleet running for decades after. Thats what ive done and its working very very well for me. Frankenstein started his life as a 1998 steamgeni pto with a 2001 steamgeni optional 50gal wastetank (standard was 100gal) with any luck (with the van) he'll be around to see 2050! My only suggestion is whatever you get and whenever you get it modify it right out gate to handle the heat. Heat has killed and or shortened the life of more ptos than anything

 

[Cleanworks]

I need to get a second van/truckmount so I can keep rolling when serious repairs come up. Going from a portable to a Hydramaster CDS 4.8, and learning to do a lot of the basic mechanical work from folks here and going for it... I'm thinking about getting a second CDS 4.8 in a Chevy Express. Something used for under $30k that has a lot of life left in it.

How spread out and easy access the whole system is to work on, the only major weakness seems to be the aluminum waste tank (which so far my gas tank epoxy is holding), many larger fleets opting for them, it seems like a solid choice. I'm already familiar with it, it is cost effective, it's easy to work on and operate, reliable, and if I have 2 identical setups I can then stock some critical parts.

But!!! If I get a second CDS 4.8, I'll probably just keep getting them for the rest of my glorious days wanding carpet. So now I am at a crossroads. It is the only truckmount I have ever used. If you were in my position would you get a second CDS 4.8 or something else? If something else what would you go for, and why? Also keep in mind I am moving to a more populated area soon, so there will be less driving miles...

Nothing wrong with a CDS. I have a 2000 CDS 4.2 that still runs great. If you do the maintenance, they will outlast the van they're in.