For this month's Truck Of The Month, we'll let the owner tell you, in his own words, about his 2005 Chevy C2500.



Hello. I've seen your article in PM magazine and I am sending you some pictures of the truck I drive.

My name is Joseph Carcaramo. I am a master plumber and owner of Mid-Hudson Heating & Plumbing LLC, located in Woodstock, N.Y. I have operated this business since 1994, and have been in the plumbing business for more than 23 years. The company specializes in full plumbing services, radiant design, high-efficient heating systems, steam heat and advanced cooling systems.

I serve the Hudson Valley Area and mostly work in Ulster County, New York. My company handles a lot of New York City customers that have homes in the upstate area. The winters are cold here, so we do a large amount of heating installs and need a large truck for hauling equipment and supplies.

This truck is a 2005 Chevy C2500 commercial cab with a Hackney SUV Utility Box. The Utility body works great for me because I don't have to climb in just to get some tools. The truck's inside is all aluminum, and has diamond-plated floors. I have them covered up now so I don't scratch them, and the rug also helps so equipment doesn't shift around.

I have enough room for my pipe threading machines, drain and sewer snakes, and cutting saws, which I keep on the truck at all times. I rarely need to leave a jobsite to get equipment or supplies. This saves time and money.

The truck has many useful bins and compartments for storing tools and parts. I have it set up so that mostly all of my tools are in the utility boxes. I also have a fold-out workbench and vise set up inside the truck. Plus, I have a power inverter hook-up for 120-volt power, so I can run saws and other electrical power tools. This comes in very handy when you are on new construction sites without electrical power. I can pretty much work at any location and start plumbing right away.

The rear of the truck has an all-aluminum step and a ladder for climbing up to the roof. It has ladder racks and a lighted rear compartment. The truck also comes with a heated rear box that is optional.

When I decided to purchase this vehicle it was well-thought-out. I was tired of climbing in and out of cargo vans that had limited space, and I didn't want my tools mixed with the supplies. With this truck I have the best of everything.

Also, people see this truck and I get calls just by driving by; they see the lettering and a nice clean service truck and it makes a great difference.

By the way, this truck has rear back-up signals, so this also gets you noticed every time you're backing up. I believe a lot of my success is due to a clean appearance. I have been told by some customers the reason they called was because they had seen my truck around. Presentation goes a long way.

I am very happy with my decision to buy this type of truck for my company. It is a reflection of quality, and that is what my business is all about.

We couldn't have said it any better ourselves, Joe. Thanks for sharing your service vehicle with our readers.

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