Ambulances: 5 ton vs Super Duty Chassis

[Chief 50]

Our station is preparing to order a new ambo. We would like to hear from other dept's. reference to recent pruchases. Specifically, we are interested in the 5 ton vs Super Duty Chassis issue, this is the first decision we need to make. Then we are also interested in any good ideas we can swipe from others. e-mail me with info.
ffmedicmo@aol.com Thanks.....

[Capez]

We just bought a road Rescue Ultra Medic last year, Since CT is a KKK state we opted for the ford superduty KKK spec chasis. The 5 ton as you refer to it is nice, especially if you are gonna be carrying extrication equipment, however the beating your kineys take with the thing is increadable. The superduty offers a much nicer ride beacouse it's weight rating is closer to the actual weight being carried. Other considerations include size and maneuverability. Other than that, Personal preference.

P.S. I do reccomend Road Rescue they make a far superior product for the ammount you spend.

Lt. Alexis J. Capezza
canton Fire & EMS

[502]

We opted for a 1 ton F-350 chasis and it fits the bill quite well, however it all depends on what you are carrying, the F-350 has a rear axle rating of 11,900 lbs. But the ride leaves a little to be desired, fully loaded with equipment and two providers the whole truck weighs in at 10,460. When we were looking at trucks we tested an ambulance built on a Freightliner FL-60 chasis and we were quite impressed with the ride. The company we chose was Medic-Master out of Sanford FLA. they were also the manufacturer of the FL-60, They specialize in building on Heavy duty chasis for ambulances and heavy rescue trucks, in fact as far as I know the smallest chasis they will build on is a 1-ton. But as far as the super duty vs. 5 ton You'll probably be happier with a 5 ton, It all depends on your departments individual needs, ie. if you have many back or narrow roads the super duty may be a better option just because of size.