We often see the low-mileage fire trucks and related equipment come up for grabs, usually after they’ve quietly sold at some small town auction. What we see less frequently is what happens to these trucks, as they were typically heavy-duty models from the factory that the municipality ordered with all of the latest firefighting equipment bolted on. This 1978 Ford F-250 crew cab is a one-of-one based on its Marti report, and the seller confirms the owner prior to him used it for camping before he got his hands on it. It has just 26,800 miles and is listed here on eBay with bids to $30,100 and the reserve unmet.
I love the colors of this thing, and it reminds me more of a firefighting vehicle used by a community airport based on others we’ve seen. The seller does confirm it originated with the Osgood Community Fire Department in Ohio, which ordered the truck with – wait for it – an aluminum service body. That’s right, aluminum! And who could blame the fine firefighters of Osgood for getting the best they could get on the taxpayers’ dime? I worked on a bridge crew in college and the superintendent made sure every truck he got had a limited slip and a good stereo – what more did you need?
The Ford came equipped with a 250 gallon stainless steel tank, as well as a PTO pump mounted to the NP205 transfer case. While it was stripped down by the fire department before being sold at auction, the F250 still looks incredibly original, but that didn’t stop the next owner from making some sensible upgrades to take this F250 off the beaten path. The owner prior to the seller installed an add-a-leaf up front along with 33 inch tires. He used it for camping trips, which seems like a brilliant idea for a rig like this. New parts include the water pump, brake pads, radiator, hoses, and belts.
The interior appears to be in good shape, which is a side effect of being a fire department rig that didn’t see much action. The trucks typically emerge from municipal ownership in excellent condition, making it a turnkey purchase for the next owner. These old fire trucks deserve to get used as intended as opposed to becoming yet another static display piece or a truck that’s just used for the town’s 4th of July parade. They were built to take abuse, so converting one into your go-to hunting rig makes a ton of sense to me, or building an epic overlanding vehicle that will likely outshine many other more expensive machines. How would you use it?
Very cool rig, I have to think the body decision was weight reduction so more of a load could be installed on this truck. 250 gallons of water weighs in at around a ton, add pump equipment and this old girl was loaded.
Most fire rigs are set up to ride better with a full tank of water,
so ride even rougher if they’re driven with an empty tank.
This would probably make a really cool tow rig for a race car.
Having owned retired fire equipment I see how the taxpayers pay dearly for vehicles and such for them to be sold for pennies on the $
But a Marti report on an F-250…?
The insanity continues
Convert the water tank for fuel ⛽️ as tge beautiful beast will drink it like water .
I like it but no need for it unfortunately.
A possible advertisement vehicle or parked in front of a pub 👍😎
Have a buddy that works on a township fire department. I questioned him about the low mileage fire trucks they off load. My thoughts were to make a hauling rig.
His reply was u don’t want them. The road traveled mileage is lower than actual miles.
Said when they get a call the trucks are ran at wide open throttle from a cold start to a fire. Being at an average fire is three hours with engines running the pumps the whole time. When they need a new truck it’s because their old one is gut shot.
The next time we see this Ford it will be wearing new paint. Lifted and have cool Bro wheels. What everyone needs.
They may have low miles but they have idle’d for a million hours
Nice truck but, 1of 1 (Marti Report) because of the seat? How ridiculous of a comment. Who cares!
This truck would be a great start to a unique overland rig. Give me the winning lottery numbers and I’d do just that with it.