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10 Helpful Tips for Making Winter More Bearable on Your Rig

If you think cold weather is brutal on your body, it's just as brutal on your apparatus. From freezing temperatures to corrosive ice-melting agents, there’s a lot your rig has to withstand during the winter. And if you don’t take proper steps to maintain it, these problems can cause some serious headaches and lead to costly long-term damage.

To make sure your apparatus stays in tip-top shape this winter, here are a few tips to follow:

Custom vs. Commercial Chassis – 10 Key Differences to Consider

With budgets being tight and new apparatus costing well into the six-figure range, fire departments everywhere are looking for ways to save. And when it comes to building a new fire apparatus, one way that fire departments have been able to cut costs is by using a commercial chassis. Commercial chassis can cost less than half the price of their custom counterparts, but does that really make them a better option?

If your department is trying to decide if a custom or commercial chassis makes sense for your next fire truck, here are 10 key comparisons to consider before you make a decision:

6 Tips for a Successful Final Inspection with Your Apparatus Manufacturer

After months of debating different specs, pouring over designs, and deciding what features to include on your new rig, your department’s new apparatus is finally ready for final inspection with the manufacturer. The final factory inspection is an extremely important part of the truck-building process and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. This will be the last opportunity to ensure your apparatus is built exactly to your specifications, and find any deficiencies before it’s delivered to you.

The 5 Best Features of a Rescue Pumper

There are plenty of reasons why Rescue Pumpers have evolved into an essential tool in today’s fire service. As more and more fire departments see an increase in their response area and service responsibilities, it’s the perfect multifunctional apparatus that allows departments to kill two birds with one stone. You’re able to fulfill all the water-carrying duties of a Pumper, while also having the storage capabilities and versatility of a Rescue.

Why a Rescue Pumper Has Evolved Into An Essential Tool In Today’s Fire Service

When it comes time to purchase a new apparatus for your fire department, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the different options. There’s a lot you need to consider when figuring out which apparatus will be the most effective and efficient, and even the most experienced committees still struggle to decide on the best specs and features.

As the number of non-fire-related responses continues to rise, however, fire departments across the country are starting to downsize their fleets in an attempt to stay under budget. This has changed the way departments approach buying a new apparatus.

Buying an Apparatus: Five Things to Look for in a Dealer

Once you’ve gotten the approval to purchase a new fire apparatus, the next step is finding a dealer to purchase it from. As a matter of fact, you probably have a few in mind already. A new apparatus is a big investment, and you want to make sure you’re buying from the right company.

So when it comes time to choose a dealer, what are you basing your criteria on? Price and apparatus quality are the two important factors, but those aren’t the only things that affect your buying experience. To help you find a dealer that will provide the best apparatus for the best available price and the best overall buying experience, here’s a list of 5 things to look for when deciding on one: