There are a lot of things that make life on a farm easier, and one of those things is a reliable truck. It’s been a long time coming, but here is our tale of a farm truck…
Our first brush with a farm truck came waaaaay back when we lived in Iowa. We were budding homesteaders, with big dreams. Getting into farming, even on a small scale, isn’t cheap. It takes land and know-how, machines and equipment and buildings. So, when our friends offered to sell us their truck at less-than market value, we gladly and very thankfully took them up on their offer.
For several years, it was a wonderful farm vehicle. Along with being a steady workhorse, it fit our three little girls in the back with plenty of wiggle room. But we worked that thing to death, and without a more powerful engine and four-wheel drive, we were limited what we could do with it.
Along came our first Suburban. The engine wasn’t more powerful, but there were less miles, more seats, and the four-wheel drive we needed to get some jobs done. Plus, the kids were THRILLED there was a DVD player IN THE CAR. Goodbye boredom during long road trips!
What we gave up in truck bed, we gained in trunk space. It made it a lot easier to take trips together, squashing the dog, gifts, and all the suitcases it takes to drag so many kids on longer trips.
We did our best to take care of it, and it kept chugging along without too much trouble as we continued to both add warm bodies in the seats (i.e. children) and miles on the engine. We probably would have driven it to death, too, but…
…some teenager did it for us. In the blink of an eye, our trusty Suburban gave up the ghost. It was a long, frustrating ordeal, which led to…
…another Suburban. Which was perfectly fine with us. It did what we needed it to do, except there was an eventual teensy, tiny problem…
…we filled up all the seats. Our once roomy farm and family vehicle had become a pinch tight for us. So, when we knew Adam was on his way, we sprang for a totally different type of vehicle.
Right before the craziness of COVID, including the price hike for vehicles, we scored a sweet new ride. I never thought I’d gladly be a giant van mom, but here I am, living the dream. While the van became our primary full-family vehicle, we treat it like a big baby–no farm chores for it. Our Suburban was given a much-needed rest from the day-to-day driving, only being called upon when we needed it to haul something. Eventually, the poor vehicle started showing its age… a slow leak that would require us to jumpstart the engine every time we used it, broken shocks, and questionable brakes. Its last job was to drive Stoney on his final good deed, then it was time to retire the thing. Only problem? That left us with no farm truck.
I have to give Jack the credit for doing his research to find the kind of truck that’ll last us (hopefully) for years to come. We drove all over the state looking at everything from rust buckets and trucks with excess tire circumferences… Plus, most people seemed honest, yet there are always people who’re trying to sell their vehicles and you just get the feeling that they’re not being totally honest with you. Alas, none of them checked all the boxes. Not until we took a look the dealership where we’d bought the van. Out in a small town east of us, we found a well-maintained truck that had a little somethin’ somethin’ extra. And we really like the owners, finding them honest and fair. Win!
You know when you just KNOW something’s going to be the right decision? Like, the clouds part and heavenly rays of light bathe down on you? That’s how we felt about this truck. Obviously, it’s not brand new, but that’s part of the appeal–the pressure not to dent or scratch it is void because it already has a few minor dings and dents. What’s most important is that it had everything we hoped for–low miles, a clean, well-maintained interior, four-wheel drive, and power. Like, growly, muscly, doesn’t-flinch-while-towing power. And when Jack found the hidden gooseneck hitch, we grinned at each other. We drove it right back to the dealership and signed on the dotted line.
We are thrilled and blessed to have our journey through farm vehicles to come to this point. I doubt it’ll be the last truck we ever purchase, but we’re hoping it’ll be around for a good long while, ready to do whatever needs to be done around the farm.
One Response
I love your story, it reminds me of the cars we had, from the clown car, the Smurf Mobile, the car we had in Okinawa and had to learn to drive on the opposite side of the road when the country was returned to the Japanese, it was a nightmare. They had police at every intersection making sure people when into the correct lane when they made the turn. and the car Ralph was driving when a whole wheel came off a landscape truck and came through the window and hit him in the left side of his face and broke most of the bones on that side. but it did not break his skull , it took seven surgeries to put his face back together. He had eye surgery, had to have his jaw wired shut, the bones around his eye were repaired. When I first saw him I could see the tire tread mark en-grained on his shoulder. It took him months to mend. We are both glad to have my handicapped van now. You are a wonderful story teller, no wonder you write such amazing books! You are a wonderful friend!