- The Upfit Insider
- Posts
- Vac Truck Buyer's Guide (From Two Pros)
Vac Truck Buyer's Guide (From Two Pros)
Spec, inspect, and maintain your vacuum truck — without wasting money.
Leyhan Hansen, Martin Evans & Michael Hartnett
August 06, 2025
Most people think buying a vac truck is just picking tank size and calling it a day.
But here's the truth:
Whether you're buying a hydrovac truck for sale, looking for vacuum truck rentals for a municipal project, or spec’ing your first unit — if you skip the operational details, maintenance habits, or inspection history...
You'll regret it fast.
To help you avoid expensive mistakes, we sat down with:
Michael Hartnett, Lead Technician Supervisor with 30+ years working on vacuum trucks
Martin Evans, Fleet Manager with 7+ years managing over 200 trucks
|
Featured Brand: GapVax Vacuum Trucks for Sale
If you're searching for a reliable vacuum truck that's easy to maintain and built to last, GapVax should be on your list.
GapVax trucks are well-known for:
Rugged construction
Efficient debris tanks and suction systems
Long-term durability in municipal vac truck jobs and sewer cleaning applications
One of their most versatile models is the MC-1510 Combo Sewer Cleaner, often mounted on a Kenworth T480 tandem axle chassis. It features a 10-yard stainless steel debris tank, 1,200-gallon poly water tanks, a 1,500 CFM blower, and a fully remote-controlled hydraulic boom system.
📍 If you're in New York or the Northeast, order your next GapVax truck from SCBS — an official dealer.
GapVax MC-1510 Combo Sewer Cleaner built by SCBS — featuring a full stainless steel debris tank, hydraulic boom, and jet/vac system.
Common Buying Mistakes When Choosing a Vac Truck
“The biggest mistake I've seen is companies buying these and not realizing the commitment it will take to keep them up — from maintaining them to operating them and training the operators to use them correctly.”
“One of the biggest mistakes people can make is not researching things like the cost and availability of spare parts, and how often they might need attention or replacing.”
Tip: Whether you're considering hydrovac truck rental, financing a vacuum truck for sale, or adding vac truck services to your fleet— understand the full cost of ownership, not just the sticker price.
Used Vacuum Truck Inspection Checklist
"Check the maintenance logs, the age of the unit, and what type of service it has been in (corrosive, non-haz, oil, etc.). Also, has it been cleaned properly after each use?"
“Check all maintenance records, find out when the last major overhaul or service was carried out and what work was done. Check that the vehicle is actually suitable for the needs of your operations — carries out all the functions, has enough seats, isn't too big or too small. Check that everything on the vehicle actually works!"
Before buying a used vacuum truck, always confirm job history, verify components, and test every primary function. Never assume.
Vacuum Truck Maintenance Habits That Save Money
"Dirt in the air supply filter! That is the killer for these units and will also affect their performance."
"Slash service intervals by roughly one-third. Instead of the recommended 15,000 miles, reduce this to 10,000. Have the vehicle thoroughly checked while this is being done. You stand a better chance of spotting a failure item early — the more often the vehicle is inspected."
Cleaning air filters and tightening your service schedule is a low-cost way to protect high-dollar equipment. Applies to both combo jet vacs and hydrovac trucks.
Underrated Brands & What to Look For
"Super Products — I loved those units. They seem to be built really well. Their tech people are great. Keith Huber seems to be the go-to for vac trucks, which are nice as well, but I love Super Products."
"I personally don't think any one particular model is underrated or overrated. I tend to consider everything purely on its merits."
Tip: When comparing vac truck vs hydrovac or researching vacuum truck services, don't just shop by brand. Review blower size, dump height, tank design, and in-field performance.
First-Time Vac Truck Spec Advice (Municipal + Contractor)
"Realize what kind of service you're getting into. Obviously, if you're only doing oils — virgin, non-corrosive products — aluminum is the way to go. It's lightweight and low maintenance. But if you're going to do a mixture of services, stainless is the way to go. It's expensive and heavier, but will handle about any task you want it to do."
“If there's a function that's an optional extra but one that you perhaps wouldn't or don't use, consider it anyway. These things are 'nice to have' and could prove useful when performing additional or unexpected tasks, or even when bidding for work with a client in the future."
Consider your job mix and future needs. The right spec today avoids regret (and missed bids) tomorrow.
Types of Vacuum Trucks (And What They're Best For)
1. Dumping vs Non-Dumping Vac Trucks
Dumping tanks tilt and discharge debris by gravity — faster and safer for heavy loads.
Non-dumping tanks require pressurized or manual cleanouts, better for tight areas but slower to unload.
2. Push Plate vs Vibrator Systems
Push plates use hydraulics to eject sticky waste (ideal for thick sludge or sewer grit).
Vibrators shake tank walls to loosen lighter debris (simple but less effective on heavy material).
3. Combo Jet/Vac Units
Combine a high-pressure water jet with vacuum suction. Ideal for sewer cleaning, storm drains, and excavation work.
4. Hydrovac Trucks
Use pressurized water and vacuum to safely dig around utilities and remove slurry. Great for daylighting, trenching, and frozen ground. If you're wondering "what does a hydrovac truck do?" — this is the equipment contractors use for non-destructive excavation and utility location.
Key Takeaways for Fleet Buyers
Check job history and cleanout records before buying used vacuum trucks
Filter checks and tight service schedules can prevent costly repairs
Super Products is a field-proven brand for reliability
Spec aluminum for light duty, stainless for multi-service or corrosive loads
Know your tank, pump, and dump system options before you commit
Consider vacuum truck rentals before purchasing if you have seasonal needs
Wrap-Up: What is a Vac Truck and Who Should You Call?
Looking up:
What does a hydrovac truck do?
Best vacuum truck for sale in New York?
Vacuum truck rentals near me?
Combo vac truck vs traditional vac?
Vac truck services near me?
You've got your answer.
This guide is built on real-world experience — not brochures.
📍 Want expert help spec’ing your next vacuum truck? Talk to SCBS, your go-to GapVax dealer in New York.
Connect With the Experts
📲 Found this helpful? Follow the two experts featured in this guide:
Michael Hartnett on LinkedIn — 30+ years wrenching on vacuum trucks
Martin Evans on LinkedIn — 7+ years managing 200+ fleet assets
💡 Their inbox is open. Give them a follow and say thanks.
Bonus for Fleet Managers, Operators & Buyers
Get even deeper industry playbooks when you join The Upfit Insider Premium:
✔️ Downloadable inspection checklists
✔️ Real-world fleet spec breakdowns
✔️ Guides and calculators
—
Leyhan
Founder, The Upfit Insider
Reply