in most cases, your apparatus salesman is paid on commission ONLY when an apparatus is sold and does NOT get paid anything until your apparatus is delivered to you. Their expenses prior to an actual order are normally paid out of their pocket including their fuel to come meet with you, and also the cost of printing the drawings and materials for a submitted bid or RFP. Please keep this in mind and do not waste their time and money if you have no intention of purchasing the product they represent.

These salepeople are just trying to make a living and they do not make nearly as much money as you think.

NFPA 1900 is the Standard for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicles, Automotive Fire Apparatus, Wildland Fire Apparatus, and Automotive Ambulances.

Most manufacturers are very familiar with this standard and build their apparatus to comply with this standard. What you need to know is that no manufacturer is going to build or do something that does not comply with this standard unless you sign a waiver releasing them from any liability. Even if you are willing to do that, most still won't go against this standard on any safety related wording.

An example of this would be the seat beat warning alarms that indicate if everyone is properly belted or not. Even if you ask for this to be disabled, any reputable manufacturer would deny your request as it would go against safety and this standard.

Extensive changes to incorporated requirements in the 2024 edition of NFPA 1900 include:

• Changes to the aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicles requirements from combined standards to further explain the equivalency statement to better assist authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs)
• Edits to the lettering, numbering, and striping requirements for ARFF vehicles, including requirements for the use of hybrid electric or electric ARFF vehicles given the increased use and demand for these types of vehicles
• Deletion of duplicate material and chapters particularly from NFPA 1901 and NFPA 1906 for further consolidation of structural apparatus and wildland apparatus requirements
• Equipment requirements moved from the main body of the document to the annexes
• New requirements addressing the various types of engines that might be used on new fire department apparatus, including updated requirements for lettering, striping, and the use of colors and retro-reflective materials, to give the AHJ increased flexibility
• Revisions to the optical warning systems on fire department apparatus
• Significant change to remove the requirement on seatbelt warning systems with a detailed substantiation for this change and included annex material relating to the change
• Updated requirements for optical warning systems

you can purchase a softbound copy of NFPA 1900 from the NFPA website at Click HERE for about $163.00

NFPA® 1900 Standard for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicles, Automotive Fire Apparatus, Wildland Fire Apparatus, and Automotive Ambulances 2024 Edition

Chapter 1 Administration
1.1 Scope.
1.2 Purpose.
1.3 Application.
Chapter 2 Referenced Publications
2.1 General.
2.2 NFPA Publications.
2.3 Other Publications.
2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections.
Chapter 3 Definitions
3.1 General.
3.2 NFPA Official Definitions.
3.3 General Definitions.
Chapter 4 Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicles (NFPA 414)
4.1 Administration.
4.2 General.
4.3 Requirements for All Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicles — Responsibility of Contractors/Suppliers.
4.4 Weights and Dimensions.
4.5 Propulsion System.
4.6 Vehicle Electrical System.
4.7 Vehicle Drive.
4.8 Suspension.
4.9 Rims, Tires, and Wheels.
4.10 Towing Connections.
4.11 Brakes.
4.12 Steering.
4.13 Cab.
4.14 Body.
4.15 Firefighting Systems and Agents.
4.16 Agent Pump(s) and Pump Drive.
4.17 Water Tank.
4.18 Foam System.
4.19 Premixed Foam Solutions.
4.20 Turret Nozzles.
4.21 Preconnected Handlines.
4.22 Turret, Ground Sweep, and Undertruck Nozzles.
4.23 Complementary Agent System.
4.24 Halogenated Agent.
4.25 Dry Chemical Turret.
4.26 Lighting and Electrical Equipment.
4.27 Application.
Chapter 5 Aircraft Interior Access Vehicle (NFPA 414)
5.1 General.
5.2 AIAV Vehicle Requirements.
5.3 AIAV Body.
5.4 AIAV Aircraft Access/Egress.
5.5 AIAV Docking Platform.
5.6 AIAV Performance Requirements.
5.7 AIAV Safety Requirements.
5.8 AIAV Acceptance Criteria.
Chapter 6 ARFF Apparatus — Acceptance Criteria (NFPA 414)
6.1 General.
6.2 Component Manufacturer's Certification.
6.3 Prototype Vehicle Tests.
6.4 Operational Tests.
Chapter 7 Fire Apparatus — General Requirements (NFPA 1901/1906)
7.1 Administration.
7.2 General.
7.3 Requirements by Apparatus Type.
7.4 Responsibility of the Purchaser.
7.5 Responsibility of the Contractor.
7.6 Fire Apparatus Components.
7.7 Legal Requirements.
7.8 Third-Party Certification of Test Results.
7.9 Manufacturer Certification of Test Results.
7.10 Personnel Protection.
7.11 Controls and Instructions.
7.12 Onboard Data Management and Communications Equipment.
7.13 Component Protection.
7.14 Vehicle Stability.
7.15 Fire Apparatus Performance.
7.16 Highway Performance.
7.17 Serviceability.
7.18 General Pre-Delivery Tests.
7.19 Tests on Delivery.
7.20 Documentation.
7.21 Data Required of the Contractor.
7.22 Statement of Exceptions.
7.23 EV Engine Equipped Apparatus.
Chapter 8 Fire Apparatus — Requirements by Type (NFPA 1901/1906)
8.1 General.
8.2 Ground Ladders.
8.3 Suction Hose or Supply Hose.
8.4 Equipment.
8.5 Pumper Apparatus. (Reserved)
8.6 Initial Attack Apparatus. (Reserved)
8.7 Mobile Water Supply Apparatus. (Reserved)
8.8 Aerial Apparatus.
8.9 Aerial Quint Apparatus.
8.10 Special Service Apparatus. (Reserved)
8.11 Mobile Foam Apparatus. (Reserved)
8.12 Wildland Apparatus. (Reserved)
8.13 Wildland Mobile Water Supply Apparatus. (Reserved)
8.14 Wildland Crew Carrier Apparatus. (Reserved)
8.15 Wheel Chocks.
8.16 Traffic Vests.
8.17 Traffic Cones.
8.18 Illuminated Traffic Warning Devices.
8.19 Traffic Warning Triangle Kit.
8.20 Tire Tools.
Chapter 9 Fire Apparatus — Chassis and Vehicle Components (NFPA 1901/1906)
9.1 Carrying Capacity.
9.2 Engine and Engine System Design.
9.3 Vehicle Components.
9.4 Tractor-Drawn Aerial Fire Apparatus.
Chapter 10 Fire Apparatus — Low Voltage Electrical Systems and Warning Devices (NFPA 1901/1906)
10.1 General.
10.2 Wiring.
10.3 Power Supply.
10.4 Low Voltage Batteries.
10.5 Temperature Exposure.
10.6 Electromagnetic Interference.
10.7 Optical Warning Systems.
10.8 Audible Warning Devices.
10.9 Work Lighting.
10.10 Hazard Light.
10.11 Backup Devices.
10.12 Stop, Tail, and Directional Lights.
10.13 Low Voltage Electrical System Performance Tests.
10.14 Documentation.
Chapter 11 Fire Apparatus — Driving and Crew Areas (NFPA 1901/1906)
11.1 General.
11.2 Cab Tilt Systems.
11.3 Driving Compartment.
11.4 Tractor-Drawn Vehicles.
Chapter 12 Fire Apparatus — Body, Compartments, and Equipment Mounting (NFPA 1901/1906)
12.1 Compartmentation.
12.2 Equipment Containment.
12.3 Equipment Racks.
12.4 SCBA Storage.
12.5 Pump and Plumbing Access.
12.6 Stepping, Standing, and Walking Surfaces.
12.7 Access Handrails or Handholds.
12.8 Metal Finish.
12.9 Hose Storage.
12.10 Requirements for Mounting of Ground Ladders.
12.11 Receivers and Anchors for Rope and Removable Winches.
12.12 Slip-On Firefighting Module.
Chapter 13 Fire Apparatus — Fire Pumps and Associated Equipment (NFPA 1901)
13.1 Application.
13.2 Design and Performance Requirements.
13.3 Pumping Engine Requirements.
13.4 Power Train Capability.
13.5 Construction Requirements.
13.6 Pump Intake Connections.
13.7 Pump Discharge Outlets.
13.8 Pump Drains.
13.9 Pump Operator's Panel.
13.10 Pump Controls.
13.11 Pump Engine Controls.
13.12 Instrumentation.
13.13 Required Testing.
Chapter 14 Fire Apparatus — Auxiliary Pumps and Associated Equipment (NFPA 1901)
14.1 Application.
14.2 Pump Performance.
14.3 Pump Rating Label.
14.4 Power Train Capability.
14.5 Construction Requirements.
14.6 Pump Intakes.
14.7 Pump Discharges.
14.8 Pump Operator's Panel.
14.9 Pump Controls.
14.10 Pump Drive Systems.
14.11 Engine Controls.
14.12 Gauges and Instruments.
14.13 Testing.
Chapter 15 Fire Apparatus — Pumps for Wildland Firefighting and Associated Equipment (NFPA 1906)
15.1 Application.
15.2 Design and Performance Requirements.
15.3 Pump Engine Requirements.
15.4 Power Train Capability.
15.5 Construction Requirements.
15.6 Pump Intake.
15.7 Pump Discharge Outlets.
15.8 Pump Drains.
15.9 Pump Operator's Location.
15.10 Pump Controls.
15.11 Pump Engine Controls.
15.12 Instrumentation.
15.13 Required Testing.
Chapter 16 Fire Apparatus — Ultra-High Pressure Fire Pumps and Associated Equipment (NFPA 1901/1906)
16.1 Application.
16.2 Pump Performance.
16.3 Power Train Capability.
16.4 Construction Requirements.
16.5 Pump Intakes.
16.6 Pump Discharges.
16.7 Pump Operator’s Panel.
16.8 Pump Controls.
16.9 Pump Drive Systems.
16.10 Engine Controls.
16.11 Gauges and Instruments.
16.12 Required Testing.
Chapter 17 Fire Apparatus — Water Tanks (NFPA 1901/1906)
17.1 Application.
17.2 Tank Construction.
17.3 Tank-to-Pump Intake Line.
17.4 Filling and Venting.
17.5 Mobile Water Supply Apparatus.
17.6 Water Tank Capacity Certification.
Chapter 18 Fire Apparatus — Foam Proportioning Systems (NFPA 1901/1906)
18.1 Application.
18.2 Requirements by Type of Foam Proportioning System.
18.3 Design and Performance Requirements of a Foam Proportioning System.
18.4 Controls for Foam Proportioning Systems.
18.5 Foam Proportioning System Pressure Gauges, Flowmeters, and Indicators.
18.6 Atmospheric Foam Concentrate Tank.
18.7 Foam Concentrate Pump.
18.8 Pressure Vessel Foam Concentrate or Foam Solution Tanks.
18.9 Labels and Instruction Plates.
18.10 Foam Proportioning System Accuracy.
18.11 Testing and Documentation.
Chapter 19 Fire Apparatus — Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS) (NFPA 1901/1906)
19.1 Application.
19.2 General Requirements.
19.3 Compressed Air System.
19.4 Air Mixing.
19.5 Compressed Air System Piping.
19.6 Air System Controls.
19.7 Foam System Pressure Gauges, Flowmeters, and Indicators.
19.8 Labels and Instruction Plates.
19.9 Manufacturer’s Predelivery Tests.
Chapter 20 Fire Apparatus — Aerial Devices (NFPA 1901)
20.1 General Requirements.
20.2 Aerial Ladder Requirements.
20.3 Rungs.
20.4 Ladder Handrails.
20.5 Secondary Operator Steps.
20.6 Fall Protection Anchors.
20.7 Obstructions Below the Ladder.
20.8 Access Provisions.
20.9 Breathing Air System.
20.10 Aerial Device General Breathing Air System Requirements.
20.11 Aerial Ladder Operating Position.
20.12 Aerial Ladder Operating Mechanisms.
20.13 Aerial Ladder Water Delivery System.
20.14 Elevating Platform Requirements.
20.15 Elevating Platform Rated Capacity.
20.16 Elevating Platform Operating Positions.
20.17 Elevating Platform Operating Mechanisms.
20.18 Ladders on the Elevating Platform.
20.19 Elevating Platform Water Delivery System.
20.20 Water Tower Requirements.
20.21 Water Tower Rated Capacity.
20.22 Water Tower Operating Mechanisms.
20.23 Water Tower Water Delivery System.
20.24 Control Devices.
20.25 Safety.
20.26 Hydraulic System.
20.27 Structure.
20.28 Stabilization.
20.29 Quality Control.
20.30 Instruction Plates and Signs.
20.31 Certification Tests.
20.32 Manufacturer's Predelivery Test.
Chapter 21 Fire Apparatus — Line Voltage Electrical Systems (NFPA 1901)
21.1 Application.
21.2 General Requirements.
21.3 Grounding and Bonding.
21.4 Power Source General Requirements.
21.5 Power Source Type Specific Requirements.
21.6 Portable Generator Installations.
21.7 Line Voltage Supplied from an External Source.
21.8 Power Supply Assembly.
21.9 Overcurrent Protection.
21.10 Wiring Methods.
21.11 Wiring System Components.
21.12 Cord Reels.
21.13 Scene Lighting Systems.
21.14 Power-Operated Light Mast.
21.15 Electrical System Testing.
Chapter 22 Fire Apparatus — Command and Communications (NFPA 1901)
22.1 General.
22.2 Location.
22.3 Climate Control.
22.4 Noise Levels.
22.5 Lighting Levels.
22.6 Command Working Surfaces and Countertop.
22.7 Seating in Command Center.
22.8 Cabinets and Equipment Storage.
22.9 Wall, Ceiling, and Floor Surfaces.
22.10 Communications and Electrical Consoles.
22.11 Computer Equipment and Installation.
22.12 Video Equipment and Installation.
22.13 Power Operated Masts.
Chapter 23 Fire Apparatus — Air Systems (NFPA 1901)
23.1 Application.
23.2 Provisions Applying to All Air Systems.
23.3 Breathing Air Compressor.
23.4 Purification System.
23.5 Air Storage Systems.
23.6 Air Booster Systems.
23.7 Air Supply Regulation.
23.8 Air Control Panel.
23.9 SCBA or SCUBA Air Cylinder Fill Station.
23.10 Air Hose Reels.
23.11 Air Hose.
23.12 Low Pressure Utility Air Supply.
23.13 Remote Breathing Air Systems.
23.14 Breathing Air System Testing and Delivery.
23.15 Utility Air System Testing.
Chapter 24 Fire Apparatus — Winches (NFPA 1901/1906)
24.1 General.
24.2 Winch Wire or Synthetic Rope.
24.3 Clutch.
24.4 Electric Powered Winches.
24.5 Hydraulically Driven Winches.
Chapter 25 Fire Apparatus — Trailers (NFPA 1901)
25.1 General.
25.2 Classification of Trailers.
25.3 Carrying Capacity.
25.4 Information Labels and Instruction Plates.
25.5 Fluids and Pressures Specific to the Trailer Chassis.
25.6 Braking System.
25.7 Suspension and Wheels.
25.8 Trailer Hitch.
25.9 Wheel Chocks.
25.10 Low Voltage Electrical Systems and Warning Devices.
25.11 Reflective Markings.
Chapter 26 Fire Apparatus — Vehicle Protection Systems (NFPA 1906)
26.1 Brush Rails.
26.2 Grille Guard.
26.3 Skid Plates.
26.4 Chassis Component Protection.
Chapter 27 Fire Apparatus — Wildland Fire Crew Carrier Apparatus (NFPA 1906)
27.1 General.
27.2 Crew Compartment.
27.3 Crew Compartment Body Structural Integrity.
27.4 Crew Compartment Entry Doors.
27.5 Crew Compartment Body Means of Escape.
27.6 Crew Compartment Seats.
27.7 Crew Compartment Seat Head Height.
Chapter 28 Automotive Ambulances — General Requirements (NFPA 1917)
28.1 Administration.
28.2 General.
28.3 Responsibility of the Purchaser.
28.4 Responsibility of the Contractor.
28.5 Ambulance Components.
28.6 Legal Requirements.
28.7 Third-Party Certification of Test Results.
28.8 Manufacturer Certification of Test Results.
28.9 Personnel Protection.
28.10 Controls and Instructions.
28.11 Component Protection.
28.12 Ambulance Performance.
28.13 Road Performance.
28.14 Serviceability.
28.15 Tests on Delivery.
28.16 Documentation.
28.17 Data Required of Contractor.
28.18 Statement of Exceptions.
Chapter 29 Automotive Ambulances — Chassis (NFPA 1917)
29.1 Carrying Capacity.
29.2 Weight Distribution.
29.3 Reserved.
29.4 Engine Speed Auxiliary Control Device.
29.5 Exhaust System.
29.6 Braking System.
29.7 Suspension.
29.8 Wheels and Tires.
29.9 Vehicle Stability.
29.10 Rear Bumpers.
29.11 Stepping Surface.
29.12 Cab Seal.
29.13 Front Seats.
29.14 Rear Visibility.
29.15 Cab Integrity.
Chapter 30 Automotive Ambulances — Patient Compartment (NFPA 1917)
30.1 Patient Compartment Configuration.
30.2 Mounting.
30.3 Structural Integrity — Roof Loading.
30.4 Body Sealing.
30.5 Wheel Housings.
30.6 Patient Compartment to Cab Partition.
30.7 Access Handrails or Handholds.
30.8 Patient Compartment Entry Doors.
30.9 Means of Egress.
30.10 Exterior Stepping Surfaces and Interior Steps.
30.11 Exterior Storage.
30.12 Floor.
30.13 Floor Covering.
30.14 Insulation.
30.15 Interior Storage.
30.16 Interior Surfaces.
30.17 Equipment Mounting.
30.18 Waste and Sharps Disposal.
30.19 Fire Extinguishers.
30.20 Holder for Intravenous Fluid Containers.
30.21 Patient Compartment Seats.
30.22 Patient Cot Retention.
30.23 HVAC.
30.24 Interior Noise.
30.25 Reflective Striping.
30.26 Metal Finish.
30.27 Painting.
30.28 Medical Gas — Main Supply and Installation.
30.29 Suction Aspirator.
Chapter 31 Automotive Ambulances — Low Voltage Electrical Systems and Warning Devices (NFPA 1917)
31.1 General.
31.2 Wiring.
31.3 Power Supply.
31.4 Operational Electrical Load Test Conditions.
31.5 Load Management.
31.6 Batteries.
31.7 Temperature Exposure.
31.8 Electromagnetic Interference.
31.9 Optical Warning Systems.
31.10 Audible Warning Devices.
31.11 Exterior and Interior Lighting.
31.12 Do-Not-Move Ambulance Light.
31.13 Backup Alarm.
31.14 Stop, Tail, and Directional Lights.
31.15 Communications Equipment.
Chapter 32 Automotive Ambulances — Line Voltage Electrical Systems (NFPA 1917)
32.1 General.
32.2 General Requirements.
32.3 Grounding and Bonding.
32.4 Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters.
32.5 Wiring Methods.
32.6 Wiring System Components.
32.7 Cord Reels.
32.8 Transfer Switch Applications.
32.9 Scene Lighting Systems.
32.10 Appliance Accessibility and Fastening.
Chapter 33 Automotive Ambulances — Line Voltage Power Source (NFPA 1917)
33.1 General Requirements.
33.2 Requirements by Generator Size.
33.3 Power-Source-Type Specific Requirements.
33.4 Wiring for Portable Generator.
Chapter 34 Automotive Ambulances — Remounted Ambulance Patient Compartments (NFPA 1917)
34.1 Application.
34.2 Equivalency.
34.3 General.
34.4 Responsibility of the Purchaser.
34.5 Responsibility of the Contractor.
34.6 Remounted Ambulance Components.
Annex A Explanatory Material
Annex B Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicle Questionnaire (NFPA 414)
Annex C Driver's Enhanced Vision System (NFPA 414)
Annex D Specifying and Procuring Fire Apparatus (NFPA 1901)
Annex E Weights and Dimensions for Common Equipment (NFPA 1901)
Annex F Guidelines for First-Line and Reserve Fire Apparatus (NFPA 1901)
Annex G History of NFPA 1900
Annex H Additional Information for Assessing Suitability and Scope for Remounts (NFPA 1917)
Annex I Informational References

apparatus come in all shapes and sizes, and all price points depending on the complexity and features

There are many manufactures, but only a few control most of the industry market share for fire apparatus. Pierce, REV Group, Rosenbuaer, Seagrave, and Sutphen collectively attribute to about 95% of all fire apparatus produced annually. In the US, Pierce is number one in market share for both pumpers and aerials, and Rosenbauer is number one in volume wordwide.

So what does this mean for you. Well, these companies did not get to be so large and build so many apparatus by not delivering what was ordered with a quality product.

There a quite a few small outfits building 50 or so apparatus per year, and chances are you have never heard of most of them. Yes, these are often the lowest price because they do not have the same overhead expenses that the big companies have. But BEWARNED, you get what you pay for, and fire apparatus is NO disfferent. Dealers, service, warranty, research & development, employee retention, and quality will mean far more to your apparatus in the coming years that saving a few dollars by purchasing low bid solely as a result of money.

ask yourself this question, what brand does LA, FDNY, Atlanta, Baltimore, Jacksonville, San Diego, Chicago and cities such as this buy? How about Miami-Dade, Fairfax, Prince Georges, Orange and some of the busiest counties buy?

There are reasons these cities and counties purchase the brands that they do: These reasons are proven to due the job over and over in the harshest environments. Longevity, service locations, emergency road service, warranties, ability to custom build, quality, employee pride, and also the ability to deliver what is promised. These are the reasons why they buy the brands they do.

Do not be fooled by smoke and mirrors from cheap imatations. Fire apparatus in most cases is a 15-25 year purchase, so do your homework, and never be afraid to buy the best as you will always be happy with it. Please don't settle for offbrand materials, or quality.

very early on, you must determine who is going to be on your committee for this purchase, and most importantly "who is going to be the primary point of contact". Your sales person does not need or want to have contact with your entire committee every time somebody has a question. It is important that the committee members direct any questions or feedback to the committe contact, so only that person contacts the salesman. This will eliminate any confusion.

determine the budget you have to work with. Do NOT be afraid to let your salesman know what the maximum spending budget for this purchase is. The fact is they should know this. Not so they can spend every dime you have, but so they can try and give you what you really need without exceeding your budget.

Another reason they should know is so you do not waste each others time. If your budget is $450,000 for a new pumper, then some manufacturers will know instantly they can not sell you their product for that amount, and everybody knows this quickly before you waste each others time.

determine early on what you actually need this new piece of apparatus to do. What we want and what we can actually afford are not always the same thing. Be realistic, know your budget and know your actual needs.

please ask yourself these questions:
what is the goal of this project?
will it put water on the fire any faster if it is fancy?
will it save more lives and property if I spend a lot on chrome or blackout?

Later in the process there may have to be some trade offs to stay within your budget, so understand what are the most important features.

Before you even contact your first salesman, there are some things you should already know and agree on as a committee. Including:

type of apparatus (pumper, aerial, tanker, etc)
type of chassis - custom or commercial
number of cab seating
will it include water, if so tank size
will it have a pump, if so what size
aerial height or ground ladder requirements
will it include a generator, if so what size
light tower?
rescue tools?
hose or cord reels?
how many feet of supply line will be in hose bed
what equipment will be carried on this truck
and the most important question - is there a max height or max length restriction

whats the difference, the chassis

basically, thats it. Although there are some features exclusive to custom chassis pumpers, for the most part the cab and chassis is the difference. Here are some questions that can help you choose:

how many seats do I need? (generally speaking 5 is the max from a commercial chassis cab)
how much weight do I need to carry? (customer pumpers usually have larger frame rails)
how much money do I have to work with? (because yes, commercial chassis is less expensive than custom in almost all comparisons)

but commercial are ugly. (they don't have to be)

IF somebodys house is on fire, do you think they really care if it is a commercial or custom pumper that comes and puts the fire out.

what is a stock unit?

a stock unit is a truck produced by the manufacture that is yet to be sold, and in most cases available for purchase on a 1st come 1st serve basis.

these units are normally nicely equipped with frequently requested options and desinged to flow through the production schedule without delay. Usually priced to sell and most importantly, with a quick delivery time.

the big manufactures almost always have stock units available for purchase, some more than others. Pierce releases an updated stock list to their dealers monthly and it usually includes an assortment of different types from pumpers to aerials, along with custom and commercial chassis.

In addition to stock unit apparatus, most larger apparatus dealers will also have demo units available for purchase. Although not as common as it once was, the demo unit concept still applies to many dealers, however, many of these units are sold off the drawings before they are ever built. Therefore, they never really see life as a demo unit for very long. The attraction here, is the quicker delivery as many purchased demo units were already on order to be built at the time of purchase.

the apparatus backlog can best be described as crazy. The backlog is orders that have been booked but not yet built fire apparatus. In some cases the LEAD Time that it takes to deliver apparatus from the time of contracted booking is now anywhere from 3-5 years. Thats right, 3-5 years. WTF, why?

simply put, folowing COVID, the manufactures all sold more apparatus than their production facilities and workforce will allow them to build. Every manufacturer, even the largest ones, only have so much factory space, and so many employees. Those two things drive the annual production capicity.

For example, if your capability is to build 50 fire trucks per year, but you sold 200 last year, then you now have 150 units in your backlog. Now you continue to sell 200 trucks per year for several years, but only build 50 each year, then your backlog grows.

That is exactly what happened to almost all fire appararatus manufactures, and certainly to the largest ones.

You just cannot fix this problem overnight. You can add to to the factories (which many have done), but you still have to have people that want to work. Those people need trained, which takes time, and you cannot expand beyond your forecasted growth or you will go bankrupt or have to lay people off if the sales slow. So what do we do, we wait our turn in line, or we buy a stock unit.

Many of agencies are ordereing apparatus now that they do not need for 4-5 years, because they understand the backlog and they want their place in line.

Now that we have talked about all the things above, you probably have at least some idea what brands or manufactures interest you. By visiting the websites those you like, vistit the dealer territory area, or enter your zip code for dealer information.

Once you have identified the dealers for the brands in youir area, chart that information and do a test. Reach out to the dealer or the sales person directly, and note on your chart the date at time you sent the request. IF, and when the reach out to you, please note the date and time for the response.

Why?

its simple, if they are slow getting back to you before you even buy the truck, what do you think it will be like trying to get a prompt response from the later on in the process.

When they did respond, what was your first impression? Sometimes that can mean a lot.
Did you seem to get along?
Did they talk down to you ?
Did they seem like you were wasting their time?
Were they in a hurry to get off the phone?
Did they listen to you?
Did you feel comfortable speaking with this person?

IF the answer to any of these questions is NO, then strike that person off your list.

the more your salesman knows about what you actually need, the more they can help make sure you get what you need. If your truck is to be an inner city pumper, then it will probably need less water and a larger hose bed. If your truck rarely uses a hydrant, then you need more water. Expalin the intended role of the apparatus clearly.

your salesman is a trained consultant in apparatus building so you need to try and take advantage of their knowledge by allowing them to assist you in designing the apparatus that is best for your needs. In some cases you should be able to rely on your salesman to make some choices for you to ensure safety and performance of your apparatus.

Your salesman is backed by an engineering staff, and if they tell you there is a better way of doing something, then you should listen. Do not try and be too technical, just tell them what you need, and let your sales force figure out the technical stuff and report back to you.

There are many choices that you as a committee must figure out, but do not overlook the help of your salesman.

it does not matter what brand you choose, at some point something will go wrong with it, period...What matters, is how the dealer and manufacturer handle it for you.

Understand your warranties before you purchase. Know your dealer, know their facility and staff, and know if they do road and warranty service at your station. Know if they transport your apparatus for warranty work, or if you have to take it to them.

Get ALL of this in writing in your formal proposal. Know if other service centers are also available for warranty work. Know if they have road service that will come to your station and do routine maintenence. Do not wait untill a problem happens before you know what is covered and what is not, and who is going to fix it.

The last thing you want is for service to be hours away from you if you have an emergency breakdown. Does the dealer offer emergency road service?

IF not, you better run as fast as you can because who is going to be there at 3am, on the fireground if a repair is needed.

Request that all warranties be included in the RFP or bid, and make sure specific warranties are mentioned for each major part of the apparatus. This includes warranties for the engine, chassis, frame rails, transmission, electrical, paint, aerial, pump, generator, doors, tank, foam system, structural integrity, axles, corrosion, camera systems, steering, brake systems, hydraulic systems, waterway, and material and workmanship.

A single source manufacturer is one that builds the entire truck. This includes the chassis, cab, body, pump house, and or aerial ladder. This is important so that you are dealing with one manufacturer when there is a problem with any part of the truck and there is no blame on another. One stop service is normally provided by a single source manufacturer also.

There have been many instances where a problem surfaced and one manufacturer pointed fingers at another, and this kept going back and forth and the problem did was not corrected in a timely fashion. There are plenty of single source manufacturers out there, so do yourself a favor and choose one of them and save a lot of aggrivation in the future.

Of coarse, this cannot apply when using a commercial chassis. However, what you can do is look for a local dealer of that chassis manufacturer, and verify they have a good working relationship with the fire apparatus dealer for warranty repairs.

A consortium offers procurement conducted by or on behalf of public organizations, businesses or entities. A consortium or group purchasing organization provides a faster and easier way for purchasing entities to get the items they need. In some circumstances, cooperative purchasing is a solution to the lengthy and sometimes political bidding in the fire apparatus purchasing process.

5 Benefits of Purchasing With a Consortium

• You can satisfy the bidding process. Consortiums have access to specifications and costs for apparatus from a variety of manufacturers and will use this information to match a fire department with the best product options available.


• The department can choose from the best options available. Depending on the consortium, the department will be provided with the top five or ten products that meet their requirements. They will then have the opportunity to choose the best fit.


• You can modify the selection as needed. Once you select the best apparatus fit, the department can work with their dealer to modify the apparatus as needed.


• Save time and money. Using a buying consortium, your community can save time, resources and money by jumping right to the fire apparatus selection process.


• Ideal for single purchases. Consortiums are especially helpful for departments seeking to purchase only one or two trucks. Initiating the buying process immediately is invaluable for smaller fleets.

There are several National consortiums such as HGAC Buy, FireRescue GPO, NASPO ValuePoint, and Sourcewell. There are also state-level consortiums such as PA-Costars, FL-Florida Sheriffs, LA-LaMAS, TX-BuyBoard, and OH-Ohio State.

The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) is the largest of 24 Councils of Government (COG) in Texas, and is a political subdivision of the State of Texas. It has been serving local governments for more than 40 years. H-GAC has established Interlocal Contracts with thousands of End Users throughout Texas and across the United States. Talk to your salesman about HGAC, then you can register your non-profit agency for free at HGACbuy.org

one of the most common finacing options is often called a lease-purchase agreement. This type of financing is used to purchase a huge majority of the fire trucks being purchased. This is very similar to a loan, as you make payments to own the truck after completing the payment schedule. There are no buyout fees or payments at the end, and the truck is normally titled in the department's name from the beginning.

This type of agreement qualifies for low, tax-exempt interest rates and terms are usually three to 15 years. Payments can be made monthly, quarterly, twice a year or once a year. Most departments place a down payment to lower their cost.

There are countless different financing options for a department looking to purchase a new piece of apparatus, and some options are even offered specific to the manufacturer that you choose. Talk to your salesman and see if they offer financing options for you, or if they have certain lenders that they often work with.

Even if a department has the cash to pay for the truck in full, it might make better sense to explore other options. Some but not all manufacturers may offer a discount if partial payments are made or if the truck is paid in full prior to delivery. Once again, do your homework and ask questions so you know the facts.

A performance bond (100 percent) guarantees the fire department will get an apparatus to its specifications and in the time specified. If the successful bidder fails to comply, then the bonding company is obligated to find an acceptable alternate manufacturer to build the unit. The bonding company will then have to pay the difference between the original bid and the price the second builder wants to complete the apparatus. If a sales rep and manufacturer is not willing to provide you with a performance bond, then run away as fast as you can.

BELOW IS EXAMPLE OF HOW THIS SHOULD READ IN YOUR PROPOSAL

"The successful bidder will furnish a Performance bond (Bond) equal to 100% of the total contract amount within 30 days of the contract.

Bidder and Bidder's surety agree that the Bond issued hereunder, whether expressly stated or not, also includes the surety's guarantee of the vehicle manufacturer's Basic One (1) Year Limited Warranty period included within this proposal. Owner agrees that the penal amount of this bond will be simultaneously amended to 100% percent of the total contract amount upon satisfactory acceptance and delivery of the vehicle(s) included herein. Notwithstanding anything contained within this contract to the contrary, the surety's liability for any warranties of any type will not exceed one (1) year from the date of such satisfactory acceptance and delivery, or the actual Basic One (1) Year Limited Warranty period, whichever is shorter."

Why?

Have you not heard of manufactures coming back to customers asking for more money, even after the contract has been signed. If not, you must search this and read about the horror stories and legal action that some fire departments have gone through in the past few years trying to get the apparatus they ordered. This will help protect you from that, and also ensures your warranty coverage as specified in your proposal.

Some will say you don't need this, and those are the ones you should worry about. Its just like "when the insurance company says you don't need an attorney, YOU NEED AN ATTORNEY.

in the boiler plate section you should request a history of the manufacturer including some details about their quality and workmanship. To demonstrate the quality of their products, ask them to provide you a list of no less than 10 current customers that use their apparatus within 100 miles of your station. This area is also where they explain local service centers or trucks that come to your station for repairs.

Ask them to list insurance provided by the bidder including coverages. NFPA compliancy, road testing, UL testing, pump testing, and ladder testing should all be listed here and also that they will provide you certification that all required testing has been completed.

Finally, the boiler plate is a good place for the dealer to list company history, and also provide you with a copy of their state required sales license for the sales rep AND the dealer.

REQUEST details and information related to the manufacture and the dealers liabilty insurance in the boiler plate, along with any certifications.

make it mandatory that drawings of the apparatus be included with the RFP or bid. Keep in mind these will be preliminary drawings and might not be exact as your final drawings will be done after pre-con or print approval meetings. The drawings at this point should include views of both sides and the front and rear of the apparatus.

You should also request a turning performance report, and an electrical analysis report that shows there is proper supply for the electrical demand.

know these terms as you will see them in your proposal and you need to understand what they mean:

Angle of Approach - Approach angle is the maximum angle of a ramp onto which a vehicle can climb from a horizontal plane without interference. It is defined as the angle between the ground and the line drawn between the front tire and the lowest-hanging part of the vehicle at the front overhang.

Angle of Departure - The angle of departure of any vehicle is the angle between the ground and a line running from a rear tire to the lowest-hanging component directly behind it, usually the rear bumper.

Cramp Angle - a term, seemingly used only by US fire departments, for the maximum wheel angle. By increasing the cramp angle, you allow the truck to turn sharper.

Scrub Area - the scrub area is the vertical surface area of a building wall that can be touched with the platform of an aerial tower or tower ladder or the tip of an aerial ladder.

GVW - gross vehicle weight rating. NFPA 1900 requires that apparatus with a GVWR of more than 50,000 pounds or water/foam tanks greater than 1,250 gallons are limited to a maximum road speed of 60 mph.

Wheelbase - a measurement of the distance between the center of the front axle to the center of the rear axle, or in the case of tandems then center between the rear tandems.

OAH - overall height

OAL - overall length

RFP - ready for pickup, your apparatus expected completion date

when you send out your RFP or bid request, try and include a list of the expected equipment to be carried on the truck.

The reason for this is to help determine the weight of the equipment, which will also help determine the overall weight of the truck. This is very important so the truck can be engineered with proper axles and balanced weight for safety.

If the manufacture is not willing to do a weight study specific to your apparatus for safety; RUN away fast

once again, without repeating the provebial dead horse, try not to be over specific. It is ok to stand your ground on materials used for construction, just be careful not to fall into the proprietary forms of construction. Safety should always be your biggest concern, so commen sense tells you that a truck constructed with stronger materials is probably a safer truck.

Again, do your homework before you write the RFP or bid request and get an idea what features of constuction will best fit your needs. An example would be to specify a minimum tip load weight for an aerial, or a weather proof coating must be applied to the frame components and under carrige. It would be fine to specifically ask for stainless-steel, just don't get specific in the type. Let the manufacture specify what will be used in detail, if they do not, then ASK.

Specific paint colors or brand of paint to be used is fine. Most manufacturers use the same brands of pumps so it might be ok to say "must include a Waterous single stage 1500gpm", but adding the words "or equivalent" would be better.

EVERYBODY thinks they need the biggest motor, but do you really.

these days horsepower ratings, tourque, and transmission gearing all contribute to vehicle speed and responsivness to the throttle.

the real question to ask yourself is what is the terrain of my first due area?

if you are on basically flat ground, then it will not require nearly as much horsepower to get you from point A to point B as it would if you are in say Southwest PA with many steep hills. If you sit at the bottom of a mountain and frequently need to haul 3000 gallons of water to the top, then you will probably need some serious horsepower.

Most engines today that are used in fire apparatus range from 350 hp to 605 hp. You often find the 350 hp motors in lightweight commercial chassis pumpers, and the large 605 hp motors in the 80,000 gvw mid-mount aerial towers. There are exceptions, but it is mostly about vehicle weight, and geography.

for most custom pumpers, you will find that a 400 or 450 horsepower motor will be more than sufficient.

IF you have steep hills or grades in your first due response area, do yourself a favor and specify to add transmission programming to include AGGRESIVE DOWNSHIFT TO 3rd WITH ENGINE BRAKE

your engine manufacturer choices for custom chassis these days are limited, basically to just 2 options, Cummins and PACCAR. Do your homework, keep an open mind, talk to others that use, check for available services locations near you, and make the best choice.

if you want something special on your truck, then it needs to be described completely and properly in your RFP or bid request. If needed include measurements or a drawing of the feature.

Special features require time, and engineering either at a simple or complex level so it is crucial that everyone fully understands exactlty what you want. If you insist on a certain bracket or item, then include the complete brand name and part number. An example of this would be "must include a Federal Q2B mechanical siren". This is also a good place to mention AGAIN, any height, width, or length restrictions of the truck such as "vehicle may NOT exceed 9 feet 7 inches in height".

If any equipment is to also be included with this vehicle purchase, then you MUST specify that clearly with brand and part number. Example would be "must include a Stryker Power Load System with cot and show the exact part# that you want".

everybody wants an inverter....why?
because we don't know any better

the facts: Inverters are designed to charge batteries, NOT to run tools, generators are for that.

Inverters are a huge draw on the vehicle alternator. This means the alternator must be the largest offered and that also comes with a cost.

If you want to run a fan, get a generator with breaker panel and cord reel. Or, you can buy a battery operated fan, and charge the battery from the plugged in shore line while the truck is parked. If you need a 2nd battery, just buy that.

when is an inverter needed?

when you want to charge batteries. If you are a busy house and often on the street, an inverter could be useful to charge your tool batteries and or EMS battery operated equipment.

thats it, period...anything more than that could burn up your tools and your inverter. Move on

do I need a generator?

probably not, but maybe

these days with the advent of 12V LED scene lighting, and especially battery operated extrication tools, we have eliminated the need for generators on most fire apparatus. In some cases, a generator is still added, but not normally as it always was done in the past.

why is this?

because 12V can be supplied at a high enough rate from todays alternators with enough power to illuminate all 4 sides of the truck, including a light tower. Most tools now run from batteries (which can be recharged while plugged into the station shoreline), and generators are very costly. To add a small 10KW size Hydraulic generator these days is about $35,000 by the time you add the circuit breaker panel and a cord reel with junction box. Wow, thats a lot to spend unless you really need it.

you WILL need a generator if perhaps you are very deep into a major hydrualic tool system that needs a generator for the power unit. Perhaps you even want it as a backup power for your station in case of an outage. Other than that, you be the judge, but do not hesitate to rely on 12V scene light because that technology has proven to be more than ample for any environment.

if you want tools and equipment to be mounted on your truck, then you need to say so and specify exactly what and where. No room for error here as this needs to be fully understood by all. So in your RFP or bid request, be very clear with brands, part numbers, sizes, and what get mounted in what compartment. Most tool mounting is done at your dealer once they receive the truck from the manufacturer rather than at the factory.

This is perfectly acceptable on most cases and does not void any factory warranties. It is however, very important for the factory to know what will go where on the truck during pre-construction so that compartment shelving can be constructed of proper size, and include proper wiring or electrical outlets. Get as much shelving done at the factory as possible, and do the tool mounting at the dealer or in house.

for heavy rescues or complicated trucks, request shelving drawings from the manufacturer.

Tools and equipment can be sent to the dealer for mounting after the truck is completed at the factory.

when you write your RFP or bid requests, dont be naive and remember nothing is free.

Everything about this truck comes with a cost, including those factory trips that we love so much where you tend to eat and drink good. That travel is necessary, but it is also expensive and although you might not specifically see it shown in your cost, it's in there....believe.

Be smart, and be realistic. How many people are really necessary to pre-con or inspect a typical pumper? Do we really need a 3rd or post paint trip 2 or 3 weeks before the truck is finished? (most manufactures have eliminated this trip). Only you know the answers to those questions, but remember that it all costs, and if you are on a tight buget then it is certainly something to consider.

Would you rather have a $5000 item added to your truck to use for the next 20 years, or would you rather send more people on a factory trip. Think about it, a good rule of thumb for many manufacturer visits that include airfare would be about $1200 per person per trip. So you can see how that can add up quick, so be smart about how many will go, and how many visits. A final inspection should always be done by at least some of your committee, and most do a pre-con trip, but not everyone does and for a simple pumper, a good salesman could do the pre-construction meeting at your fire station and save you a lot of money.

Specify that the factory sends frequent or weekly photo updates of your unit as it progresses through the manufacturing process once production starts.

perhaps not, lets see:

is this purchase using public or municiple funds for this purchase? (if so, you may be required to bid, be sure and check to find out)

is this purchase using only our department funding? (this may not need to go to public bid)

does my department bylaws or rules require this purchase to go to public bid? (check and see, you may not have to bid)

do we have to buy low bid only? (lets hope not, buy in some cases perhaps, check to be sure)

why would I request bids if I do not need to? (good question. Requesting prices is one thing, and that seasy enough to do, but a formal bid process is a lot more work and may be unnecessary additional work)

now that you have your RFP or bid request written, it is time to send it out to your salesman. Make sure it clearly states who the primary contact person is for any questions, and make sure it includes a phone number where that person can easily be reached. Now is not the time for any confusion. Be very clear about your deadline for return of the RFP or bid request and state what happens after that. An example wording would be something like this:

"All proposals must be submitted by no later than 6pm on 11-1-2019, and the return address mailbox (include address) will checked by 5pm on this date. No proposals will be excepted after 6pm on 11-1-2019 unless dictated by an extreme emergency or weather condition. The proposals will be opened at our station (include address) at 6:15pm on 11-1-19 and the final proposed cost will be read alound for each submitted. Afterward, all vendors that submitted a proposal will be given a maximum of 30 minutes to meet with the committee to answer any questions or further explain any details of the proposal they submitted."

The committee has the option to accept or reject any proposal or bid at their discretion, and the winner will be determined within 7 days of the opening of the proposals. The winner will be chosen will all things considered and not just the price. Considerations that will determine the winner will include the final price, the ability for the dealer to provide service, trust in the brand or manufacturer, warranties, attitude and demeanor of the salesman, and the adherence to the requested spec. The winners will be notified as soon as the decision has been made.

Now that all RFP or bid requests have been returned and you have met with each salesman to ask any questions, it is time for your committee to meet in private and decide on a winner. Once you do that, the next step will be for your salesman to bring to you a contract to sign for the purchase. Read this document carefully and ask any questions before you sign. Once the contract is signed then your truck is officially ordered.

Finally, once you determine a winner, at least give each salesman the common courtesy of a phone call or email to let them know that another brand was chosen by the committee. You don't have to get into to detailed specifics as to why, but it's ok to say which manufacturer was the winner as the committie felt it was the overall best choice at this time. That's all you need to say, but these people probably worked hard to submit your proposal, so at least give them that.

When received, the order is reviewed and an approval drawing is created to give a visual representation of the truck configuration priced. The approval drawing is then passed to several engineering groups for review in the event they need clarification on specific build requests. The engineering team may offer suggestions or recommendations to the dealer and customer on layout, component or system selection.

In this phase, the engineering teams will ensure the truck configuration is buildable. The engineering teams will also review and confirm all critical content, including overall height and length, and approach and departure angles.

This review process is beneficial to customers because they may receive multiple drawings and truck layouts, including a finished truck configuration with included dashboard layouts, equipment rack layouts, electrical load charts and weight summaries. Moreover, it is an opportunity to ask questions, give feedback on changes needed and ensures the overall design of the truck configuration.

Once the order review is completed, an approval package is created and a pre-construction meeting or visit is planned. During this meeting, the customer and dealer meet with the manufacturer team to review the more detailed fire truck order.

usu8ally within 6-12 months prior to production begins, your salesman will contact you to schedule a pre-construction meeting. This is often done at the apparatus factory but in many cases it can be done at the fire station or even online via Go To Meeting or Zoom. That choice will have already been made in the RFP or bid request. At the pre-con meeting you can expect to discuss most aspects of your truck line by line, and there is still time to make some changes or add some additional features. Beware, that any additions or changes at this point going forward could and often is an added cost. The drawings of your apparatus will be there for you to see, and you might also get a factory tour and see many other trucks in progress that might give you some ideas. This will be the time to ask further questions, and normally someone from the factory will be with you along with your salesman to ensure things go smoothly and all questions can be answered.

The meeting typically includes reviewing the sales drawings and layout to finalize the features, paint codes, major components, system requirements, and most importantly, to answer any customer questions. The final approval drawings are marked with changes if required, and the finalized order details are confirmed by all parties involved.

In addition to finalizing the truck components and features, the pre-construction visit is also focused on determining the fire truck graphics. From color choices to image selection, the group reviews the graphic options for every inch of the fire truck, including the front of the truck, side of the truck, inside cab doors, rear of the truck and stabilizers. Customers also learn about materials selection, like vinyl and gold-leaf, and review additional graphic elements, including cab lettering, reflective striping, body lettering, roof numbers, aerial boom graphics and optional special plates. Customers are encouraged to bring along photos or vector artwork to help guide the graphics discussion.

When you travel to the factory there are some things to remember and often your salesman will discuss this with you prior to travel. You must be on time, the plane will not wait for you. Sometimes your salesman will take you to the airport, but often they will either meet you at the airport, or meet up with you when you connect to your final flight. This depends or where your salesman lives and where you live. Next is to remember to act professionally as you are representing your department. You should have a good time, and you will, but remember who you are and why you are going. Normally travel is done the day or evening before your pre-con meeting, so enjoy the evening after you arrive, have a nice dinner but try and be rested and alert the next morning. Pre-con cannot be done if you feel too bad becuase of too much drinking the night before. Be prepared to wear safety glasses, a safety vest, and perhaps even a hard hat during some factory tours. Some manufactures will also require steel toe protection so either wear your NFPA station boots, or be prepared to wear clamp on toe protection when you get there, ask your salesman prior to the trip.

this goes ithout saying, but remember to document anything that is changed after the signed contract for your purchase. Get it in writting, especially during pre-con. This protects both you and your salesman.

If you are at pre-com and you change a lens color from red to yellow, get that in writting and keep a copy of that or any other changes. If later on in the process the factory calls your salesman and says they discovered something that won't work and needs to be moved 2 inches, then after your salesman relays that info to you, make sure somebody documents that change and that you receive a copy of that. There is lots of money at stake here by you, the manufacturer, and even the dealer, so make sure everything is documented along the way.

you should request a series of production photo reports be provided to you during the manufacturing phase of the apparatus. This will keep your committee informed as the apparatus is being built.

about 2 or 3 weeks prior to your truck being completed, the factory will reach out to your salesman with a planned date for your final inspection. They will then reach out to you to confirm the date and start planning your travel. The same travel tips apply that were mention for the pre-con above so if you did not read those, please do.

During the final inspection you will see your compeleted truck for the first time. This can be very exciting, but there are some things to remember here also. You might, and probably will find some things that need to be addressed on your truck, regardless of the manufacturer. This is why we do final inspections, and things will be made right. Remember to keep your cool, discuss any issues, and give them an opportunnity to correct them. If you treat the sales team with respect, then you will be treated the same and everybody will be happy as the corrections are made. If you come unglued and belligerent then the process will not move smootly or not move at all. Your manufacturer is used to final inspections, and they want you to point out anything that you are not happy with, just do it in a respectable manner and everything will work out fine.

Most factories have a special area that is reserved for final inspections. Usually there is some sort of table and chairs for you to have your spec and drawings on display. They may have a tape measure for you to use, as well as a creeper, scaffolding, rags, and whatever else you might need. Now is the time to make sure the truck is the proper height, length, and that doors and windows function properly, generators work, the pump is tested and so forth. When you find an issue, write it down and let the sales team know. Please let your salesman know ahead of time if you want the apparatus raised in the air for your inspection as that usually needs planning ahead of time. Once you complete your final inspection, often you will return home and any issues will be corrected at the factory. Some may be done while you are still there, some may be done after you leave but prior to your apparatus being shipped to your dealer.

Final inspection is NOT the time to make changes or additions to you truck. THIS WILL COST YOU; PLENTY

when you make changes at this point, everything stops and extra time and effort has to go into the change. So you WILL be charged hefty for this disruption in the process. Do your self a favor and get everything right before print approval and no changes after that.

at this point your apparatus has been shipped from the factory and arrived at your dealer. This is when everything is once again checked and the vehicle is serviced as needed. Tool mounting might need to be done at this point and everything is fully checked. In most instances you will go to your dealer and see the truck again, pay for the truck, and hopefully drive it home.

The shop will then schedule with you (if they have not already done so) a date(s) for the required training on your new apparatus. Pumpers, rescues, ambulances, and small apparatus training is normally done by your salesman or someone from the dealership n one day. Aerial training on the other hand is done by a factory representative and usually more than one day. Training on your new apparatus will be done either at your station or a place designated by you. It will be your reponsibility to train and of those unable to be present during the training scheduled by your dealer.