As a one-stop shop for fire truck repairs, we’re able to tackle an endless list of refurbishment needs, but we’re also here to help departments make informed decisions, whether they’re assessing the feasibility of a refurbishment or trying to justify the cost of a new fire truck. We’ve put together this page to aid in your decision making …

The cost to refurb should not exceed ONE THIRD the total amount of a new truck.

If the list of repairs and upgrades starts to exceed this amount, your investment may be better spent on a new truck, ensuring your investment isn’t just sunk into general refurbishments. (The Economic Theory of Vehicle Replacment asserts as a vehicle ages, the cost of capital diminishes while its operating costs increase.)

$800K: The average cost to buy a new Heavy Rescue/Hazmat Units
$266K: The average cost to refurb should not exceed this amount

The cost to refurb/remount should not exceed HALF the amount of a new truck.

This investment would provide enough funds to re-chassis the truck (at roughly $250K) and another $150K for repairs and refurbishment. While this refurb investment is higher than the typical refurb, the department is able to achieve a re-chassised apparatus and still save the community significant tax dollars.

$800K: The average cost to buy a new Heavy Rescue/Hazmat Units
$400K: The average to refurb/remount should not exceed this amount  

When refurbing a pumper, the complexity of pump repairs may require more budget, as suggested below.

The cost to refurb should not exceed ONE THIRD the total amount of a new pumper.

Like the above scenario (when a new chassis isn't needed), the above budget should be sufficient enough to make general pumper refurb/repairs. If the budget starts to exceed this amount, you may be able to justify a new pumper.

$600K: The average cost to purchase a new Pumper
$200K: The average cost to refurb should not exceed this amount

The cost to refurb/remount should not exceed MORE THAN HALF (60-70%) the amount of a new pumper.

This investment would provide enough funds to re-chassis the pumper (at roughly $250K) and another $125K for repairs and refurbishment. While this investment is even higher than the other scenarios, this achieves a re-chassised unit with essential pump repairs.

$600K: The average cost to purchase a new Pumper
$420K: The average cost to refurb/remount should not exceed this  

The cost of a new fire truck can vary greatly based on the type of apparatus you need, the truck manufacturer you choose and the features you select, but the below ranges will help you get a general comparison.

Tanker / Tenders
Medium Rescue
Air / Light Units

$150K
The cost to refurb should not exceed this amount

$225K
The cost for a refurb AND new chassis should not exceed this amount

Pumper

$200K
The cost to refurb should not exceed this amount

$300-420K
The cost for to refurb and remount a Pumper should fall in this range

Heavy Rescues
Walk-In Rescues
Hazmat Units

$266K
The cost to refurb should not exceed this amount

$400K
The cost for a refurb AND new chassis should not exceed this amount

Command Vehicles
Aerial Apparatus

$316K
The cost to refurb should not exceed this amount

$475K
The cost for a refurb AND new chassis should not exceed this amount

To further aid in your Refurb / New Truck Cost Analysis, we’ve compiled a list of General Refurb Prices (the left button below), as well as a link to our parent company website, SVI Trucks, where you can research new fire trucks.