Travel down any interstate in America, and you’ll find it packed with semis, delivery vehicles and other heavy-duty vehicles. In 2019, $1.6 trillion was spent on the logistics and transport industry. The number of businesses that are connected to the automotive industry continues to grow, and it’s no stretch to say that the large number of heavy-duty trucks on the road will likely need to be repaired at some point. While most areas of the country, even rural communities, have multiple mechanical repair shops, the number of body shops in a given community is even smaller, and fewer still is the number of repair facilities that are equipped to handle heavy-duty vehicles.
Even with the growing demand for heavy-duty collision repair, many shops believe it’s too expensive and too difficult to get into the business and either turn that work away or outsource it to other shops. However, shops looking to expand their business or add additional revenue streams may not want to overlook taking on heavy-duty collision repairs so quickly.
While many heavy-duty vehicles aren’t built much differently than passenger vehicles today, it’s important to understand the investments needed to get into the heavy-duty repair market. From shop capacity to staff and training to equipment and parts, there are several things to consider before making the jump.
Shop specs
There is no way around it. The physical space needed to handle heavy-duty repairs is larger. Shops either have room to accommodate a 30-plus-foot vehicle, or they don’t.
When looking at the floor configuration, consider how many bays the shop has and if additional bays are necessary or if the shop can be reconfigured in such a way to accommodate HD repairs.
If there’s enough space, another often overlooked component to consider is what does the entry point for the shop look like? Most shops will require a 15-foot overhead door to provide enough clearance to pull a large vehicle into the shop.
Finally, if increasing the shop’s physical space is necessary, consider if the potential revenue will outweigh the cost of making needed modifications. Based on the shop’s business and the market, how many heavy-duty repair jobs are realistic in a given week or month? While being able to handle larger repairs can generate more business, and while these repairs tend to be more lucrative, it’s important to think about the overall return on investment.
HD techs and training
Having the right tech for any repair job is important. When it comes to HD repair, technicians need to understand that while the repairs they may be doing might have them working with the same materials and may not vary a lot from the repair procedures of a passenger vehicle, the knowledge needed to fix the vehicle is different. An HD truck can vary greatly by make, model and even materials, not to mention the level of customization, such as extended cabs and accessory configuration or things like advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) technology. These variables are further complicated by the fact that there aren’t as many OEM repair procedures available for heavy-duty vehicles.
Ongoing collision repair training is important. Techs can gain access to training through a variety of resources, whether it’s a local school’s continuing education program, a company like Chief that offers specialized HD collision repair courses, or collision vendors and trade associations. All can help techs keep up to date on the changing industry. And it’s not just training on how to do the repair either. Being able to understand how to estimate the cost of the repair job is just as important.Heavy-duty equipment
HD frame racks and lifts
A majority of fleet vehicles are designed for high mileage and long hauls. Getting vehicles back to original condition can require frame pulling and having a frame rack that can handle a large vehicle. Does the shop have a heavy-duty lift that can safely raise those vehicles? If the shop relies on creepers for repairs, it might be time to consider a heavy-duty lift or mobile columns.
A frame rack is a must for collision repair when getting a heavy-duty vehicle back into shape. Pulling equipment that’s up to the task is also necessary. When considering frame racks, consider speed and ease of use, not just brute force. How long does it take to load the vehicle onto the rack and set up the pull? With drive-on frame racks, for example, a tech simply drives the vehicle into place and can get to work in as little as 10 minutes.
Measuring systems
An important part of the repair process is first understanding what is wrong with a vehicle when it comes in for repair. Having a measuring system built for fleet repair can help technicians not only understand what’s going on with the vehicle from frame rail analysis to axle alignment but also provide insight into the damage that goes beyond a visual assessment.
Often, heavy-duty vehicles are built from frames and have varying configurations that can make both the diagnosis and the repair process a challenge. Having a tool that can provide accurate pre- and post-repair scans can help ensure the vehicles gets back up and running properly. In most heavy-duty shops, vehicle measuring is still conducted with centerline gauges, straight edges and string. However, now there are digital measuring tools that can provide technicians with quick access to the information they need to understand the required repairs, as well as the repair documentation that can then be provided to the customer and the insurance company.
Welders and rivet guns
Welding tools and rivet guns provide versatility and speed when it comes to heavy-duty repairs. Opting for a heavy-duty rivet gun that’s easy to operate can reduce repair time because it can handle everything from riveting to punching, providing flexibility in repair.
Other equipment to consider:
- A debonding unit lets techs loosen adhesives on hoods, cabs and more without grinding or chiseling, giving them a smooth, undamaged piece to work with.
- A paint booth that can accommodate larger vehicles from semis to tractors to large equipment vehicles can provide additional revenue opportunities on repair jobs.
- An overhead crane to lift heavy parts safely into place.
- An on-hand inventory of parts that are commonly needed for HD repairs can help ensure a quick repair and the ability to get the vehicle back on the road sooner.
Taking time to properly plan the move to heavy-duty collision repairs in-house can help set the stage for faster turnaround times, improved revenue, potential costs savings and greater control of the repairs the shop is making.
