Last Updated on Jan 16, 2023
Whether you’re just starting or a veteran looking for improvements, you need to set up a welding rig truck. There are some advantages associated with the truck. It can get used for equipment portability and also as workstations. Here are some helpful tips on setting up a welding rig truck and the steps you will need to consider.
What is a Welding Rig Truck?
Welding Rig Trucks are specialized trucks used to transport and place welders, welding tools and equipment, power generators and related supplies to a job site. Welding Rig Trucks can come in many different configurations, but the most common type is a Flatbed truck with various storage compartments on the sides.
Here’s how to set up a welding truck:
Count the Cost
Before you put your money down on a welder, do a thorough cost analysis of how much it will take you to get started. Be warned, and it is not going to be cheap. The equipment and truck costs are only part of the equation. You will also need to consider ongoing operational expenses like insurance, fuel, maintenance, employee wages and more.
Buy/Modify the Truck
You can buy an old used truck and modify it for welding, or you can buy a new truck and configure it for welding. It is recommended that if you do this often, then buy a new truck to have it properly modified in the factory. It will save you money compared to converting an existing truck into a mobile rig.
Get the Tools and Machines
You will need some welding equipment, such as a welder, a plasma cutter, and a high-pressure air compressor. You will also need some tools to complete the job: plastic rolls, pipe clamps, plastic tubing, and various other items. These tools are not required to start your own trucking business; however, they can help you get started on the right track.
Register the Business
Before you can register your welding rig trucking business with the state in which you live, you must first obtain an operating license from the appropriate state agency or department. There are several ways that you can go about obtaining this license. You can hire someone specializing in trucking licenses. If you think to do it yourself, you must read the paperwork carefully before signing anything.
Network to Get Gigs
It would help if you networked with fellow welders and other professionals working in the same field to get more customers. You can join local trade groups or organizations related to your profession to come into contact with people interested in hiring welders. It will assist you in gaining more exposure and finding potential clients interested in availing your services.
Take Care of Safety
Welding can cause significant damage if not handled properly. To prevent any injuries or accidents, you must take safety precautions, such as wearing protective clothing and using safety glasses. In emergencies, you should have fire extinguishers on hand and maintain a first aid kit.
Keep the Upkeep
You must keep your truck in top shape if you want to make a good impression on your clients. That means keeping up with the maintenance, cleaning it, and ensuring everything is working properly. You don’t want to show up at a job only to find out that one of your tools needs fixing or replacing. Not only will this cost you time and money, but it could also cost you the job!
Build Credibility
Customers are more likely to hire a welder with several years of experience under their belt. If you’re starting, be sure to let potential customers know how long you’ve been welding and what kind of projects you have experience with. You can also build Credibility by completing courses at welding schools near me or taking any other training opportunities available online or through local community college classes.
Expert Top Tips
Give Yourself Rules
Rules are a great way to keep yourself on track and focused. You should establish a set of rules for you and your business as soon as possible. These rules could be as simple as arriving on site early or taking the proper safety precautions (e.g., ensuring you have the right equipment).
Be Organized
Organization is key when setting up a welding rig truck. Having the right tools and materials in the right place makes your job easier and can help you avoid damaging your truck or your tools.
No Distractions
You get the job done more quickly when you aren’t distracted. This may sound simple, but it’s vital to eliminate any distractions around your work area. To do this, make sure you set up your workstation in a quiet and comfortable place.
Avoid the Roadblocks
The most important thing to remember when setting up a welding rig is that your rig is only as good as its weakest link. If you have any damage on or under your truck, it could interfere with installing your welder or other equipment.
Read Question: Is it necessary to purchase a new truck in terms of setting up your own welding rig?
The answer is no. You can buy a used truck, or you can even convert your existing truck into a welding rig. Converting it may be cheaper, but you need to consider what kinds of jobs you want to take on and whether you want to modify your truck.
Reader Question: What are the downsides of working as a rig welder?
Welding jobs often require that you work in remote locations for many weeks at a time. It means that you will be away from your family and friends for weeks on end.
Typically, rig welders work 12-hour shifts seven days a week on-site. However, you can easily put in more than 60 hours per week with all the overtime available.
Rig welding is not considered an easy job because it is often performed under dangerous circumstances and in remote areas where help may not always be readily available if something goes wrong.
Hopefully, this write-up has given you an idea of what to look for in a welding rig truck. So if you want to know how you can build your welding rig truck, then be sure to obey each of the steps outlined in this article. Welding is a useful skill to have and could even make you greenbacks from your own “rig truck.”