Tunbridge staff weigh trucks, bodies and long warranties for town fleet

The Tunbridge Selectboard spent substantial time deciding what kind of new highway truck the town should buy as crews prepare for summer road work. Staff said vendors have offered a range of chassis and bodies and that the town needs equipment built to handle gritty, bridging sand and steep local grades.

One staff member explained why body strength and a stronger motor matter on Tunbridge roads, saying the cheaper bodies tend to break hinges and that sand can bridge in some spreader bodies. "I am looking into, 7 year bumper to bumper warranties that are good for 250,000 miles," the staff member said, arguing longer warranties and stronger components would reduce lifecycle costs. Board members asked for written packages comparing 6- and 10-wheeler options, brake and engine differences, and total-cost estimates.

Selectboard members asked staff to return with side-by-side specifications and a spreadsheet of likely options and prices so the board could make an informed purchase decision at a future meeting. The board did not take a vote but directed staff to solicit formal bids covering the different chassis/body combinations and warranty options.