karen1977 Posted July 20, 2022 Share Posted July 20, 2022 Hi everyone, by any chance anyone knows the approximate weight of a 1931 American La France? Trying to ship one. Thanks Karen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hidden_hunter Posted July 21, 2022 Share Posted July 21, 2022 (edited) Probably going to need to take it to a weigh bridge I’m guessing, commercial vehicles had a lot of variability in weight Edited July 21, 2022 by hidden_hunter (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne sheldon Posted July 21, 2022 Share Posted July 21, 2022 Fire trucks were usually special ordered. Wheelbase could vary by ten feet or more. Pumpers, tankers, hoses, ladders, all sorts of required special accoutrements. How much of it is still there? Basic chassis for the big trucks could be anywhere from nearly two to four tons (without getting into the really big boy stuff!). Basic body another half to two tons. Additional equipment if there anywhere from nothing to several tons. A small fire chief's "car" could be a bit less? ALF engines alone are usually rather heavy. A good photo might get an educated guess? Otherwise? Regardless, welcome to the site for antique automobile and truck history! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crusty Trucker Posted July 21, 2022 Share Posted July 21, 2022 12 hours ago, karen1977 said: ... approximate weight of a 1931 American La France? Sorry I can't help either, but this sounds like an interesting saga to follow. Might be nice to know "from" and "to" locations, what method of transport you are planning (truck, train, Ship??). Some photos of the fire truck being loaded and then some enroute pictures and information. There might be some good stories along the way. I look forward to your project and progress...and good luck! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike "Hubbie" Stearns Posted July 21, 2022 Share Posted July 21, 2022 My 28 is in the 11k-13k range with no water. Mike 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILIKECARS53 Posted July 21, 2022 Share Posted July 21, 2022 I believe Karen1977 is asking for the weight of the engine only not the whole truck. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted July 21, 2022 Share Posted July 21, 2022 59 minutes ago, ILIKECARS53 said: I believe Karen1977 is asking for the weight of the engine only not the whole truck. I doubt it. "Fire engine" denotes the entire vehicle. Mike Stearns' answer is the most helpful so far; let's see whether there are any other knowledgeable owners. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILIKECARS53 Posted July 21, 2022 Share Posted July 21, 2022 You are correct. I read the post incorrectly. Thanks for setting me straight. Jim 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
28 Chrysler Posted July 21, 2022 Share Posted July 21, 2022 It weighs somewhere about 7 tons or 6 1/3 metric tons or 1,000 Irish Stone 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karen1977 Posted July 21, 2022 Author Share Posted July 21, 2022 Hi Everyone, Yes I'm asking for the entire vehicle / ladder truck. Gorgeous btw I'm adding some pictures. My best friend bought one, the truck is in New Jersey and he is trying to figure out how to ship it / transport it to Frankfort, Michigan. He is trying to figure out the weight, because he doesn't know if he should get someone to ship it or just go and tow it with his truck on a trailer. But all of this depends on the weight and how hard would be for him to do it. We have been trying to find the weight in google but no luck. Make American LaFrance Model Ladder Truck Year 1931 Type Fire Truck Thank you!! Karen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted July 21, 2022 Share Posted July 21, 2022 There are a couple of antique-car transporters who frequent this forum. They transport antique cars one or two at a time; I don't know whether they have the capacity for your truck. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted July 21, 2022 Share Posted July 21, 2022 That is a big truck. Might be cheaper to ship by railroad. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike "Hubbie" Stearns Posted July 21, 2022 Share Posted July 21, 2022 After seeing the pics, I think it’s in the 14 to 16 range. It looks to be longer than mine that is 24’ give or take. Looks like a gem. Mike 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne sheldon Posted July 21, 2022 Share Posted July 21, 2022 Now, THAT is my idea of a firetruck! Beautiful! And yes, THAT one will be on the "high side" of the "heavy side"! Will probably need a big equipment lowboy trailer for that? Might be able to find someone through the antique truck clubs? They have shows all across the country, and some really big stuff gets transported to those shows. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zepher Posted July 21, 2022 Share Posted July 21, 2022 Beautiful firetruck. Can it be driven to its new home? That would be one fun drive. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILIKECARS53 Posted July 21, 2022 Share Posted July 21, 2022 Give Frank Malatesta in New Jersey a call. He is a military vehicle and truck collector plus he owns Horseless Carriage Transporters. He may be able to steer you in the right direction. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zipdang Posted July 22, 2022 Share Posted July 22, 2022 We have a couple of recycling centers (metals) that you drive across their scales before unloading. That might be a quick way to get it weighed if it is in drivable order. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandy Dave Posted July 22, 2022 Share Posted July 22, 2022 For an unforgetable trip, Drive it home. 😉 😁 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted July 22, 2022 Share Posted July 22, 2022 Shouldn't there be a plaque on there someplace giving the Gross Vehicle Weight and Tare Weight? Or were those not required in 1931? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter J.Heizmann Posted July 22, 2022 Share Posted July 22, 2022 On 7/20/2022 at 3:01 PM, karen1977 said: Hi everyone, by any chance anyone knows the approximate weight of a 1931 American La France? Trying to ship one. Thanks Karen Karen, if all fails contact our (AACA Library & Research Center) at 717-534-2082. Not sure if they still retain the SPAAMFEA collection. The collection of their Fire Fighting equipment archives is rather large and they entrusted our library to house it. or...About - SPAAMFAA - Society for the Preservation & Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America Never know. Peter J. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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