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Also how often do you honestly need a ladder larger than a 26' little giant? once a week, once a month, or very rarely??????

Posted By John Velella on 26 Feb 2013 11:33 AM

Hey guys and gals, I am just starting to do catastrophe adjustments for E.A. Renfroe and I am going to trade my car in for something fuel efficient but large enough to carry a ladder. I was told from a friend I am not allowed to use a telescoping ladder like the Xtend so I need something large enough to carry a ladder. So far I was thinking about the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid that gets 32mpg.  I was wonderingIf anyone had any good suggestions, or are there any restrictions on what cars I am allowed to use like the restrictions on ladders. Thank you very much for any useful information.

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Just starting to do catastrophe adjustments? What CAT are you starting to do claims for? If this is your first exposure to CAT work, I would suggest that you forego purchasing any new or used vehicle for the sole purpose of adjuster work. CAT work is inherently sporadic (especially for newly licensed adjusters).

You need to enter this business with a "business" mindset. The only thing you can count on is whatever your monthly expenses are before you were licensed (rent/mortgage/car/truck payments/utilities) You should begin to save for future alimony and child support payments (JK) Now you must add fuel/lodging/food/etc..... when you do get deployed.

CAT work these days are not of long duration as of old for most rookie adjusters.

The whole point is this, don't get yourself buried under additional expenses before you have done claim one.

Nevertheless, you are going to do what you want to do and an Escape is fine, trucks are fine (IE Toyota Tacoma/Tundra) Just don't fashion some half ass method to secure your ladders. 

-John

The Escape is a pretty good choice - I worked out of a Chevy Traverse for about four months last year.

Hauls a 17' folding ladder and you could strap an extension ladder on the roof. 

All I can tell you is that I called HR and they said a VW Beetle  with extesion ladder, pillow and two bungee cords will not do !