The Tale of the Freight Shaker: Transforming an Old Truck into a Water Tender

🚚We purchased an old Freight Shaker truck for $3,000 and decided to turn it into a water tender for our farm.

🔧We removed the cage and bed of the truck and cut out unnecessary I beams. We planned to add new tubing to the frame and build a new bumper.

🚜We used a skid steer and a Magnum to remove the bed and flip it over. We also used a forklift to lift the tubing onto the truck.

🎨We painted the truck and installed a new grill. We also considered adding a fire tamer and a pump for future use.

🌊The transformed truck is now fully functional as a water tender, capable of transporting 2,000 gallons of water with ease.

Why did you decide to transform the Freight Shaker into a water tender?

—We needed a dedicated water transportation vehicle on the farm, and the old Freight Shaker presented a cost-effective solution.

What modifications did you make to the truck?

—We removed the cage and bed, cut out unnecessary I beams, added new tubing to the frame, built a new bumper, and installed a new grill.

Did you encounter any challenges during the transformation process?

—Yes, we had to figure out how to flip the bed of the truck, ensure proper clearance for the water tank, and address potential issues with the truck's low ground clearance.

Does the water tender serve any other purposes on the farm?

—Currently, the water tender's main purpose is to transport water. However, we have plans to potentially add a fire tamer and a pump for additional applications.

Are there any future plans for further modifications or improvements?

—At the moment, we are satisfied with the water tender and its capabilities. However, we may consider adding extra bracing or modifications to address any potential issues that may arise.

00:00We purchased an old Freight Shaker truck for $3,000 to transform it into a water tender for our farm.

02:40We removed the cage and bed of the truck, cut out unnecessary I beams, and planned to add new tubing and a bumper.

07:23We flipped the bed of the truck using a skid steer and a Magnum, ensuring it was ready for installation.

13:12We tested the truck's lifting mechanism and ensured it had proper clearance for the water tank.

18:37We installed a new grill on the truck and made additional adjustments for its appearance and functionality.

23:34We took the Water Tender for a test drive, ensuring it performed well and met our requirements.

24:23We loaded the Water Tender with 2,000 gallons of water, validating its capacity and performance.

25:04We successfully completed the transformation process and parked the Water Tender, ready for farm use.