United States,July 23rd 2025-One question comes up all the time for fleet maintenance teams: Should you pick a lube skid or a lube truck?
Both options help you keep vehicles running. But picking the wrong one can cost you time and money. A small fleet that stays local does not need the same setup as a large team covering many regions.
In this post, you’ll learn how your fleet size and service routes affect which lube system works best. We’ll walk through what each option does and how to choose the right fit for your team without wasting your budget.
What’s the Difference? Comparing Lube Skids and Lube Trucks Side by Side
You see a lot of talk about lube skids and lube trucks. But when you’re the one keeping a fleet on the road, you need to know exactly what you’re paying for.
Here’s how to tell them apart in real life, not just in a brochure.
Lube Skids: Small, Flexible, and Easy to Move
A lube skid is a compact setup that sits on a pickup bed or trailer. It’s great if you don’t have a huge fleet or if you need to work in tight spaces.
What you get with a lube skid:
- Portable tanks and reels you can move where you need them
- Lower cost—often $10,000 to $40,000
- Smaller fluid capacity, good for a few trucks before refilling
- Extra setup time to connect hoses and fittings
- Fits on the vehicles you already own
Think of it as the simple, budget-friendly way to get the job done.
Lube Trucks: Big Power for Big Fleets
A lube truck is built on a heavy-duty chassis. Everything is onboard, tanks, reels, storage, ready to go the minute you park.
Why teams pick a lube truck:
- Large tanks that hold more oil, grease, and fluids
- Faster service with no extra setup
- Higher upfront cost—often $150,000 or more
- Built for fleets that handle many trucks every day
- Fewer trips to refill or restock
If your team moves fast and services a lot of vehicles, a lube truck can save hours each week.
Which One Fits Your Shop?
Here’s a quick way to think about it:
- Small or mid-size fleet? A lube skid usually covers your needs without the big price tag.
- Large fleet or busy routes? A lube truck keeps you working longer with less downtime.
Remember, the right choice depends on your routes, your fleet size, and how often you need to service trucks.
Next, we’ll look at how your fleet size can point you in the right direction.
How Fleet Size Affects Your Lube Skid or Lube Truck Choice
Your fleet size isn’t just a number; it decides what kind of lube setup will work. If you pick wrong, you’ll end up with too many refills or wasted money on gear you don’t need.
Let’s break it down by fleet size so you can see what fits best.
Small Fleets (1–5 Trucks)
If you’re handling a smaller fleet, you don’t need a huge lube truck.
Why a lube skid makes sense:
- You can mount it on a pickup or trailer you already own.
- Smaller tanks are enough to service a few trucks before refilling.
- Lower cost means faster payback.
- Easier to park and set up at tight sites.
Example:
A shop that services three delivery trucks each week can do fine with a basic lube skid.
Medium Fleets (6–15 Trucks)
When your fleet grows, so does the need for more capacity.
What to think about:
- A lube skid can still work, but you may need extra tanks or a second skid.
- A lube truck starts to look smarter if you’re moving between job sites.
- Less downtime from stopping to refill tanks.
Tip:
If you’re always topping off fluids or running out halfway through the day, it’s time to look at bigger options.
Large Fleets (15+ Trucks)
Big fleets need big solutions.
Why a lube truck often wins:
- Higher capacity tanks handle many vehicles in one run.
- No extra setup—pull in, service, move on.
- Built for teams working long hours or multiple shifts.
- Can be customized for DEF, grease, and other fluids.
Example:
A utility fleet with 25 service trucks and multiple depots will save hours each week using a full lube truck.
Quick Checklist: What’s Your Fleet Size Telling You?
Before you decide, ask:
- How many trucks do we service each week?
- How far do we drive between jobs?
- Are we refilling tanks too often?
- Do we have space for a larger truck?
The right answer isn’t about picking the biggest system. It’s about finding the one that fits how your team works.
How Vehicle Lift Installation Improves Mobile Lube Efficiency
Picking the right lube skid or truck is a big win. But there’s one more piece many teams forget: vehicle lifts. When you pair a good lube system with vehicle lift installation by Taylor Pump & Lift, you speed up every part of the job.
Less Time Crawling, More Time Working
Without a lift, techs spend time:
- Crawling under trucks to reach drain plugs.
- Shifting tools around to get better angles.
- Cleaning up spills in tight spaces.
With a proper vehicle lift, you can raise the truck to the perfect height in seconds. That means faster oil changes, easier checks, and cleaner work areas.
Safer Jobs for Your Team
Lifts don’t just save time. They also:
- Cut down on back strain from awkward positions.
- Reduce slip risks on wet floors.
- Make it easier to see leaks or damaged parts.
When your team feels safe and works comfortably, they do better work and stay on the job longer.
More Trucks Serviced Each Day
When lifts and mobile lube equipment work together, you can:
- Finish routine service faster.
- Move trucks in and out with less hassle.
- Keep your schedule on track, even on busy days.
Over time, that adds up to hours saved and more trucks ready for the road.
A Smart Upgrade That Pays Off
If you’re thinking about a lube skid or truck, consider vehicle lift installation by Taylor Pump & Lift as part of the plan. The right lift can turn a slow process into a smooth, repeatable system.
Faster jobs. Safer techs. More uptime.
That’s how smart fleets stay ahead.
Build the Right System for Your Fleet’s Future
You’ve seen how much time and money the right lube setup and a good vehicle lift can save. Whether you run a small fleet or dozens of trucks, the best tools make every service faster and safer.
Now is the time to look at what’s working and what’s holding you back.
If you’re ready to explore better ways to keep your fleet moving, start with a simple step. Reach out to a specialist who knows lube systems and lift options inside and out.
A quick chat can help you plan what’s next, without any pressure.
Contact Details:
Website: https://taylorpumpandlift.com/
Address:4325 Motorsports Drive Concord, North Carolina 28027
Tel: (704) 786-9400
