6 Common Myths About Leasing a Work Truck

Your work truck isn’t just how you get to the job—it is the job. Whether you’re an electrician, HVAC technician, or plumber, your vehicle hauls tools, stores parts, powers equipment, and keeps you organized and looking professional.

So when it comes time to get a new one, the buy vs. lease debate kicks in. And unfortunately, a lot of folks are still operating off outdated or incorrect info when it comes to leasing.

Let’s clear up six of the most common misconceptions about leasing a work vehicle—so you can make the best call for your business.

1. “You can’t lease a vehicle you plan to upfit.”

False.
Leasing a commercial van or truck doesn’t mean you’re stuck with a basic model. Whether you need custom shelving for tools, HVAC gauges, or plumbing fittings—or ladder racks, bins, reels, or onboard power—most commercial lease providers expect upfits. Just confirm what’s allowed in the lease and whether upfits need to be removed at the end.

Need help upfitting a truck or van? Read our Essential Guide to Upfitting Vans for Contactors.

2. “Leasing is more expensive in the long run.”

Not necessarily.
Leasing often means:

• lower monthly payments
• no big upfront cost
• fewer surprise maintenance bills—because you’re driving a newer vehicle under warranty.

Sure, ownership can pay off if you drive it for a decade, but many tradespeople prefer keeping cash free for tools, training, or hiring instead of locking it into a depreciating vehicle.

3. “You’ll get penalized for wear and tear.”

Not like you think.
Commercial leases are way more forgiving than personal ones. Providers know you’re using the vehicle for real work. They offer higher mileage limits and are usually realistic about dings, scratches, and equipment wear—as long as you’re not abusing the thing.

4. “You don’t build equity.”

True—but that’s not always a loss.
You won’t own the vehicle at the end unless you choose to buy it out. But you also won’t tie up cash in an aging truck that might spend time in the shop. Leasing gives you reliable transportation without the long-term gamble—and lets you upgrade every few years if you want to.

5. “Leases are harder to write off.”

Wrong.
For business vehicles, lease payments are often fully deductible as a business expense. That’s typically easier than depreciating a purchased vehicle over several years—and it can make tax season a little less stressful.

6. “You can’t buy the vehicle at the end.”

Also false.
Most lease agreements include a buyout option. If the van’s in good shape and set up just how you like it, you can usually purchase it at a predetermined price and keep rolling.

Final Thoughts:
For any type of contractors that work out of their van, such as electricians, HVAC contractors, and plumbers, leasing isn’t just about affordability—it’s about flexibility, reliability, and keeping your business running smoothly.

If you’ve avoided leasing because of one of these myths, it might be time to take another look—with the facts in front of you.

Need help figuring out if leasing is right for your trade? We’ve got answers. Check out our fleet vehicle leasing options for more details. Talk to a Fleet Specialist today! Call or email us, we are happy to help.