Question 1

What is Fenton Fire?

Accepted Answer

Fenton Fire is North America's specialty marketplace for used fire apparatus and emergency equipment, connecting fire departments, municipalities, and private buyers with the trucks they need. But we're more than a listing site: we're fire truck people. We know what buyers need, and we know the right market for every truck a seller puts in our hands.

Question 2

Is Fenton Fire a dealer or a broker?

Accepted Answer

Honestly? Neither, at least not in the traditional sense. We're fire truck experts. We market your apparatus, vet every single inquiry, and handle the legwork of the sale, but the transaction stays directly between buyer and seller. And unlike most, we're available 7 days a week to speak personally to anyone and everyone, whether you're buying your first rig or selling your last. Our job is to make sure everyone we talk to is as prepared as possible, every step of the way.

Question 3

What types of apparatus do you handle?

Accepted Answer

We handle the full range of fire apparatus including engines/pumpers, ladder trucks, tankers/tenders, rescue trucks, wildland/brush rigs, command vehicles, airport crash (ARFF) trucks, antique apparatus, and loose equipment.

Question 4

How do I contact Fenton Fire?

Accepted Answer

You can reach us by phone at 1-866-310-2077, by email at sales@fentonfire.com, or through our contact form or through the inquiry form on any listing page. Our team typically responds within one business day.

Question 5

Do you work with international buyers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we've sent apparatus to buyers in Canada, Europe, and beyond. Buying across borders can feel daunting, but you won't be navigating it alone: we assist with every aspect of the transaction, including imports and exports, through our network of experts. From paperwork and export documentation to shipping logistics, we help make sure your truck gets from the seller's station to your front door, wherever in the world that is.

Question 6

How do I search for apparatus?

Accepted Answer

Visit our Inventory page and use the filters to narrow by category, year, price range, and location. You can also save searches and get notified when matching listings are added.

Question 7

Can I inspect a vehicle before purchasing?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, we strongly encourage it. Once connected with the seller, you can arrange an in-person inspection or commission a third-party inspection service. To stay impartial, we don't recommend specific third parties directly. All apparatus is sold as-is.

Question 8

How do I make an offer on a listing?

Accepted Answer

Click the 'Request Info' button on any listing page and include your offer in the message. Our team will facilitate the introduction and help structure the offer.

Question 9

Are there any buyer fees?

Accepted Answer

There are no direct fees charged to buyers. Our commission is paid by the seller at closing.

Question 10

How is payment handled?

Accepted Answer

Payment terms are negotiated directly between buyer and seller. Common methods include wire transfer, certified check, and municipal purchase orders.

Question 11

Can I finance a used fire truck?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Several lenders specialize in municipal and fire apparatus financing, and we can recommend financing partners upon request. Visit our financing page to learn more and explore options. Getting pre-approved before making offers strengthens your position.

Question 12

How much does it cost to list?

Accepted Answer

It costs nothing to list your vehicle. We only charge a percentage of the final selling price once we find you a buyer. No sale, no fee. One rate applies to your whole sale price, set by what your truck sells for: a truck that sells for $150,000 pays 7% of $150,000, or $10,500.

Question 13

Do you buy trucks outright, or take trade-ins?

Accepted Answer

We don't take trade-ins. We do sometimes buy a truck outright when it fits what we're looking for, so it's always worth asking. Tell us about your truck by phone at 1-866-310-2077, through our contact form or with the listing form, and if it meets our needs we'll make you an offer. If it doesn't, we can still list it and find you a buyer.

Question 14

Can I chat with buyers directly?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We vet every buyer first, and then we connect you. You can chat via your dashboard, email, or by phone, whichever you prefer.

Question 15

How long does it take to sell?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the vehicle and price, but when priced right, apparatus moves fast. Here's how 2026 is looking so far, based on trucks that have sold or been placed on deposit:

Question 16

Who handles shipping?

Accepted Answer

Generally the buyer is responsible for shipping costs. We work with the buyer and our logistics partners to make it happen! Use the calculator below to get a ballpark figure:

Question 17

Is the listing exclusive?

Accepted Answer

No, it's not. You can list on other platforms or sell on your own at any time. That said, if you want to go exclusive with us, we can offer a lower commission. Just reach out!

Question 18

How long can I list my vehicle?

Accepted Answer

You can keep it listed as long as you like, whether a day or a year. But we'll work with you to help it sell sooner!

Question 19

Do you help with pricing?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Once you submit your listing, our team will reach out to discuss your vehicle's value and help you price it competitively. We also offer various tools to help guide you throughout the listing process, like our Instant Value tool at fentonfire.com/appraisals for an AI-powered estimate in seconds, or a personal appraisal by request.

Question 20

Why should I work with Fenton?

Accepted Answer

With 20+ years in business, a 5-star Google rating, and 50+ years of combined firefighting experience, we know fire apparatus inside and out. We handle all inquiries, vet every buyer, and give your listing maximum exposure to a national audience of 40,000+ monthly visitors.

Question 21

Do you help with loose equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We can help you sell anything fire, rescue, or EMS related.

Question 22

Can I list apparatus that is still in service?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many departments list apparatus in advance of their replacement unit arriving. Just note the expected availability date in your listing description.

Question 23

How do I get paid?

Accepted Answer

Under most circumstances we recommend a direct transaction between both parties, as 3rd party transaction costs can be high. Doing a direct transfer from municipality to municipality via ACH or wire transfer is a safe and affordable way to handle payment.

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