Call 888-OK-SPARK

Mobile ad trucks and accessories. Since 2002.

Call 888-OK-SPARK

Mobile ad trucks and accessories. Since 2002.

Call 888-OK-SPARK

Mobile ad trucks and accessories. Since 2002.

Call 888-OK-SPARK

Mobile ad trucks and accessories. Since 2002.

Frequently Asked Questions

After seven years working with customers on six continents (none from Antarctica yet), Spark has fielded more questions about integrating advertising and mobility than we can count. Here is a list of common questions that our customers have asked. Feel free to call and discuss any of these questions or try out a new one on us.

You can download a pdf of this entier FAQ document or subscribe to an RSS feed of new and updated items by using the links in the sidebar at the right side of this page.

  • Doing business with Spark
  • About Spark
    Spark has been the leading supplier of custom mobile advertising truck bodies since 2002. The Spark team has delivered advertising truck bodies in hundreds of locations in the US and abroad.

    Spark partners with Hackney, a Division of VT Specialized Vehicle Corporation, to incorporate Admobile mobile advertising features into Hackney's industry-leading aluminum truck bodies. The company also partners with Unicell, the leader in tough fiberglass truck bodies. The combined resources of all Spark partners gives customers an unmatched choice in body styles, and unmatched peace of mind for Spark customers.

    Today, Spark offers the widest range of mobile advertising products available anywhere.

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  • Where are Spark products sold?
    Spark products are available from authorized Spark resellers and directly from Spark Truck Equipment LLC.

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  • General Questions
  • What is the difference between an MUV and a DAV?
    Spark invented the MUV, or "marketing utility vehicle", in 2006 as a response to growing inquiries from ordinary business owners who wanted to purchase trucks that could be used for general business delivery use, but could also display multi-image advertising. All Spark models are available in standard MUV configurations, with advertising display systems on two or three sides. MUV models offer internal walls that protect the multi-image ad display systems from shifting cargo inside the body.

    DAV stands for "dedicated advertising vehicle". Spark has made DAVs for over six years. A DAV is designed to do just one thing -- get attention. The standard configuration of all Spark models is a multi-purpose MUV configuration, but all can be ordered in a DAV configuration, with see-through sides, and advertising systems on all four sides of the body.Since its display systems are exposed to the interior of the truck body, a DAV is not suitable for general delivery use. Shifting cargo could interfere with the operation of the scrolling mechanisms.

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  • What's inside the body?
    It depends.

    If you are interested in a dedicated advertising vehicle, the interior is finished with smooth white walls and a carpeted floor. If you don't have any ad posters installed, you'll be able to look all the way through the body, which give you many creative options for showing three-dimensional displays. The ceiling is populated with light fixtures to flood the interior with light for the display area and to backlight the ad posters.

    If you're looking for one of our marketing utility vehicles, and need its ability to perform as a working truck, the interior is totally isolated from the advertising displays. Spark is the first and only manufacturer to offer exterior access to the advertising systems, so even if your truck is full of tools and cargo, you can simply walk up to the truck, flip open a door, and change the ads. It's a patent-pending feature that's only available from Spark.
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  • How much usable space is inside the body?
    DAV models have enough space inside to serve as a remote broadcast booth, or become a rolling storefront window. The MUV models have a cavernous interior cargo capacity that is only diminished by six-inches on each side to accommodate the display units.

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  • How do you get into the back of the truck?
    All Spark truck bodies feature fully opening rear doors. Admobile offers standard dual barn doors. Roll up doors are optional on Aerocell models. Return to Questions
  • Is there a video camera in the back of the truck so I can monitor the operation of the display mechanism?
    No.

    We have to admit being stumped by this question the first couple of times it was asked. Then we learned that other DAV scrolling systems used a particular brand of zip-tape to join their scrolling posters together. It was common for their zip-lock systems to come undone as temperatures rose in the backs of their truck bodies. Video cameras were installed to notify the driver if the scrolling posters separated.

    Spark uses a non-proprietary plastic zipper system that has been used in scrolling outdoor advertising applications for twenty years. The posters do not come apart unless they are specifically unzipped. The Spark zippers have an adhesive back, but the adhesive is designed for high temperatures. Spark customers receive a list of approved printing vendors that will print the posters, securely affix the zippers, and deliver the finished posters for a very reasonable cost.

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  • Truck Chassis Questions
  • Can I supply my own chassis?
    Yes. Spark offers body-only or complete truck pricing on all models.

    Most customers purchase a complete, turnkey unit with a brand new truck chassis entirely from Spark. The price that Spark typically charges for the truck chassis is usually dealer invoice price, plus the customer keeps all applicable incentives and rebates. If you believe that you can obtain a new chassis for less money, feel free to have your local dealer drop ship the chassis to one of assembly centers.

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  • Will Spark mount a new body on a used chassis?
    Yes. You may be able to save a considerable amount of money by purchasing a gently used chassis. The Spark warranty will not cover your used chassis, and there may be an additional charge if a preowned chassis requires any repairs or prep work prior to the installation of the Spark body.

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  • Which truck chassis is best or most popular?
    For years, the Isuzu NPR series has been the best selling medium-duty chassis in all mobile advertising applications. GMC and Chevrolet also offer an identical model, called the W3500. It is ideal for all Admobile series bodies. Aerocell bodie are designed for van cutaway chassis, either Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana. Return to Questions
  • What is the fuel economy of the trucks?
    Fuel economy is similar to any commercial truck carrying an equivalent amount of weight. Chevy or GMC van chassis based models generally achieve 12-16 MPG, Isuzu gas NPR based models achieve 8-10 MPG, Isuzu diesel NPR based models achieve 12-14 MPG, and Dodge Sprinter based models achieve 13-17 MPG.

    Aerocell bodies achieve approximately 15 - 20% better fuel efficiency, due to the integrated aerodynamic fairing.

    Your mileage may vary.

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  • Scrolling System Questions
  • How many scrolling posters can each Spark system display?
    Spark offers different scrolling mechanisms depending on the body model. All scrolling systems can hold between 10 and 15 posters per side of the truck. Most customers prefer to install between 3 and 6 posters per side.

    The standard printing media is backlit film. It is also possible to print ads on paper or vinyl.
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  • How are the posters installed?
    Posters zip together using a non-proprietary heavy-duty plastic zipper system. The first and last poster on a roll are zipped to a special leader strip, which is securely attached to the motor-driven rollers.

    Spark's MUV bodies all feature display systems that are accessed from the outside. Ads are installed while standing next to the truck, which offers the benefit of not having to unload any cargo just to change an ad. The DAV configurations of models allow ads to be installed from the outside of the truck, like the MUV models, or from the interior of the truck as well.

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  • How are the ads illuminated?
    Spark has continuously advanced the state of the art in mobile advertising lighting systems. The company was the first to offer 12V DC fluorescent lighting, and was the first to use high-output lighting. For 2008, Spark introduced a patent-pending LED backlighting panel, which consumes less power than any other mobile advertising lighting system, yet offers very bright even backlighting.

    The brilliance and vivid nighttime appearance causes many viewers to mistake the systems for big-screen plasma TVs.

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  • What kind of computer is used to control the scrolling system?
    All Spark scrolling systems incorporate a solid state logic board, but there is no computer needed to program or operate any of the Spark systems.

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  • How are the posters affected by extreme heat or cold?
    All of Spark's scrolling display systems are designed for outdoor use and operate in all climate conditions.

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  • Will the rear display continue scrolling when the door is open?
    Yes.

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  • Customer Support
  • Tell me about the warranty.
    The Hackney and Unicell truck bodies are covered under a five-year limited warranty. The warranty covers parts and labor to repair defects in workmanship and failed components in the body. The body structure, display systems and components are included. Wear items, items added by the owner, and items not properly maintained are not covered.

    Electronics and scrolling system components are covered by a one-year parts-only warranty.
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  • How is warranty service obtained?
    Warranty support is provided directly from the body manufacturer. Requests for warranty service are required in writing, preferably by email.

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  • Do I have to return my truck to the factory for service?
    No. Local warranty service is available in all metropolitan areas of greater than 100,000 population (and many others) through authorized service providers.

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  • Are spare parts available?
    Yes.

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  • Is training provided?
    Each MUV or DAV comes with a comprehensive users guide. On site training is not included in the purchase price, but is available. The systems are designed to be easily understood, long lasting, and reliable.

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  • Financing
  • Does Spark offer financing?
    Spark works with a number of financing and leasing providers. Typical rates are approximately 2% higher than you might expect to pay at your local bank. However, traditional local banks may require substantial additional documentation to become comfortable loaning you money to purchase a specialty vehicle.

    Spark financing partners do not require unusual loan documentation or business plans as they already understand the unique nature of the Spark vehicles and are eager to do business with you.

    The Spark credit application is available here.

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  • What types of financial programs are offered?
    Spark's preferred lenders are leasing companies, and offer a choice of programs with terms that range from 24 months to 84 months. Some programs have a guaranteed lease-end-value, while others offer a guaranteed $1 purchase option at the end of the term. The $1 purchase option, while offered through a leasing company, is considered purchase financing for tax purposes, and the vehicle can be capitalized and depreciated.

    Check with your CPA or accountant to determine which option is best for you.

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  • Truck body production
  • Where are the bodies manufactured?
    All of the mobile advertising bodies that Spark sells are designed and prototyped at Spark facilities in Alabama and Georgia. After new designs pass prototyping and are approved for production, they are assembled by Spark's manufacturing partners at multiple facilities located throughout the United States and Canada.

    All bodies are manufactured and assembled entirely in the United States of America.
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  • Is delivery available?
    Yes. Nationwide — or international — delivery is available from independent carriers. It is not included in the purchase price.
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  • Printing & designing ads
  • How are the ads printed?
    The scrolling posters are printed on paper, vinyl, or film. None of the Spark systems require proprietary media, and you are never required to purchase your printing or supplies from Spark, although those services are available at very attractive rates.
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  • What is the cost to produce an ad?
    Generally, high quality printing on backlit film, with a compatible zipper system costs between $3 - $7 per square foot, delivered.

    The price never includes the cost of professional creative design, which is available separately. If you do not have a relationship with a local graphic designer, Spark can introduce you to talented artists who will design your ads on a freelance basis. Typical cost is around $150 - $200 per ad for the creative design work.

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  • Can I design the ads myself?
    Of course. Ads are usually created with common graphics software applications such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.
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  • Business & operations issues
  • What is the best way to use the trucks?
    Most Spark customers purchase the trucks to use as general purpose business vehicles. They use the multi-image advertising space to promote their own business or services. Many owners rent at least half the ad space to their best clients or sell advertising to other local businesses.

    There are many strategies that can help Spark truck owners turn their trucks into profit centers for their business. Refer to the Spark blog section of this web site for helpful information.

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  • I want to start a mobile advertising company. Which business model should I follow?
    If you intend to start a mobile advertising business, you'll find there are at least four different business models that are effective and can generate sizable revenue. The exact same four models can also lead to crushing financial loss. The Spark blog offers reviews and commentary on this topic.

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  • Does Spark offer training, consulting, or seminars?
    Yes. Call for details.

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  • Do the trucks come with GPS systems?
    GPS (global positioning satellite) systems are not standard, but are available.

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  • Why would I want a GPS system?
    If you do not intend to sell any of the ad space on your marketing truck, you do not need a GPS system.

    If ad sales are a major component of your plan, you should consider adding a GPS to guarantee proof of performance for your advertising clients. The GPS is a black box, hidden somewhere in the truck that tracks all of the vehicle's activity. Most GPS units can log the vehicle's location and speed every few minutes and present that information visually through a web-based interface. The GPS is not an on-board navigation system and does not have a screen.

    It's important to note that GPS systems typically use a cellular telephone network to report their data to you. Spark has no knowledge of which cellular network offers the best coverage in your city, and if you purchase your GPS unit as a Spark-installed option, you may discover that it does not work well in your city, or may have a software interface that you are not comfortable working with.

    A better option is for you to research which GPS system has the combination of features, coverage, and pricing that best matches your needs. The GPS service providers often offer free installation at your location.

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  • Do any Spark models require a commercial driver's license?
    A commercial driver's license, or "CDL", is required only for trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating (GWVR) in excess of 26,000 pounds. None of the trucks listed on this web site have a weight rating in excess of 26,000 pounds.
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  • Advertising sales concerns
  • What do other truck owners charge for their ad space?
    The advertising rates vary widely.

    Some owners charge over $1000 per week for each individual ad (on just one side). Others give the space away as an incentive for their best clients in another business. The overall range of prices is from $50 per week for a single ad to over $1000 for the same space. It is highly dependent on the specific program that you offer the advertiser, the exposure that you can deliver and the sales ability of the person selling the advertising. Operating in a small city does not necessarily assure lower rates than larger markets.

    Many of our owners report that they charge between $400 - $600 per week for a single ad face (on only one side). This is typically for owners that do not display more than three ads per side at any given time.


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  • Will Spark help me sell the ad space?
    No. If you are not eager to sell the advertising space yourself, look into building a relationship with agencies that specialize in brokering advertising on fleet vehicles. Media buying services and local advertising agencies may not be as helpful as you would hope. You will have a very limited amount of advertising space to sell, which may not make it worthwhile for agencies to recommend your ad space to their best clients.

    As a rule, if you seek to build a mobile advertising business, you must be capable of selling the ad space yourself.

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