1998 Emergency One Fire Truck Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

The Good

Key advantages of the 1998 E-One Fire Truck include its heavy-duty performance, capable of pumping thousands of gallons per minute, and legendary build quality ensuring reliability under extreme conditions. Its purpose-driven design prioritizes functionality and safety for firefighters. While not "comfortable" by car standards, the cabin is engineered for crew efficiency. For practical buyers, its longevity offers tremendous long-term value, and emotionally, it represents a vital tool for community protection, inspiring trust and confidence.

The Bad

Known weaknesses for a 1998 E-One Fire Truck often include aging electrical systems, especially regarding siren/light controllers and communication equipment. Rust can be a significant issue on the frame and body if not meticulously maintained, particularly in regions with harsh winters. Mechanical wear on pump components, such as seals and valves, due to extensive use, is also common. Parts for such custom vehicles can be expensive and sometimes harder to source.

1998 Emergency One Fire Truck: Quick Overview

• Engine Options: The 1998 E-One Fire Truck typically utilized large displacement diesel engines from manufacturers like Detroit Diesel, Cummins, or Caterpillar. Common options included the Detroit Diesel Series 60, Cummins M11, or Caterpillar C12. These engines were chosen for their robust torque output and reliability, essential for powering heavy apparatus and pump systems.


• Horsepower: Depending on the specific engine and configuration, horsepower generally ranged from approximately 330 to over 500 hp. For instance, a Detroit Diesel Series 60 could offer around 475 hp, while a Cummins M11 might be found with 370-450 hp. Torque figures were substantial, often exceeding 1,200 lb-ft.


• Fuel Economy: Fuel economy for a vehicle of this size and purpose is not measured in the conventional consumer sense. These trucks consume significant amounts of fuel, typically in the range of 3-6 miles per gallon (MPG) during active service or transit, varying greatly with pump operation, load, and terrain.


• 0-60 Times: 0-60 mph times are not a relevant performance metric for fire apparatus and are not typically published. These vehicles are designed for heavy-duty hauling and rapid response, not acceleration. However, a fully loaded pumper might take 25-40 seconds or more to reach 60 mph under ideal conditions, focusing on controlled acceleration rather than speed.


• Towing Capacity: While not designed for conventional towing, these trucks have immense carrying capacity for water (500-1,500+ gallons), equipment, and crew. They are often rated for Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR) between 35,000 lbs and 60,000 lbs, showcasing their robust structural integrity.


• Trim-Level Features: "Trim levels" for fire trucks relate to their chassis series and specialized equipment. Key features for a 1998 E-One might include:
  • Chassis: E-One Hurricane or Cyclone II custom chassis, known for heavy-duty construction.
  • Pump: Hale or Waterous centrifugal pumps, typically 1,250 to 2,000 GPM (gallons per minute).
  • Water Tank: Polypropylene or stainless steel tanks, ranging from 500 to 1,500 gallons.
  • Foam System: Integrated Class A or Class B foam systems for enhanced firefighting capabilities.
  • Aerial Device: For aerials, ladders ranging from 75 to 100 feet or more, with pre-piped waterways.
  • Storage: Extensive compartmentation with roll-up or hinged doors, often custom-fitted for specific tools.
  • Lighting: Full emergency lighting packages (light bars, scene lights), air horns, and electronic sirens.
  • Seating: SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) ready seating for up to six firefighters.
  • Safety: ABS brakes, air brakes, sometimes early forms of electronic stability control (though rare in 1998).
  • PTO: Power Take-Off systems to run auxiliary equipment and the fire pump.

1998 Emergency One Fire Truck Specifications

Vehicle History Report

What Problems Does the 1998 Emergency One Fire Truck Have?

• Electrical System Issues: As these trucks operate numerous auxiliary systems (pumps, lights, sirens, communications, scene lighting), the complex 12V and sometimes 24V electrical systems are prone to issues. Worn wiring, corroded connections, failing relays, and circuit breakers are common. Problems with the vehicle's multiplexing systems (if equipped) can also arise, leading to intermittent operational failures of various components.


• Pump System Wear: The heart of a pumper is its fire pump. After decades of use, pump seals, impellers, and relief valves can wear out, leading to reduced efficiency or leaks. Regular pump testing and maintenance are crucial to identify and address these issues before they become critical. Primer pump failures are also common.


• Rust and Corrosion: Steel frames, body panels, and especially water tank cradles are highly susceptible to rust, particularly in areas exposed to road salt or ocean air. Compartment floors and door frames often show signs of corrosion. This can compromise structural integrity and lead to expensive repairs or even render the truck unsafe. Aluminum body parts generally fare better but can still suffer from galvanic corrosion where they meet steel.


• Air Brake System Wear: Components like air compressors, dryers, air lines, and brake chambers endure significant wear. Air leaks are common, leading to slow air build-up or brake system malfunctions.


• Engine and Transmission Aging: While built for durability, high-mileage diesel engines and heavy-duty automatic transmissions (like Allison) will eventually require significant overhaul or replacement. Issues can range from fuel injector problems and turbocharger failures to transmission solenoid issues or complete transmission failure.


• Suspension Components: Heavy loads and rough roads contribute to wear on leaf springs, shock absorbers, and steering components, requiring regular inspection and replacement.


• Recalls: Specific recalls for 1998 E-One models would be very specific to batches, components, or minor manufacturing defects at the time. General recalls for common components like certain diesel engines or brake systems might apply, but there aren't broad, pervasive recalls for the entire 1998 E-One product line that stand out decades later. Any used purchase should include a diligent review of past maintenance records and recall completion.


• Parts Availability: Sourcing specialized components for a 25-year-old custom apparatus can become challenging and expensive. While many components are standard commercial truck parts, E-One-specific body parts or custom plumbing can be difficult to find new, often necessitating fabrication or used parts.

How long will the 1998 Emergency One Fire Truck last?

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

• Built-in Tech: The primary technological features revolved around the pumping system control panel, which included gauges for pressure, vacuum, water level, and flow meters. Early forms of electronic engine monitoring were present via dashboard lights and simple diagnostic codes. Siren and emergency light controllers were typically toggle switches or push-button panels. Communication tech included two-way radio systems (VHF/UHF), often installed as aftermarket additions. GPS was very rare and aftermarket in 1998, usually a handheld unit.


• Entertainment: Basic AM/FM radio with a cassette player was standard, if any "entertainment" was included at all. The focus was on operational readiness, not passenger comfort or media.


• Driver-Assistance: Driver-assistance features were virtually non-existent. These trucks relied heavily on the skill and training of the operator. Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) for air brakes were becoming more common and would have been an important safety feature on some models, aiding in preventing wheel lock-up during hard braking. Traction control or electronic stability control was not standard or common.


• Safety Features: Core safety features included:
  • Air Brakes: Standard on heavy apparatus for reliable stopping power.
  • Heavy-Duty Frame: Engineered to withstand significant forces and protect occupants.
  • Seat Belts: Three-point seat belts for all crew positions, often SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) ready.
  • Emergency Lighting & Sirens: High-visibility warning lights and powerful sirens for safe travel to incidents.
  • Roll-over Protection: While not "crash-test rated" like passenger cars, the cab structure was designed with a degree of roll-over protection due to its heavy-duty construction.
  • Scene Lighting: Powerful floodlights for illuminating incident scenes.


• Optional Features: Optional features included specific pump configurations, foam systems, power generators, various compartmentation layouts, different light bar options, and specialized communication equipment. Air conditioning was an optional comfort feature that became more common, especially in warmer climates.


• Crash-Test Ratings: Dedicated crash-test ratings for fire apparatus from agencies like NHTSA or IIHS do not exist. Fire trucks are tested against commercial vehicle standards for components, but not occupant crashworthiness in the same way passenger cars are. Their immense mass and rigid construction provide a different kind of occupant protection in many types of collisions compared to lighter vehicles, but also present unique hazards.

What Colors Options are Available?

1998 Emergency One Fire Truck Prices and Market Value

1998 Emergency One Fire Truck Cost of Ownership

1998 Emergency One Fire Truck Fuel Efficiency

1998 Emergency One Fire Truck Warranty

1998 Emergency One Fire Truck Insurance

How Does the 1998 Emergency One Fire Truck Compare to Other Commercial Vehicle?

• Performance: In terms of raw pumping performance, E-One was competitive with all rivals, offering standard pump capacities of 1250-2000 GPM. Engine options (Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Caterpillar) were largely common across the industry, so engine power output was comparable. Acceleration and handling, for such heavy vehicles, were also broadly similar among custom chassis manufacturers, prioritizing stability and robust construction over agility. E-One's custom chassis like the Hurricane and Cyclone II were highly regarded for their durability.


• Features: Feature sets, such as available water tank sizes, foam systems, compartmentation, and aerial device lengths, were very competitive. Manufacturers like Pierce often prided themselves on innovative compartment layouts and their proprietary TAK-4 independent suspension (though this was a later development for wider adoption). Seagrave was known for its extremely durable stainless steel bodies and chassis. E-One often stood out for its strong aluminum body construction and integrated custom cab/chassis designs. Ultimately, specific features were largely dictated by the purchasing department's custom specifications, with all major brands capable of delivering a wide array of options.


• Reliability: Reliability was a strong point for all these established manufacturers. E-One, Pierce, and Seagrave all built their reputations on creating durable, long-lasting apparatus. Long-term reliability concerns often depend more on individual department maintenance programs than inherent brand weaknesses, though some brands gained reputations for specific component robustness (e.g., Seagrave's stainless steel). However, as these trucks age, all will face similar issues with electrical systems, rust, and pump wear.


• Price: New prices in 1998 were competitive across these custom manufacturers. Departments typically sought bids, and pricing would reflect the highly customized nature of each build. Used prices today are also comparable, with condition, hours, and maintenance history being far greater determinants of value than the original brand name alone.

• 1990s Pierce Dash or Lance: Known for robust construction and widespread parts availability.
• 1990s Seagrave Maurader II or Capitol: Renowned for extreme durability, especially in corrosive environments.
• 1990s Spartan/Smeal Custom Chassis Pumpers: Offering similar engine and pump configurations.

Final Verdict: Is the 1998 Emergency One Fire Truck a Good Commercial Vehicle?

1998 Emergency One Fire Truck Owner Reviews

Eugene S

Eugene is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. As a writer at VINCheck.info, he brings deep industry insight and a passion for cars, helping readers make smart, informed decisions. Eugene has written hundreds of used car reviews and is known for breaking down complex automotive topics into clear, actionable advice. Over the years, he has driven and worked on a wide range of vehicles—starting with tuning street cars in his early days and eventually focusing on performance upgrades and reliability improvements. Today, he specializes in evaluating used vehicles through the lens of real-world ownership and enthusiast needs. A longtime fan of Porsche, Eugene especially appreciates vehicles that blend durability with driving enjoyment.