Since 1964, the Hess Toy Truck has been an annual tradition of collectible holiday toys. For years, families on the east coast would look forward to the reveal of the annual Hess Toy Truck – which hasn’t always been “a truck,” but a high-quality vehicle offered at a great price and wrapped-up in signature green giftwrap, ready to roll for the holidays. Because it was an east coast thing, we’d missed out on it since we didn’t have Hess Express gas stations here in the Midwest, but we really started getting into these around five years ago – ironically, just a year or so before Hess sold-off their gas stations. While the stores may be gone, the tradition of the truck lives on, and every year on November 1, a new Hess Toy Truck becomes available exclusively on HessToyTruck.com. We recently got our hands on the 2017 Hess Dump Truck and Loader (sent to us for review), and after seeing the girls eagerly crack it open, it’s easy to see why it’s a top pick in my annual Holiday Wish Guide™!
The built-in LED lighting is one of my favorite features of the Hess Toy Truck, and this year is certainly no exception. The lights are bright, and the sound is impressive – it doesn’t sound like a toy, which is something I’ve noticed for a few years now. Our youngest daughter, Finley, is our resident toy truck enthusiast, and she gives each one a personality and a voice – very much like she does with her dolls and action figures, and it’s adorable. She uses them to work together – showing teamwork – as they keep her play city running strong!
Dump Truck features:
- 26 total lights that work in flash or steady mode, including super bright LED headlights
- Button activated hydraulic powered dumping action with sound effect
- 3 additional button-activated sound effects (ignition, horn, back-up)
- Fold down tailgate / pull-out ramp
- Free-rolling wheels
- Chrome accents
- 3 Energizer ‘AA’ Batteries included
Loader features:
- Motorized track drive (forward and reverse)
- Independently rotating cab
- 8 lights that work in steady mode
- Extending boom and excavator arm with jointed, rotating bucket
- Chrome accents
- 2 Energizer ‘AA’ Batteries included
With each passing year, we look forward to the surprise that comes with a new truck to add to our collection, and when the girls play, it becomes a busy scene at Rock Father HQ. The Hess Dump Truck and Loader have taken their place in the fleet. What will they accomplish today? That’s for the imagination of a child to decide!
The 2017 Hess Toy Truck is available while supplies last at HessToyTruck.com. It’s pictured here with the ReadySetz Urban Playset, which I reviewed here. As always, I cannot stress enough that if you want these – buy them right away. Supplies are limited, and when they’re gone, they’re gone.
