mercer transportation

I have to decide to buy, or pass, on this Reitnouer trailer by Saturday (my deadline, not theirs). Any comments on pros or cons of 2006 Reitnouer Big Bubba? Currently have a Utility that was leased from the company and paid off, I'm sure this will reduce my empty weight but at the moment I'm loaded and not able to drop my trailer and take this one to get weighed.

 

Is it a step? Otherwise I don't see the point. Unless you plan on buying another truck

 

No, it's a 48x102 flat. Advantages for me are ability to take more loads to western Canada. Return loads are usually 48,000 and I can only scale 46,800 with current trailer. I like running out that way and from my starting point in the east there are steady loads out there paying well, but a spread axle can't take them. Then there's the issue of less tire wear with a closed tandem, a noticeable benefit, along with less problem with rust from road salt since I spend all winter running northern states and Canada (because majority of drivers will avoid that area). There a lot of reasons that all add up to a significant difference between what I have, and what I want. Double pipe spools are more useful than single ones, the attachment plates for chains and straps allow more choice of tie down location, all those little things. Resale value stays higher much longer than a Utility. I'm getting it about $8K under market value due to "circumstances" of owner.

Plus it will be nice to see a trailer that has an arch in it even with a 48K coil on it. I have 37K on now, in 32 feet, and have a negative arch which most Utility's seem to have. That doesn't inspire confidence in me with more concentrated loads.

 

Sounds like your convienced, just want assurance.
I always like newer lighter equipment but payments can sure take the fun out it.

 

I can't say I'm happy with my utility, one of the first loads I did on it was sheer sheeting they loaded 24,000 on one side and looked like the trailer was going to flip over it twist and flexas bad.

 

no payments, have cashiers check in hand. sell other trailer once this is ready to hit the road and will only cost a couple thousand.

 

Now that's the way to buy "cash"

Lighter trailer is a big advantage. I know alot of loads get passed by Mercer drivers because to heavy. If you can scale 48K, that could sure payback quick.

 

Yeah, cash makes a big difference, I got the price down a lot that way. Plenty of people wanted the trailer but all want to put down a thousand, even five hundred, and make payments. Family needs money now.

48K is the magic number in some locations, especially mining and timberlands. Many of them won't cut back at all, it's non-negotiable. What I like is the guys who say no way I'm hauling 48K, 46K is all I'm doing (but that puts them at 80K gross). So you're still at 80K with a lighter trailer, and the rest of the time your 2000lb lighter on every load. But that's part of the ability to make our own decisions at Mercer, nobody holding your hand.

I just changed my search parameters to 48K even though I'm not running the trailer for a few more weeks. I see several loads at 48K within 30 miles of my destination. Now I'll deadhead 250miles to pick up a load instead. Now that I've "moved up" to a Reitnouer, maybe I'll get crazy and find a good deal on a Pete!

 

You'll be back in the heavy class than

 

I could be wrong here, but I thought those big bubbas were heavy. I've talked to a couple mercer guys that have them and they said they went up in weight compared to the trailer they got from mercer