Opinions on new vs used flatbeds.

couple things about new trailers

1st they come with new tires and brakes So figure that is worth $5k

2nd the additional depreciation on the $17k difference is worth money depending on your tax situation - even in 20% tax bracket that would be $3-4K

3rd no one but you will have pulled and mistreated that trailer - so you will get additional life out of the trailer.

4th the financing on new equipment is usually friendlier in terms of rate and terms. Your mileage may vary depending on your credit situation.

last, If you sell or trade that trailer at some point in the future, you will capture part of the $17k difference in the form of retained value. Selling a 6 year newer trailer is just worth more. If you keep the trailer so long that the values are the same then you got your money’s worth and it doesn’t matter.


So there is the case for new

I almost always go new

 

ABS---How many modulators?
Number off sensors?
Charge for boxes and lift on the front axle?
What extra's on the secondhand units?
Can your cashflow handle either off those purchases?

 

I’ve ran a Fontaine 48 flatbed back in 06, the flaw I always hated, was the stiff mud flaps, if you backed up to get your hood as far back and the curb was at an angle or you just touched it, you just tore a mud flaps off, so you get to put that back on.
I was going to stop for a 2 hour nap, but instead I’ll just go stand in the heat and fix a mud flap.

The company I had also used a 48’102 “California Spread” so the rear axle was at 45’ instead of all the way back with 3’ overhang passed rear of trailer.
That was good, but you had to be careful loading, as to much weight right there would through you over axle.

Fontaine flatbed was a good one, held up good, just get ready to change the mud flaps to rubber instead of that hard plastic one.

 

A CA spread axle is also referred to as a CA - FL legal spread. It refers to the distance from the king pin to the center of the rear axle. CA & FL require that distance to be 41 feet. A traditional spread axle is longer than 41 feet from these two points.


A 10’/1" spread axle is
legal in California. The maximum weight allowed for a 10’/1” tandem
would be 40,000 lbs. Also, if the trailer is over 48 feet, you would need
to maintain a 40' king pin to rear axle setting in order to comply with CA length laws.

 

the KP restriction does not apply to trailers 48’ and under. Trailers over 48’ must meet the KP law in CA.

California has some routes restricted to 65’ OAL length and the 48’ trailers can get caught up in those areas