Opinions on new vs used flatbeds.

Never figure tax depreciation when weighing cost. You are basically spending $17k to save $3-4K. I’m not saying don’t take the tax savings, but don’t base your purchase on how much you’ll save in taxes, the math never works.

All that said, we tend to buy used trucks, but new trailers. The trailer just takes the brunt of abuse in the combination, and everybody seems to take care of their trucks, but the trailers get neglected.

 

We just got some new extreme trailers. The step deck can hold 80k in 8 feet or 120k max. It can also scale 48k with a stretched t660 pulling it. Pretty impressed with the frame construction and weight. We previously only bought reitenours, but these are pretty great

 

We just bought a few extreme trailers. I’m impressed with our new step deck in particular. It is a triple axle that holds 80k in 8 feet, 120k max. The impressive part is we can scale 48k using a stretched kw t660. The construction is the thickest aluminum frame I’ve ever seen. The boss just ordered a 53’ for me this week. I currently pull a reitenour. Extremes are pricey, reitenour would be my choice for used.

 

My fathers justification on buying a new car over a used car was this

So you buy a used 4 year old car for half the price of a new one.

But you bought the back half of the lifespan of the car.

So why not buy the best 1/2 for the same price.

 

We used to believe a used trailer was just a frame and airlines and the tires, brakes

since it is his first truck, justifying a new trailer is a tough sell. Took us 5 years to justify new trailers, we still buy Pete’s for 20k and flip them haha. The good thing about new trailers is guaranteeing even tire wear and being able to spec them for your customers needs. The best advice for a new operators is to keep Equipment costs low and learn to fix it yourself. Get established before buying nice stuff

 

I always go used. Don't like the idea of paying FET. BUT I did just buy a 14 Reitenour maximiser, new Virgin tires, new brakes, 2 tool boxes, rear dump axle, 23k out the door. Idk. Imo. Do your research, inspect the crap out of the used trailer, and save your money

 

Ive pulled fontains for a couple years now. Some 53 steps and 48flats. Had a 2014 fontaine 48ft behind me for almost a year now , and i have put this thing thru hell and shes holding up just fine. Got rear ended couple months back which sucked , bent the dot bumper in but nothing crazy. Had bad luck with tires this year . Had some elctrical issues but i think thats more from running in the road salt crap. My favorite part is the rub rail is all one piece and part of the trailer rather than welded on to the stake pockets and spools

 

I'm picking up that same trailer this week, except with 3 boxes, dunnage tray, all aluminum wheels, front lift axle, 6 added winches and clips and an air gauge for less than $39,000. Base price was $27,500 with steel wheels and nothing else. Both prices included FET.

If you haven't already bought one, check Superior Trailer Sales. They're around Oklahoma and Texas.