Cost to repair dry van trailer side panels

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by audax81, Apr 25, 2020.

  1. audax81

    audax81 Bobtail Member

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    I'm considering buying a 2015 Great Dane dry van but it did tip over on its side, so one side has some damage. It appears to be cosmetic, but if I do need to replace the side panels, what's a ballpark figure for how much it costs to replace a panel?
     
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  3. buddyd157

    buddyd157 Road Train Member

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    i hope you have that trailer fully inspected, measured, to make sure it is square, otherwise, you'd be buying scrap metal.
     
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  4. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    Yeppers, Alignment would be a much bigger concern than a hole or two on the side.

    As for your question, depends on how much you want to spend. As low as $20, up to several thousand. Slapping that rubber foil tape stuff will make it sound, if ugly.
    Cutting out just the hole and riveting a patch is much cheaper than a full panel, looks better than foil patch, but is still obviously a fix.
    Then there is cutting out the whole panel and redoing it, which isn't cheap and usually overkill.
     
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  5. Vijay2020

    Vijay2020 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 30, 2020
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    How much does it cost to replace full panel on 53 ft dry van
     
  6. Dino soar

    Dino soar Road Train Member

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    My own opinion is that it's just better to buy something that's in good shape.

    Even if you get something like I did, something older that needs mechanical repairs that are straightforward, but overall is good and solid.

    I looked into replacing those panels before, and I don't remember the cost but it takes two guys to do it so I would imagine it's pretty labor-intensive in addition to the panels and the rivets.

    You really would have to call the dealer and ask what they would charge for that.

    But I would stay away from something that's been flipped over.
     
  7. Vijay2020

    Vijay2020 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 30, 2020
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    The scratches repair cost and what’s that part name on dry van 52 ft
     

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  8. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    That's not the panel, that's part of the frame and not cheap. If it's an insurance clam because you were hit take it to a trailer shop and get an estimate. If it's a trailer you are buying, just ignore it, or take a Dremel and polish it up so it doesn't look bad if it bothers you. It's not a structural problem, just a visual one.
     
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  9. GraniteRiver

    GraniteRiver Light Load Member

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    Its about $1500 per panel
     
  10. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    That’s pretty common damage. Not worth worrying about.
     
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