REFER Trailer longevity

A friend of mine has 2 utilitys with carrier units on them and both have about 17,000 hours on them and no problem. Not a lot of info but hope it helps

 

Yeah right, blame the California emission standards. They have to drag the reefer engine manufacturers kicking and screaming into the future. I also haul one of those noisey things, and figured that the best thing to do on a budget is to get an older trailer with a new motor. Problem is I can't find many refeers on the web, and some prices are silly. I find used trailer selling for more than a 2010 Utility, which sells for $57 thousand (and the 2010 model has big advantages in terms of suspension design). I've learned that a new motor costs $12 grand, which isn't bad for a seven year investment, come to think of it.

 

try penske. my friend has bought two trailers from there and has had good success with them. however we both live in fl. If you do decide to buy a old trailer and retrofit it with a new reefer, think about these costs:

Cost of reefer
Cost of installing it
Cost of labor
Cost of trailer

KH

 

Well, right. Another problem with old trailers is that they are energy leakers. The newer trailers are stuffed with foam insulation and heavy rubber seals around the doors and such. Putting a new motor on an old energy inefficient trailer is a good way to lose money on fuel.

 

hey KH how much did your friend paid for them? What year and model? low hrs? I'm just about to become O/O and planning buying a refer...a

By the way, how are you doing? Doing all right with trucking, enjoyng?
I'm from Orlando FL (currently transfered my CDL to CO just for working propouses...yo know FL kind of sucks for rookies...) and I've been following your journey as well as Jasontherock, Pharm...you guys are awsome and contribute a lot to this online community...Keep rocking and active around!
Best regards!

 

Mine is a 2001 Dane super seal and my reefer fuel cost is only .01 cents per mile. Stockton hauler, technicaly you are correct about older trailers being less efficiant, however the cost is insignificant. I'll take a structauly sound $25,000 trailer over a new $60,000 one anyday. IMO, sunshine and hot temps drive up fuel costs more than anything.

 

That was my thoughts too. I go through much more reefer fuel in sunny high temps.

 

I think around 15,000. I have seen some good trailer prices around. Just look around and you'll see what I mean.

KH