When is it time to replace a trailer?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Wildcat74, Mar 18, 2011.

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  1. Mar 18, 2011 #1
    Wildcat74

    Wildcat74 Medium Load Member

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    I know trailers should have a decent arch to them but beyond that going away what other indicators are there that a trailer's productive days are in its' past? It is hard to believe how cheap some of the used dry vans go, what kinds of things typically go bad on these things that warrant the low price?
     
    Wildcat74, Mar 18, 2011
    Wildcat74, Mar 18, 2011
    #1
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  3. Mar 18, 2011 #2
    BigBadBill

    BigBadBill Bullishly Optimistic

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    Good question, when I bought mine I decided to go with an '06 that had new tires, brakes, air lines and was in good condition. What I have learned about having an older trailer is that interior condition will keep you from some loads. So you have those repairs.

    Also, leaks. The amount of repairs I saw on older trailers for leaks was amazing.
     
    BigBadBill, Mar 18, 2011
    BigBadBill, Mar 18, 2011
    #2
    Wildcat74 Thanks this.
  4. Mar 18, 2011 #3
    stranger

    stranger Road Train Member

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    This is usually a pretty good sign that your trailer needs replacing.:biggrin_25523:

    [​IMG]
     
    stranger, Mar 18, 2011
    stranger, Mar 18, 2011
    #3
    outerspacehillbilly Thanks this.
  5. Mar 19, 2011 #4
    AUSSIE DAVE

    AUSSIE DAVE Road Train Member

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    I just bought a 1984 flat top, because of several reasons, the age of a flat top trailer does not matter in the work i do, as long as it is structually and mechanicly sound it could be 3 years old or 30 years old and the 30 year old one could be in better condition. so for me the time to sell will be when my trailer is no longer suitable for the work i do, and that would only be if I start hauling different freight that i require a different trailer.
     
    AUSSIE DAVE, Mar 19, 2011
    AUSSIE DAVE, Mar 19, 2011
    #4
  7. Mar 19, 2011 #5
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Here's my take on the subject. Trailers take a hell-o of a beating, right ? Always outside in the elements, possibly hauling heavy loads daily, running 150-250,000 miles a year, getting fork lift traffic inside, the frame constantly flexing while cruising down the interstate, I mean eventually they wear out. Shop rates are what, $85 an hr.? A few repairs at that price and I would be thinking to spend a little more and get a better/newer trailer.
     
    Allow Me., Mar 19, 2011
    Allow Me., Mar 19, 2011
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    Gears Thanks this.
  8. Mar 19, 2011 #6
    Donk

    Donk Have a Cup Of Concrete

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    even our vand have chassis under them, so really, our building methods are not comparable..
     
    Donk, Mar 19, 2011
    Donk, Mar 19, 2011
    #6
  9. Mar 19, 2011 #7
    AUSSIE DAVE

    AUSSIE DAVE Road Train Member

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    oh didn't realise that, learnt something new. thanks
     
    AUSSIE DAVE, Mar 19, 2011
    AUSSIE DAVE, Mar 19, 2011
    #7
  10. Mar 19, 2011 #8
    outerspacehillbilly

    outerspacehillbilly "Instigator of the Legend"

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    When it looks like this it;s time to replace it! :biggrin_25523:
    Sorry I couldn't help myself.

    [​IMG]
     
    outerspacehillbilly, Mar 19, 2011
    outerspacehillbilly, Mar 19, 2011
    #8
    Gears Thanks this.
  11. Mar 19, 2011 #9
    bulldozerbert

    bulldozerbert Medium Load Member

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    hahaha, I was gonna post the same..........
     
    bulldozerbert, Mar 19, 2011
    bulldozerbert, Mar 19, 2011
    #9
  12. Mar 19, 2011 #10
    Donk

    Donk Have a Cup Of Concrete

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    one thing to remember, is everything out here is built to withstand the outback, where most usa built stuff is built with a finite life expectancy to create unit replacement.. just like newer washing machines and etc.
     
    Donk, Mar 19, 2011
    Donk, Mar 19, 2011
    #10
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