53' stepdeck - NEW or USED ??

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by dannythetrucker, Jun 29, 2013.

  1. dannythetrucker

    dannythetrucker Road Train Member

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    I'm stepdeck shopping, running into the same thing I saw about a year and a half ago when I bought my first trailer. It seems like the used market is overvalued, I'm seeing a lot of trailers about 10 years old still bringing close to 20k. New however, I see inventory reductions sales and very competitive pricing. A little over 30k will get you a basic 53' step, like these

    http://www.truckpaper.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=4409713
    http://www.truckpaper.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=4113397

    This seems like a no-brainer to me, get new, run for 8-10 years, sell to somebody else for 18-20k. right ? I'm having a hard time getting my banker to see this logic though. Am I missing something ? I showed her how the 2004 I bought last year I've already dumped enough money into I could have just gotten a new one, but she still insists buying used is smart business. Should I follow her advice or seek financing elsewhere ?
     
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  3. Cluck Cluck

    Cluck Cluck LTL Wizard

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  4. allan5oh

    allan5oh Road Train Member

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    Those trailers won't be worth 20k in 10 years. It all depends on the brand and the specs. Those are probably very heavy trailers.
     
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  5. Oscar the KW

    Oscar the KW Going Tarpless

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    The smart money is probably on the used trailers, try to find one that has had wheel bearings, s-cams/shafts, brakes, drums, etc that has been done recently. Obviously check the entire frame and crossmembers for cracks and or repairs, especially in the neck area. Finding one that has been sandblasted and painted would also be a bonus.

    I am not sure what your plans for your business are, stay at two trucks or keep growing? Myself if I was going to stay with just the two trucks and driving one of them myself I would lean towards a new trailer. If you are planning to keep growing I would buy used for now.
     
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  6. BigJls1

    BigJls1 Medium Load Member

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    Danny be patient, those used trailers you are seeing are listed at those prices, I see very very few selling that high. I bought mine three years ago, a 2006 fontaine and was in the exact same boat your in. was about to give up and on commercial truck trader the add poped up for this trailer at 18k. no pic. probably why it was still there. he sent me pics and we drove to chula vista and paid his full price. took 6 months to find the right deal.
     
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  7. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    you might look for auctions too.

    around here. once every quarter there's machinary and what not that gets auctioned off. sometimes they'll have a trailer or two also.

    if i would have had 6g at the auction i went to. i'd have my own trailer already.

    on our local new websight, (whch also has classifieds). someone in kimberly idaho has quite a bit of ads listed. a few of them are trailers around 10G.
     
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  8. Cluck Cluck

    Cluck Cluck LTL Wizard

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    I'm looking to buy another trailer as well I'm torn between a flat and a step
     
  9. Oscar the KW

    Oscar the KW Going Tarpless

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    If you decide to buy a flat let me know, I have one I won't be needing anymore.
     
  10. Cluck Cluck

    Cluck Cluck LTL Wizard

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    Let me guess reitnour 48'?
     
  11. BAYOU

    BAYOU Road Train Member

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    ive had about five offers on my stepdeck only bad thing is i would just have to buy another cant pull my big trucks on my flats
     
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