New reefer vs used, pros and cons revisited.

Point to consider---there are some pretty good used reefers out there---but you have to look close
Do not discount the mega's used trl's
While many may be used hard and abused---by virtue of how their d/h systems work some are barely broken in
Most mega's work their equipment on a monthly rotation---get new trailer and after set period of time it goes--no matter what condition......
It isn't unusual for some of these trailers to be put into service--loaded sent somewhere--dropped--unloaded and sit till reloaded
I had 4 different friends take their time--and find 3-4 y/old trls with less than 1k switch hours and and under 20k on hub---
Rare yes--but not impossible
Just a thought---o and BTW---they were located at dealers not from carrier's own sales

 

Where I work at, with about 150 trailers, the higher the trailer number, the newer the trailer. And the newer the trailer, the QUIETER the refer motor. Maybe it's improvements in sound insulation/access door design, but whatever it is, I like it. Motor mounts may be better these days as well. Even on stop/start, I can sleep all night with our newest Utility/T-K units, as the truck doesn't shake violently on start or stopping of refer motor.

 

I bought last year a Great Dane 2018 reefer 0 miles, with TK unit. I'm an O/O with one truck and 1 reefer. I take care of my equipment. 5 years warranty. To me having the peace of mind is priceless. having said that, you have to put in perspective what is worth for you, monthly payments of about 1200/ 1500 monthly or the risk of hauling ice cream and stressing? I think at the end is about what you prefer, that is all.
I used to own older reefers and I spent few times working on it or there was a few times that I had to take to the shop for repairs. If am not driving , I rather be with my family.

 

I started with a Reefer and have no regrets. I’m looking to add a 2nd one and will probably get new. Would also consider 2-3 year old with low hours

 

I like your quote there buddy after your reply! Happy retirement to ya!

 

I would go with used one. They sell used ones with 5000, 6000 on reefer for 35 grand. I currently renting from the company I work for but 4 5 months I planing to buy used one. To me it is not worth it to dash out 70 grand. Brand new refers break down too. If you buy used one I you have to do to to the TK/carrier get an intensive care after that it should be fine. Just make sure you buy from big carriers like cr England or something. They tend to service their staff

 

Well i got aload last week in louisville paid 1800 to columbus ohio on 210mi. First thing the shipper did was look a Manufacture date on reefer inside the trl. I asked why he said if its more than 3yrs old no load. I barely made it . thank god. JB Swift load

 

Alot of Pepsi loads want E Tracks . Some pay well i have done a Columbus to Auburn Indiana for 1200 short miles .
Temp controled medical loads like new trls. Got a load for 5.25mi on 600mi fewmonths back they require unit to have data port for log temp downloads in the event there is an issue. That was a custom critical fed ex load. All our new trls have swing door alarms . So sometime brokers quick to call you with those features where as others feel down their list

 

New or used depends on what your comfortable with , I've bought both. I don't mind used trucks or trailers but honestly I look for about 6 months to find the used piece I want, I never impulse buy a truck or trailer. IF ice cream is in your future you need a trailer speced for that and new. To me ice cream is too seasonal for me to mess with. I've hauled tons of it but it's not my thing. When I hauled it I knew every place that sold dry ice along my route in case I had a problem, it's not worth the hassle for me.
I have a super nice old 48ft reefer for sale, SBII 10,000 unit hours, really a low use great trailer (1996 2000R) it would be perfect for someone who can get by with a 48 for local cool loads. I get this phone call one night, " Hey you the one with the reefer for sale, Is it ready to haul a load of ice cream to CA?" This poor fool is dead serious. I told him no, I just sold it.
My friend just got a 2010 Utility 3000R Carrier X2 2500A ,9000 hours $13,000 . I just got a 08 GD Super seal O/O spec'd Ice cream spec, same unit 13,000 hour for $11,000 , not a mark on it on the outside, alum wheels , skirts, centramatics, virgin rubber, tire inflation sys. etc. about three dings from the forklift on the inside, but not bad. We both have been looking for about 6 months or more.
Before I'd spend 40K for a used trailer I'd go new. Of course the forklift knocks the same holes in a new one as an older one, if you have any type of medical condition stay away from new equipment, it makes one ill to see what they do to the interior of a reefer.