New reefer vs used, pros and cons revisited.

Discussion in 'Refrigerated Trucking Forum' started by TallJoe, Jan 28, 2018.

  1. RedForeman

    RedForeman Momentum Conservationist

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    Of course, with the right forklift operator, anything is possible. However, much better liner materials became available in about 2014/15 or so. Great Dane calls it Puncture Guard, and an even better version that improves the moisture barrier Thermo Guard. Basically a thin, coated sheet of metal versus a plastic.

    I mention this, as the main problem I had with my older kemlite lined trailers was lifts dragging pallets against the walls and creating gouges. Bad enough that I had 1/2" thick vinyl material installed two feet wide above the scuff plate. No such problem with the new material. There's evidence of a few rubs that left a light crease, but zero gouges. I've had the new trailers long enough there should at least be a few if they were going to happen.
     
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  3. High Seas

    High Seas Light Load Member

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    Sure, In 2020 they will have even better reefer trailer available, I'm missing your point.
     
  4. RedForeman

    RedForeman Momentum Conservationist

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    My point is that sometimes there are improvements in the newer ones worthy of considering, depending on what your price point / year range is for purchasing a used one.

    For example, a 2010 vs a 2013 that liner wouldn't matter. However, a 2013 vs a 2015 it absolutely would.
     
  5. Oldironfan

    Oldironfan Road Train Member

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    Maybe lease a new one for a while?
     
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  6. RedForeman

    RedForeman Momentum Conservationist

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    In fact you can take that into the weeds depending on how deep your experience is with various models over the years. Usually learnt the hard way. Like when I found out about 2003-2006 Great Danes having a weak rear frame, a few months after purchasing a 2006 and having bumpers bashed in despite never hitting any docks too hard. I brought it up when I was shopping a new trailer and my Great Dane salesman, who's been working there since 1980, gave me the 411 on why that happened. An exec during that time, who had say-so over design, had insisted on cutting some reinforcement metal out of the blueprint to save cost and weight. That decision backfired, and he left the company due to the fall out from several large buyers leaving Great Dane because of it. Of course the dealer I bought the 2006 from didn't know anything about that LOL. To be fair, that unit probably came out of a big drop trailer fleet and it took daily live load use to bring out the worst in it.
     
  7. RedForeman

    RedForeman Momentum Conservationist

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    Easier said that done. New trailer leases are usually never available on a rental program. I wasn't offered a long term lease until being established for a number of years. Even still, the companies usually doing those kind of leases (xtralease and the like) still won't talk to you unless you're ordering a fleet. One or two trailers they won't give you the time of day.
     
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  8. Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

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    Would you do a Spread or tandem....?
     
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  9. RedForeman

    RedForeman Momentum Conservationist

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    If you're asking me, I wouldn't gain anything more than a higher tire bill hauling a spread. I understand the benefits and like the look, but closed tandems make more sense to my business.
     
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  10. aussiejosh

    aussiejosh Road Train Member

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    yes this is a very good question weighing up the pros v the cons is having a newer reefer really worth the extra payments it just depends on what you value as more important. Getting a new one you get all the modern specs it should run more efficiently and cool down the trailer alot faster and not break down. and if it does its covered by the warranty, the old reefer means you'll have less to pay it can still cool down alright however on some of the more hotter days in July approach is it going to be reliable? While any repairs will still be way cheaper than the extra $000's you'll pay for the new one, what really will count is can you afford to lose time on deliveries if you have a possible break down.
     
  11. Oldironfan

    Oldironfan Road Train Member

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    Talk to any good TK shop and they will say don't get the new hybrid reefer. Stick with the old fuel power TK. Or how about this option a new reefer with a rebuilt old style Yanmar, engine whisper type set up? They may offer that. I think in Green Bay, they told me about that.
     
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