Would you guys buy...referbished older truck?

I never had a problem loading my 16 year old indestructible freightliner when I had it. Nobody even asked about it's age.
Trailers, dry vans especially in the auto parts or huge rolls of paper markets - 10 years maximum is common.

 

Yeah GM is huge for checking trailer age.

 

I wouldn't. Not unless it had a new frame, modern powertrain (by modern I mean rebuilt early 2000's engine) and the wiring and air system were 100% new and updated.

 

The builds I have scene include all of this right down to every nut and bolt. You were pretty much getting a truck similar to a new glider build. I wouldn't be afraid of not getting loaded with it somewhere, just dropping $125k on it and having the unthinkable happen to it 3 months later and getting screwed over by the insurance company with a check for $15k when its totaled. Maybe one could get an appraisal on it before putting it on the road in such an event but I wouldn't trust the insurance company one bit..

 

So you’re basically describing a glider, but with only the negative aspects. With a glider, you can finance it, it’s insurable for its value, the interior is factory fit, the build is in the computer for repairs (minus the drivetrain that’s added), possible new truck length warranty on engine, all components are modern, and factory built. While big shops maybe limited to 300 glider builds a year, there are plenty of smaller shops that didn’t even build that many per year that will be glad to take your money. I wouldn’t even consider OP’s $100k plus truck over a glider.

 

I would but if the engine was rebuilt. It would depend on what exactly "rebuilt" means. Was it an outta frame. Stripped totally to the block (Don't forget the bull gear) and are all the hanger on's new? Problem is price, I probably wouldn't be willing to pay. Much more than it would cost you to do the work. (I'm not overpaying, and your not working for free) cause you see a brand new truck. Me and the insurance company see. A old truck that was worked on.

 

I'll be the first one to say that a complete dirt up restoration is a #### ton of work. A guy's looking at probably $30k-$50k alone just in parts. Then add your time in on top of that.

 

Why would you do that? Unless you like moving retro trucks, I would prefer just to move forward with today's trucks with warranty, especially for that much money. I have more important things in my life to spend my money and time.

 

I went that route,.. but I found a truck that was close to the specs I was looking for and then started rebuilding it myself. On mine the previous owner had already done a new engine and had paper work. Where he got me and was my fault for not thoroughly checking,.. was in the rears. All of the lockers were broken and the carriers werent far behind. Even so,.. I still made out ok in my opinion. I have a very reliable truck and almost everything new, replaced or rebuilt and less than $60k total investment. I've put almost 80k mi on the truck so far and not one single problem.

I bought a brand new MAC trailer and already its had 2 slack adjuster bearings replaced. 2 brake drums replaced where a pin had fallen out and caused the shoe to wedge against the drum,.. ate up the drum. (Caused by the bad slack adjuster) And the little LED peanut lights keep shorting out. This is a brand new $46k trailer, less than 1 yr old. My Fontaine has had less issues and its a 2013. So buying new doesnt guarantee you anything.

Hurst