I am about to buy a 53' ft dry van and park my flatbed

They're usually the places with the oldest trailers in their own fleet, too. Their drivers are tugging around 25 year old rot boxes, but they gripe about sending out stuff via third party on anything that doesn't look factory fresh inside.

 

I had that anti walk system on my last Trailer, along with an air slider. Both were great when they worked. My current Trailer has it also, though it’s disconnected. I’m leaving it as is. Manual slider works great. You have to check out an old Trailer real good.Everything mentioned. I would add, rear door frame. Pulling Trailer, does the rear Door frame twist? Common problem.

 

Hope that abs light at least comes on at startup and shuts off.

I've had a couple of leos give me warning for light not working.

 

You're right about that. Any of those places that ship roll stock wont even try it. Some GEs won't either

 

I would say unless it has had a grand life it's not worth it. Just to replace the floor would be more that it's worth. A roof is almost more than it's worth. It's a 2500 dollar trailer at that age.

 

Those trailers at that age only going for $1200-$2500 at the auctions. Unless everything has been completely replaced/overhauled, then i wouldn't dare pay that price.

 

Check the bushings , a couple used tires can hide that . Bushings can cost 2 to 3 k depending on what type .

 

I will say you can find a decent trailer for 8-12k

 

Auctions are always the cheapest place.

They're also famous for lemons.

 

17 year old van in the rust belt is a lemon any way you look at it. Not sure were the OP is located. But around me a 17 yearold floor is shot too. Unless it was parked inside and only hauled groceries on Sunday by alittle old lady.