2000 Carrier Ultrafresh 2 Reefer advice

2000 as in the model year? How many hours are on this unit?

 

If it hasn't been running in 5 years dont even think about it unless they will let you run test it.

 

If it starts make sure its charging,set it for -10f,make sure it goes onto high speed.Check if the ball is floating in the sight glass on the receiver tank,which is a long cylinder located on the curbside of the unit.Also check delta t reading which should be at least-15 after running for a while.

 

Carrier and Thermo-King are both good units. Some people like Chevys, some like Fords. same with reefers. Have run both. TK have an edge in very hot climates due to outboard condenser when reefer up against sleeper. Carriers cool slightly faster with frozen loads.
Reefer business is a tough game, not really suited for greenhorn. Many customers and shippers play games with damaged product claims. Get shipper to write temperature on waybill and verify by signing beside temperature. If you want to use start-stop get shipper to write min and max temps. Be careful using start-stop mode unless you understand its affect on temperatures, especially on recording devices.
Make sure you have good cargo insurance, not just the bare minimum. Good insurance companies will require reefer inspection reports and onboard temperature recording (most reefers have elog that can be downloaded). Self contained temperature recording devices are available.
With all of the above aside, keep reading.
Why has it sat unsold or unused for 5 years??????
Is it a multi-temp? Keep away from multi-temp loads and trailers.
Is it a reefer floor or a grocery floor? What is floor condition?
Does trailer have logistic track and bars?
How bad are the walls? Doors and seals condition? Roof damage?
Tires, suspension and brakes? 48 or 53 ft?
If product is on skids, a flat grocery is OK as skids provide return air circulation.
Floor loading requires reefer floor to provide return air circulation.
Unless it has sat in dry climate with air circulation inside trailer, check for water logged insulation, mold and mildew.
Is discharge air chute in good condition?
Reefers are fairly straight forward mechanically.
Wear items are belts and idler pulley's.
Electronics and sensors repairs are expensive.
Make sure it has correct refrigerant charge before starting. Low or no refrigerant will kill the compressor.
Run the PRE TRIP function in menu. This will check all the sensors, actuators and do a simulated full load cool down test.
Takes about 30 to 50 minutes to complete. After Pre Trip completes, it will list any faults found.
Make sure the Menu buttons and screen work properly.
Check for excessive crankcase blowby.
If it passes these tests, pay Carrier reefer dealer to do inspection and full service prior to purchase. Also get trailer wheel alignment done, it will pay for itself!
Buying used reefer trailer is same as buying car from used car lot. Car was used only on Sundays to church, driven an old lady!
Warranty is 30 feet or 30 seconds, whichever comes first.
Seriously, if your only hauling plants, reefer is not going to be taxed too heavily.
Buy several good quality produce temperature probes to verify box temperatures and air circulation in different locations learning the idiosyncrasies of reefer temperature management.
Good Luck!

 

That's the most informative response and solid good advice I've seen in a long time.