How do you view trailers ( flat/step, refer, dry van)

Trailers are a long term investment, I would buy the best one I could afford and take good care of it.

 

Just FYI for anyone looking for Vans you can buy a new one for not much more that what the used ones are going for now.

 

same with flats and steps, you can find great deals on new trailers, use them 10 years and if the used market holds still get a good price for them. If you have the capital, the smart money is buying new trailers IMO.

 

That is the truth you can buy a brand new trailer for only about $5k-$10k more than one that is 5-6 years old they are in such high demand.

 

This has been my experience also. Trailers don't depreciate that much. Buy the one that has the features that will make you money.

 

I ordered my Merritt gold line 10 years ago, to get it just the way I wanted it. Cost 6500 above sticker at the time, best money I ever spent.

 

where could I buy a brand new trailer for 10k?

 

You can't. Re-read what you quoted.

 

I did. And it turned into the biggest mistake I've made in trucking. Developed a thirst for money shortly after I got it. Started small, but then bigger and bigger problems arose. And not just the reefer, the trailer as well. Spent $8k in 6 months on it. Most expensive was the logic board went out on it ($2k), and had to completely rework the ABS to get it working again when it went out. Got dinged on an inspection that the ABS light was inoperative. Only way to get it to work properly was to gut it. That was $3k.

The next 'big repair' was going to be $3k again. Looked into buying a new trailer. Bought a 2013 Utility for $57k with no downpayment. Had two trailer payments until I paid off the old trailer and sold it to a friend who wanted to cannibalize it.

 

That is insane! I was not expecting to hear all that. Well, at least it's all behind you and you've got a new and reliable one.