About to buy a refeer and was wondering how old is too old. Plan is to buy a older refeer trailer and replace the refeer unit with a new CARB certified one. Now main thing we should look out for is to make sure the axle are not bent, so the tire ware is not a killer. Also how long do the bearings usually last on the trailers? Any hints of what i should look out for would greatly be appreciated.
Axle bearings are not very expensive. I would not pass on a trailer if it only needed bearings. With a reefer, I would check underneath to see if the floor is solid. I almost bought one once that had a rotten floor. It would have cost more to replace the floor than the trailer was worth. I would also check the chute and doors to make sure they ar not warped. The frame and slider rails should not be warped or bent, either.
I agree,main thing is the floor. Near back door,where tow motors bounce going into trailer, check very carefully, can be very costly.
I'm no reefer hauler. But I would think you would want to weigh the trailer. I would assume as the trailer ages moisture would seep into the walls insulation through any damages inside from forklifts. Adding water weight. But I could be wrong.
I've seen too amny floors in front of the back door give way. Aluminum corrodes from dissimilar metal corrosion and eventually it wil give up. Worked for a CO at one tiem hauling meat and every one they owned had the floor reinforced about 3 ft in.
I agree, reefers are so darn expensive. Im in the market for used one, that has been well maintained. It will be my first trailer! any lead?
