Reefer question: 2008 utility box w 2012 TK SB-210

Those Sb units are just about bulletproof it’s the rest of the box I wouldn’t want after all this time, even my 2011 is starting to show its age, no idea what the filter adds but you can find sub 20k hour units for 5-7k

I’ll also never buy a used trailer again

 

Some places won't take a trl over 10 year, I'd look for others

 

Rent is also a 100% write off vs depreciation, and that 10 year old unit breaks down with a frozen load it can land on the rental company instead of you

 

Solid advice. Six months will go fast.

 

Treat it just like a truck, get an OA and have the system checked out by a thermoking dealer.

 

You're better off renting to either wait out the new order, or maybe find something not as old in the mean time. For that money you should be getting a better trailer than that, in my opinion. But I haven't seen what's available in rentals, so I understand if that's the market.

Trailer insulation starts degrading at about the 7 yr mark, and also gains water weight from condensation trapped inside. A new trailer will use about 30 - 50% less fuel, and run less, than one that old. That 14 yr old trailer is probably at least 2,000 lbs heavier than a new one from all the water in the walls. When (not if) the reefer fails, the new trailer also buys you a couple hours repair time (better insulation) before product claim risk comes into play. This is why most people buying used will find trailers 4 yrs old or so, and only keep them 4-5 yrs. Once they get over 10 yrs old, they're usually only good for storage or scrap.

Reefer units are pretty solid up to 20k hours, and over 30k you're on borrowed time for engine and compressor. Maybe that one has had one or both replaced already, so not as bad. Personally I wouldn't trust buying a used unit with more than 12-13k on it, at least giving me 4 yrs +/- of decent service before it's completely worn out.