Rusty undercarriage dry van

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Edjahman, Jul 16, 2020.

  1. Edjahman

    Edjahman Medium Load Member

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    I was looking at this dry van I want to buy today. It's 5-6 years old and it's been run up north a lot by the looks of it.

    I've never purchased a trailer before so I don't know how much rust is too much or if it even matters.

    The box and floor are good to go for sure.

    If I bought it I assume I could pull the wheels and have it sand blasted and repainted.

    What do you all think?

    Thank you
     
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  3. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    Is it just surface rust?
     
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  4. Edjahman

    Edjahman Medium Load Member

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    I suppose that it is.

    I think that I'm just nervous about buying a used trailer.

    Most of the paint is gone from the hubs etc.

    I mean it's pretty rusty but for something that came from the northern part of the country it's probably to be expected.
     
  5. Edjahman

    Edjahman Medium Load Member

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    I suppose that if things have rust straight on through things then it's time to worry.

    Like rust making holes in things etc?
     
  6. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    All equipment eventually rusts. You need to really get under it and do a thorough inspection. Make sure the cross members aren't so rusted that they will fail
     
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  7. Edjahman

    Edjahman Medium Load Member

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    Yeah I was doing some of that today and I'll be going back in the morning to do a better inspection.

    Thank you
     
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  8. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    My trailer was that way. More rust than I would prefer. It’s been good. Depends on whether it’s just surface or if it’s losing a layer. The bogies will crack eventually from rust. My last trailer did that.
     
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  9. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    One thing to look for, is rust behind the side rails. The aluminum corrodes, where the cross beams are riveted. Starts with rust jacking, broken rivets, bubbles, and pin holes in side rails. Aluminum turns into a white powdery corrosion from dissimilar metals.
     
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  10. Edjahman

    Edjahman Medium Load Member

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    Yeah it looks like just paint loss really. I'll get the microscope out tomorrow though.

    Thank you

    Thank you. I'll bust out the microscope tomorrow and see!

    Appreciate the feedback!
     
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  11. Rubber duck kw

    Rubber duck kw Road Train Member

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    Take a screwdriver or something and stab the frame in a bunch of spots and make sure it's not too bad. Plan on having to throw new brake cans, possibly drums, and shoes while you're at it, on it. I've seen them rusted about half gone from the outside.
     
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