Thinking about a new dry van

Does anyone know anything about new Fruehauf trailers? Saw a few for sale on truck paper, can't find them now...

 

Pretty sure it’s the Mexican branch. They could not use the name or sell in the US for certain amount of years per agreement after Wabash took over in late 90’s. I think now that time limit has expired and they are going to start importing them up here. Possible dealer network as well.

 

All the original Fruehauf dealers became Wabash dealers with the buyout.
The one in San Antonio was one of the oldest ones and at one time the only Hobbs dealer in Texas. It and many of them in Texas are owned by Peak Trailer Group now as a franchise for Wabash and its divisions.

 

Bandit’s rig that Snowman drove made Hobbs famous in the late 70’s. With it’s western theme artwork on the side.

Just about every trucker movie or show used Fruehauf’s back then. Movin’ On was one of them.

 

From memory I think I spent about $2,500 to have the dealer install a lift axle on a new van I bought about 6 years ago. The parts to do it probably costs less than a $1,000 and if you have a shop that does good work cheaper can probably save a lot. It takes about a day to install. It's real simple too, me looking at it after the fact, if a person had some skills and a welder. I had the front axle done.

On my particular suspension they didn't recommend a lift but I did one anyway. It was a waste of money. It only raised up 4". Minimum I think you need about 8" of lift. I never used mine much. I'd recommend spec'ing a smart lift on it from the factory would be the best way to go. I've seen smart lifts on Bridgestone's fleet of 53' dry vans. They're real nifty and have plenty of lift to avoid scuffing tires on bad bumps and potholes. If you do a lot of deadheading or lightweight loads it's a great thing to have as long as your tires don't scuff when lifted!!

 

TNT out of KCMO and STL MO sale them. I had rented a 2018 for a couple years and just turned it in. Was a good trailer but they are higher than most trailers. I do not think they are worth the extra money myself. Just got a 2022 Utility dry van and it pulls a lot better than the one I rented from them.