5 Tips When Purchasing a Used Semi Trailer

As an owner operator or small fleet owner, having a semi truck won't make you any money without having a load to carry.  Prime Time Equipment has helped drivers purchase Used Semi Trailers in Fontana for over twenty years.  As a Trailer Dealer in Fontana we have experience in purchasing used trailers from large fleets as well as working with trade-ins.  We'd like to share a few tips to consider when looking to purchase a used tractor trailer.  But first a little about Trailers:

SEMI TRAILERS

In Fontana Box Trailers or Dry Van Trailers are the Most
Common Trailers You'll Find on the Road

Semi Trailers come in many varieties specific to the requirements of the load that will be hauled. 

Box Trailers / Dry Van Trailers:

The most common trailer is a Box Trailer or Van Trailer (also referred to as a Dry Van Trailer). These trailers are designed to hold anything that is meant to be kept dry during transport from consumer goods to personal belongings for moves. 

The most common dimensions for Box Trailers are 53' x 102" or 110".  Dry Van Trailers can come with swing doors or roll-up doors.  Some Box Trailers will have Side Doors as well.

Reefer Trailers / Refrigerated Trailers:

Reefer Trailers in Fontana must also meet CARB Compliance
Requirements in order to operate in California

The next most common trailer is a Refrigerated or Reefer Trailer.  These are box trailers with a heating / cooling unit attached (reefer) and are used primarily for hauling produce, flowers, meat or other items that require refrigeration.  Often Reefer Trailers will be insulated or ventilated as well but the main difference between Refrigerated and Dry Van Trailers is the mechanical refrigeration systems powered by small displacement diesel engines attached to the front of the units.

Other Less Common Trailers:

Trailers come in all shapes and sizes, including Flatbed or Lowboy Trailers, Car-Carrying Trailers, Curtain Siders, Livestock Trailers, Tanker and Dump Trailers, etc.  Depending on the need of the load there will be a trailer to haul it.

5 TIPS FOR PURCHASING USED TRAILERS

Purchasing a Used Trailer is an excellent way to save money and receive a better return on your equipment investment.  However there are several things you will want to be aware of when looking at a trailer beyond whether it has a few scuffs or dings on the inside or out.  Below you will find Prime Time Equipment's 5 Tips in Purchasing a Used Trailer to help make your decision with confidence:

1.  Quality of the Floor

As you step into a trailer for the first time, consider the floor.  Is it bowing or misshapen?  Is there separated wood or large chips, dents or cracks that can weaken the floor integrity?  Because repairing the floor of a trailer is both costly and time-consuming if you want your purchase to maintain its resell value this will be one of the most important things to consider.

2.  Quality of the Roof

The next thing we look at is the roof itself -- just as a leak in a home can cause unforetold damage, even a small leak in a trailer can ruin whatever is being hauled causing thousands of dollars of damage.  One way to determine if there are any holes or leaks in the roof is to enter the trailer and close the doors.  Look for any light shining through -- if all you see is darkness, that's a good sign.  Here at Prime Time Equipment we have often completely replaced roofs rather than patch them up as we want our customers to know their buying experience will be one of the best in the industry!

3.  Quality of the Doors

Most people put little consideration into the doors of a trailer and yet a non-functioning door can be one of the biggest hassles considering the frequency of loading and unloading goods.  Take a good look at the hinges and hooks by opening the back of the trailer and closing it several times.  Are alignments correct? Does it open and latch closed with ease?  This can be a very important consideration in making sure your goods remain secure.

4. Quality of Brakes & Tires

Prime Time Equipment has over 20 years of helping
truckers find the right Tractor Trailer in Fontana!

Nothing is put to use with more frequency on a trailer than the brakes and tires.  For this reason you want to make sure what you are purchasing is ready to hit the road not a repair shop.  In your negotiations with a dealer make sure the brakes and tires are at least 50% or better so that you can immediately put your equipment to work.

5.  Purchase from Someone You Trust

Having trust in the dealer or previous owner of a used trailer in Fontana could be one of the most important factors when making a decision.  You want to make sure that your equipment is priced fairly, that the establishment has a history of good service and purchasing equipment that is road ready.  Here at Prime Time Equipment customer service is our highest priority -- we work hard to earn that trust that builds customers for a lifetime by going the extra mile.  Our work is never finished until our customers are happy.

Used Reefers in Fontana

Things to Remember When Shopping for Used Reefer Trailers:

Finding a Used Reefer in Fontana or anywhere that is in good condition can be a challenge.  Not only do you have to consider the condition of the reefer trailer and its normal features like tires, wheels, frame, brakes, interior condition, deck and roof but the engine is another factor.  The make, year and number of hours it has operated will all play into how long you will be able to continue operating it.

Purchasing a slightly older trailer with a newer engine
can keep you operating for years to come

Here at Prime Time Equipment we take into consideration many factors that will help you make the right decision for your Fontana Used Reefer needs.  While purchasing a new reefer like our 2014 Vanguard Trailers might be the quickest way to worry free driving it might not be the best option for all budgets.  When you purchase a new trailer you then have to consider the costs of adding a Thermo King or other engine and costs inherent in that.

For this reason we carry many different types of Used Reefer Trailers in Fontana.   Here are your three best options for CARB Compliant Used Reefer Trailers:

1.  Purchase an Older Trailer with a Newer Engine.

One of the most cost effective approaches for buying a used reefer trailer in Fontana is to look for an older model trailer body with a new reefer engine.  We have many 2006 Utility Reefers with 2012 ThermoKing Engines with less than 100 hours on them.  With bodies and trailers that are in great condition, this will enable you to operate a "like-new" engine with a trailer that was built to last and can be much more affordable than purchasing a brand new trailer and engine.

2.  Purchase a Slightly Newer Trailer With an Older Engine with a Particulate Filter.

Adding a particulate filter to an older reefer
engine can save money and performance

This can be a very cost effective solution, purchasing an 08 or 09 trailer with an 07 or 08 engine that may have high hours on it.  Often these engines could have anywhere from 10,000 - 20,000 hours of usage however if you have a particulate filter it will help these engines continue to run for many years and hours.

You will want to consider the maintenance the previous fleet or owner gave to the unit, oil changes, etc, similar to the upkeep of a car, but this can be a great option for those on a budget.  We have many 08 and 09 Utility Reefers in Fontana that have been well maintained and with particulate filters that can serve most budgets.

3.  Purchase a Slightly Newer Trailer With a Newer Engine.

Your third option in purchasing a Used Reefer Trailer in Fontana is to purchase a trailer that is only a few years old.  Many large fleets have policies that keep them from hanging on to equipment for long periods of time making available only one or two or three year old models that are still in great condition.  Maintenance on these are typically outstanding and you will save yourself the higher costs and depreciation of purchasing a newer model that within a few weeks becomes "used."  In our yard in Fontana we have several 2012 Utility Reefers with between 6000-8000 hours.

While finding the right piece of equipment can be a challenge it can also be a lot of fun.  With Dealerships like Prime Time Equipment making sure to carry only quality used trailers and reefers, your search could be much simpler than you ever thought!