Best quality lightweight dry van brand & model

We have a mixed trailer fleet with Wabash, great Dane and Utility and I can't say one is better than the other. Unless your trailer is in bad shape. I would just save money and keep it

 

The only places I've ever had trailer age come up were paper mills who load those heavy rolls on the floor. Otherwise it's never come up. So I figure unless he loads a lot of paper mill loads, I wouldn't worry about the age.

 

I just bought a new Hyundai HT Composite and am a little disappointed. The coating on the interior plate walls is little more than paint so it scuffs easily (after 2 months the walls look almost as bad as the 18-year old Monon it replaced). One of the slots in the logistics posts deformed just from me cranking on a ratchet strap -- I'd hate to see it after an accident. And it came with Hendrickson Vantraax suspension which I later learned are known for alignment woes (you can easily spot vantraax suspension from the larger axle tubes).

On the other hand, it came with Havco composite flooring & side skirts for ~$1500 less than a bare bones US-built trailer. Weighs 13,980 with steel duals & skirts.

 

I've also had it come up with chemical totes, copper, auto parts, and a handful of union warehouses in the northeast.

 

So I would say if a lot of your customers ask about trailer age, it might be worth it to invest in a newer trailer. Otherwise don't worry.