Buying used dryvan, is 10 years too old?

not a dryvan but i have a trailer that is 31 years old. i just used it last week. its not the prettiest thing on the road. and i don't use it often anymore but its still solid keep it maintained it will pass a dot and works flawlessly.

my newer trailers are about 11 years old. i don't pull dryvan but i have never had anyone ask me how old my trailers were

i guess if its sound i wouldn't worry about a 10 year old trailer. check for rust in the frame, check for cracks around the suspension/load bearing members, floors solid roof s cams bushings breaks, air lines ect most everything that wears out on a trailer can be easily replaced as long as the bones are good. a re-decking of a dry van could be quite a project though.

 

Some union outfits will check the data plate for the trailers age.
Friend of mine bought a used trailer at a farm auction; 53 ft. dry van. It had been used for storage. Paid about $1500 for it. Once he cleaned the mildew off it looks great. Replaced the dry rotted tires with some decent used ones and hit the road. Has no problem booking loads or passing DOT inspections.

 

I work with another owner operator who like Chinatown said has an older trailer his is a '99. He keeps looking spotless you would think was only two or three years old and according to him he never has a problem getting it loaded. I do open deck in my trailer is 10 years old and no one has ever asked me how old it is.

 

I have. Typically, it is those shippers who are extremely concerned about cleanliness who demand new trailers. Empty aluminum can vendors worry about dirt getting in the cans before they are filled with drink and sealed. They can be sued into penury for that sort of thing. Paper vendors worry about water leaks. One rejected roll of paper can cost them anywhere from five to thirty grand, depending on the paper, not to mention an unfulfilled order.

 

You're not going to miss anything worthwhile get the cheaper trailer.

 

**Deleted** wrong information.

 

The only shippers I have had that insisted on new trailers were also the kind of shippers that mostly dealt with large carriers. Ever haul for Mead Paper? Rock Ten? How about empty cans for Crown Cork and Seal or Metal Container? I wouldn't spend ten grand for the possibility of one day getting a load from one of them.

 

The only ones I've seen demand 10 years or newer are the giant paper rolls.
Lot's of places will do a walk through and check for leaks both on the floor & roof.
The giant paper rolls worry about the frame buckling.