Stuck between Great Dane or utility dry van, your opinion?

Who cares what it looks likes, how is it inside and what if any damage does it have that matters,

Between the two, $3k difference, I would go after the 2018.

 

Floor which one is better? Check the specs the heaviest floor specs means something with a trailer you wish to keep long term. Disclosure I’m a fan of Great Dane.

 

You could probably talk them down more on the 2016. Maybe offer 18 or 19k. It will look really nice but only if you keep up on your washes, otherwise it’ll look worse then a standard van. So, that’s something to think about.

What about tires, brakes, and the inside of the trailer? Does either have sky lights? What about a tire inflation system? Air slide tandem?

 

I would look at:
1. Floor Condition.
2. No leakage. Any holes in the roof or how well patched holes.
3. Tires, Brakes, Lights.


2-4 year old van for over 20K? I'd rather pay 10-12 more and get a brand new.

 

True. My 2016’s I got in 2015 for 30,500 a piece and have stainless rear doors, inflation system, skylights, vented, skirts, etc. My 2019’s I got in 2018 for 32,500 same spec. Wabash.

It seems like trailers are a better investment then trucks.

 

Vans are still cheap in the scope of all costs involved. 3K down then $600 per month payment and you have a trouble/maintenance free tool for the next 2-3 years. Mine is 2.5 years old and I will replace it with another brand new in a year or two...about time I should see the floor deteriorate to the point of letting in moisture, also brakes, bearings, wires let know about themselves with never ending repairs. I will not let the trailer maintenance waste my time. Trailer has to be perfect for spot marker freight. Too many food grade and paper product loads to pass on.

 

It will decide when I walk in, close the doors and look for holes and leaking light indicating failed damage. The roof is another thing entirely. It's supposed to give some light.

I'll be looking at the rear drums for major glazing, cracking wear on pads and overall abuse or not of tandem maintenance. Can it be slid as it sits? OR with a little love?

Look along the rivets, welds if any all around the frame inside and out. Look at all of them.

Stand off some distance and eye down the wall outside. If its sagging thats not good. Check the area where it's doing that.

and so on etc.

IGNORE the CHROME unless it is badly cleaned and left to bad light. That indicates there is no pride in ownership and keeping the trailer relatively nice. Believe it or not if you don't clean em things they tend to get disspirited and rot.

Hubs and so on.

Money is a little much on them. But that depends on the inspection.

 

Love Great Dane period , cant go wrong l

 

Wow I sold my 2016 Great Dane to a great Dane dealer for $21,000 and it wasnt near as jazzed up as the one you're looking at. Great Dane rear door frame area is much more solidly built than a Utility. The Utility will look beat to hell after a few years bumping docks and the Great Dane won't. I've owned both. No question in my mind get the Great Dane.