[sc5952]

How much do reefer trailers weigh? The ones National Carriers trucks pull? I working on a deal to pull reefer trailer but the place just has minimum payload weight and want to make sure I can haul what's required.

[Roadhog]

I remember around 13,700 for a new 53' Great Dane with a TK, aluminum wheels, no spare, no pallets on board, 1/2 tank of reefer fuel.
Most average 15k or more. The newer the trailer the better, also before they start to pick up moisture content weight.

[sc5952]

Thank you. I weighed by rig (I am owner, but hired driver in this one) and it weighed 18,380 lbs and that was showing 67.6 gallons gone out of full tank of fuel. My driver is about 150 lbs heavier than I. I am putting TriPac APU on after 1st of year so more weight. So if I add 485 lbs for full tank of fuel and approximately 500 lbs for APU (I don't actual weight) and add in driver my rig with APU with my driver full of fuel will be about 19,515 lbs. The company I am going to pull their boxes for say minimum payload you are allowed is 44,500 lbs so rig with trailer would need to be 35,500 or under. So I am guessing I will be okay. I will be close but should be ok. If I am full on fuel and all trailer max weight would be 15,985 lbs. I do have few things I can remove from truck also when starting hauling reefers that wouldn't be necessary on them.

[Roadhog]

Your APU should come in just under 400 lbs. but good news is you are allowed a 400 lb. exemption for the APU.

[sc5952]

Well with that being said I am plenty good on weight then. Sweetness.

[barf]

I hope your company trailers are a LOT lighter than ours then. With 43500 loads, I'm running 1/2 fuel or less. My truck is 20K with 1/2 fuel.

Most, but not all, states allow 400lbs for APU. CA, NC, and VA don't. My Carrier says its 600lbs, but I think it added more weight than that.

[Roadhog]

National Carrier may know within a few hundred pounds what most all their trailers weigh empty. Maybe give them a call and ask, see what they say.
Some of these reefers can weigh 16,000+ lbs.
My guess though, for the load they are asking you to haul, these trailers must be decent shape, and not too heavy.
Their company video boasts nice tractors, and looked like TK reefer units. I wish they gave more detail on the trailers.

If your tractor comes in 20,000 lbs. I'm sure you will be fine.
Don't know what size fuel tanks you have, but if you are mounting an APU, you will want a smaller tank by 50 gals. on the APU side to help trim weight.

For the loads they want you to pull, you probably won't get to run wet.
You'll most likely have to trim weight with your fuel, and listen for the golfball to rattle in your tank.
Put your driver on a diet, too. Give him a company jacket 2 sizes too small.

[sc5952]

That's funny on giving driver jackets that's too small. He's actually on diet. Since he started driving for me he's lost 50-60 lbs. which is since March. By my math my truck should not be over 19,515 lbs with apu and full on fuel. Few things I can trim too. He has box full of straps for when pulling flatbed that will definitely not need.

[Roadhog]

My boss did that trick on me, and it worked.

In the office before heading out, I'm presented this gorgeous embroidered company jacket. Made me feel like Driver of the Month.
I put it on, and it's like stuffing sausage. Someone in the office with shock and disgust in their voice says, "Geeez Hog! You need to loose some weight!"

well it worked, as a year later, I at least didn't gain any more weight. Well maybe 5 or 10 lbs, but that's mostly bloat.

[Roadhog]

Not to get off subject too much, but some people might wonder,
... how does a trucker get dressed in such tight sleeper quarters, when you don't have much struggle room?

One trick I learned is to avoid the tendency to hold your breath, while you button or zip.
You have to relax and let the air out of your lungs, and with a quick motion, make your fasten.