Looking for a used SD for under $10k
 

I know they are out there I just don't know where to look.These are the places I search weekly.
1.LCAPP
2.ebay
3.truckpaper
44trucktrader
5.american trailer exchange
6.I google a search.

It makes no sense to have a payment over my head when freight and fuel is tough.I have 820 FICO score and I would like to maintain that.
I see many people buy (LCAPP) $35k fancy SD and only to sell it in a year and advertise you take over the payments.Why buy something that you cannot afford to pay for the next 3 yrs?.
The steel trailer that I am pulling for the company is costing me $170/week, and I have been pulling it for too long.This trailer weighs 15kibs although I can haul 48.5kibs legally.Rub rails are all messed up and there are no toolboxes.I am not looking for a fancy trailer but something I can pay for cash without having payments hanging over me.I am also not going to pay for something until it goes through "our 120 day inspection".I don't want to make payments on any equipment.
Your help is needed!

Thank you!

It is going to be difficult to find a decent step deck under $10,000. It is hard to find a good flat for that price. I would think that prices should be dropping with the slowdown in the economy. I would check some of the trucking forums, such as this one, who have classified sections. I would also check with dealers. Some are really hurting to move inventory. I got a good deal at K & L Truck and Trailer in Knoxville, TN. I bought new, but they usually have a good inventory of used trailers. You may also want to check with other dealers. Some trucking companies turn their equipment on a regular basis. Again, I would check around. You also might want to run your own classified ad under "Equipment Wanted." You should be able to find a good step deck for around $15-18,000. If you paid $10,000 down, your payments would be small. You could pay what you are currently paying on the payments and pay it off early. One other place I would suggest is check equipment auctions. I know of some people who have gotten very good deals by attending auctions. Taylor & Martin and Ritchie Brothers are two of the larger equipment auctions. You can find their web address on the Internet.

I don't think you'll find one in the papers for that price. It will have been snapped up too quickly. I've been looking too. We paid $10,000 for a '99 Lode King combo step approx a year and a half ago. It was parked at a truck stop. The guy bought it for a job and the job fell through.

You might try looking at auctions . Ritchie Bros has them all over.

2002 TRANSCRAFT STEPDECK TRAILER 48X102 11' TOP DECK 37' BOTTOM DECK GREAT CONDITION $20,000. 302-325-9455 REED

Buy half of it for $10,000. :wink:

K&L was a very good lead.Up till now Bill has not sent me pics of the $6500 SD they had.He asked about my credit, and my response was..... "it is excellent but I am not looking for a $25k trailer as the one you are telling me about". This is what I want and I didn't wanna hear about the $700/month payments I will be making by going through their finance company.Just like what Rank stated, I know they are out there.I will continue watching the auctions and be patient.

You may want to check with Nick. He is usually good about getting back with you on this type of thing. The step deck you mentioned may be on their website.

would that be considered a roller blade?

I went ahead and emailed Nick about the $6500 SD.My best bet is the auctions.I also signed up with Ritchie Brothers including their online bidding.
I have a mobile mechanic friend that charges me 30-40/hr on labor and he also works on trailers.I am staying away form the X and cross member rust or replacements.A trailer that needs floor board is fine.
I have never had payments on a vehicle/equipment and I will like to keep it that way.


Thank you guys!

I have to say that trailers are about the best investment there is in this business. They go forever. We have a '95 Reitnouer combo step with a cracked main beam. So after talking to the factory they recommended only two shops for the repair so we drop $1,200 at on of the recommended trailer repair shop in Misssisauga, ON and the the welds cracked after 1 week. I thought it was a goner but we hired a local welded to give it one more shot. That was 8 months ago and $800 it's still going strong.

The moral of the story is
1) don't be afraid to buy a banged up one if you can get a deal.
2) if you an afford it, even spending $40,000 on a new one will likely look like a good investment in a few years because they hold their value.

THE WORD "PATIENCE" WILL ALWAYS PAY
 

I am free from the rental fee of $170X32weeks(8 months)=$5440 money that I paid to LS for a step with no toolbox,all rubrails were dented in(running straps illegally on the outside),no spare tire cage and a trailer that weighed $15,500ibs.

I bought a step from a BCO from LCAPP.The guy called me after seeing my ad which I had posted in march.He had just seen a 2005 Transcaraft that he wanted to purchase in GA and so the transition was perfect.He dropped his off at the agents yard were I park and I followed him to pick up his 2005 trancraft from the seller.
I have a 99 TRANSCRAFT and the only thing I didn't like is that it had no TOOLBOX, but that is quite minor for a trailer that I paid $7000 for.


Registration:
Now I am not going through LS to have them put their POS "Illinois" plate on my trailer.I called IL and they want me to fill out a 2 page form and since it is a used equipment I need to have the seller notorize the BILL Of Sale.They also said I need a LS 120 day inspection.This makes no sense although it is already in the Landstar system and the last inspection was in March 08, and also a copy of the title.
I think I can deal with LS' requirements but my main concern is Georgia IRP.Getting my GEORGIA BASEPLATES on my truck was pretty much tough besides the $1400/yr I had to pay and I am hoping registering a trailer is not like a truck.Someone said I may be able to get "permanent" plates which do not cost much per year.
.I guess most people go through LS because of sale tax purposes but tell that to the seller who made out 2 BILL of sale, one for IRP and one for LS.Could someone please enlighten me on Ga IRp when registering a trailer?I am curious to know before I go down there on Tuesday.


This trailer should pay for itself in exactly 6 months at 200-300 more on my gross per settlement.
Thanks to my patience and LCAPP.

One mistake people make sometimes is registering the trailer for 80,000lbs. Register it for what it weighs. It's a lot cheaper that way.
Nice going on the trailer. Good luck. :P