Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/15908
Spec’ing a trailer (Continued from Page 42) Optimize resale value If you spec your trailer to fit your needs and you plan to hold on to it until it wears out, you don’t need to worry about versatility. But spec’ing a trailer too closely to your application will limit its resale potential, says Fontaine Trailer’s Dan Giles. For example, a 45-foot trailer will attract fewer buyers and generate less trade-in value than 48-foot or 53-foot models. Con- sider these other specs: AIR RIDE SUSPENSION. It will bring more at resale than a me- chanical spring system because the trailer would be in better condition and have more versatility in what it can haul, says Hendrickson’s Brian Buckham. AIR-ASSISTED PIN PULL MECHANISMS. These devices on air suspensions enhance operation and potentially avoid back injuries when repositioning the tandem, says Ken Lang, of Arvin Meritor’s North America Trailer Products Division. The company offers a PinLoc feature in which the locking pins’ ends are angled to allow easier engagement in case you forget to relock the pins before taking off. AUTOMATIC DOCKING CON- TROL. This allows precise posi- tioning as you drop the trailer. DECK LOCK. This SureLok de- vice maintains the deck’s height for easier loading and unloading. TRACK WIDTH. If you spec the standard track width of 77.5 inches, Buckham says, you could equip the trailer with standard du- als or wide-base single tires using 2-inch outset wheels. On the other hand, if you spec an 83.5-inch track using zero outset wheels to accommodate super singles, buyers won’t have the option to use duals. KING PIN SETTING. Spec’ing a standard setting will appeal to more buyers than a customized setting. STABILITY SYSTEMS. These are gain- ing in favor as a spec to improve handling, avoid rollovers and increase trailer longev- ity. Another benefit is protecting trailer door seals from premature wear from excessive roll, Lang says. AUTOMATIC TIRE INFLATION SYSTEM. “Tire inflation is important to enhancing durability, increasing resale potential and reducing cost per mile,” says Lang. “With the advent of wide-base singles, many are spec’ing automatic tire inflation devices.” Utility Trailer’s Chuck Cole notes that these systems also help improve cornering and overall handling. n 2005/2006 COLUMBIAS $995/month! Great deal. Great opportunity. Want to be President of your own trucking company? Start right here. Dart’s a place where independent people make their dreams come true—2,400 owner operators are doing it today—so can you. We’ve got what you need to succeed. • Immediate settlements • Big fuel discounts & fuel cost adjustments • Choose the option that fits you best: National, Dedicated, Super South, Northern Region and Short Haul Trucks and financing through participating vendors. READY TO CALL YOUR OWN SHOTS? CALL DART FIRST! TODAY’S A GOOD DAY TO CALL: MINNEAPOLIS: 1-866-838-6062 DALLAS: 1-877-696-5899 LOUISVILLE: 1-866-327-7376 ATLANTA: 1-866-658-5747 MEMPHIS: 1-866-887-8897 www.dart.net OWNER OPERATORS #1 FLEET FOR SEPTEMBER 2010 OVERDRIVE 67 trucking opportunities Visit www.overdrive.hotims.com and enter 187