Mark Hunsley would love to sell you a good used tank trailer. But there’s probably no hotter piece of equipment in the heavy-duty vehicle market.
“Demand is high, especially in the energy market for crude oil and sand trailers,” says Hunsley, vice president of Polar Service Centers (PSC). A division of tank trailer manufacturer Polar Corp., PSC operates a national network of factory-owned parts and service locations and its inventory of used tank trailers is among the largest in the country.
“When you find a tank trailer that meets your specs and application, slow down,” Hunsley says. “Focus on condition, not age. We see Polar trailers that have been in service for 25 years or more and should be productive for a long time.”
What specifically should you look for in a used tank trailer? Hunsley offers these tips:
1. Brand reputation: Established manufacturers typically have precision-engineering tools including CAD, 3D modeling and Finite Element Stress Analysis that result in more consistent design and build quality. “We use CNC metal fabrication equipment, pipe benders to reduce welds in piping, advanced tooling, robotic welding cells, and automation to improve the quality of product,” Hunsley says. “Smaller or foreign manufacturers may not have those capabilities.”
2. Stainless to the ground: Are the running gear and other components made of stainless steel? Painted carbon steel is more susceptible to corrosion.
3. Suspension: All things being equal, a trailer with an air-ride suspension typically puts less stress on the tank. “Don’t rule out a trailer with a spring suspension,” Hunsley says. “Be prepared to examine the condition of the tank a little more closely.”
4. Welds: Consistent, uniform welds are a sign of a quality manufacturing job (and original work, not a repair). Better welds mean better fit-ups and fewer stress-related concerns, Hunsley says. If you’re looking for an indication of build-quality and manufacturing techniques, you’ll be able to see it in the welds.
5. Joints: Does the piping contain welded joints or is it a continuous run of pipe that was bent at the factory? When it comes to trailer plumbing, the fewer joints the better.
6. Previous owner: Unless you have access to service records, your knowledge of the previous owner can help you gauge how the trailer was used and cared for. Some carriers take better care of their equipment than others. Who would have handled service or repairs?
7. Seller: Regardless of where you acquire your trailer, it’s important to know who you’re doing business with. What kind of reputation do they have? Who performed the latest HM-183 inspection?
“Because used tank trailers are in such high demand, it’s tempting to want to jump on the first one you find,” Hunsley says. “However, the most important thing you can do is your own thorough inspection, or to have the trailer inspected by someone you trust. It may be used, but a well-built, well-maintained tank trailer can be dependable for many years to come.”
