Any Problem With Using A Tandem Semi Trailer With One Axle Cut Off?

OK. I found a 1999 53' X 102" Great Dane Super Seal with a working Thermo-king (18k hours and a brand new alternator), and of all things, ODOT Inspection papers. $6800 delivered. This would be a relatively small increase in cost for a much more versatile asset.

The photos look good, and inspection papers sound good, but it's 300 miles away, so I would be hard-pressed to look at it before saying yes. If I hadn't looked at the last one before saying yes, I would not have known that it was missing an axle. Then again, the last guy wanted the majority of the payment before hauling, while this guy just wants cash when he delivers. Any reservations?

If not, the next question I have is what people recommend for keeping the tires and stand in the best shape possible, given that they will likely be sitting still for a few years. I plan to put gravel down on the dirt/grass where the tires will sit, and to do the same, plus a board, where the stand will sit. I have an air compressor to top off the tires from time to time, though I don't know if that helps prevent flat spots or not.

Any other recommendations?

Brandon, why are U asking new drivers about a trailer your going to let set a year or more then try to go on the road with it ? A Great Dane trailer, if the slider hasn't been cut with a torch, then restore it to 2 axles and repairs as needed. Trying to save $2,000 and going back on the road unsafe is not a discussion for this Forum.

Brandon, why are U asking new drivers about a trailer your going to let set a year or more then try to go on the road with it ? A Great Dane trailer, if the slider hasn't been cut with a torch, then restore it to 2 axles and repairs as needed. Trying to save $2,000 and going back on the road unsafe is not a discussion for this Forum.

Thanks, Turbo Dan. I don't mean to ask "new" drivers per se. I'm trying to ask people who certainly know more about it than I do (this forum), because the seller is telling me it's fine. The metal was indeed torched. I don't know trailers that well, but it looked to me like the frame assembly for the axle was cut. He told me simply, "now it's a single axle". I'm glad I asked this forum, because I found out that this does not simply put the trailer into a lower weight class, but actually makes it unsafe and to be avoided for hauling purposes, and perhaps questionable even for stationary storage purposes. I think you'll agree that having the only person advising me be the seller, with him telling me it's fine, is probably not a responsible way to go, which is why I asked the forum. Thanks to everyone who helped me see the light (and feel the love ;) ). I'll check out Brett's Training Guide.

Sounds like you found a better deal, I would go for that! The first guy sounded quite shady, while this new guy sounds legit.

For long term storage, I would remove the tires completely and store them out of the elements to prevent any weather damage, and put the trailer up on stable, sturdy blocks. I wouldn't even consider letting the trailer sit on the tires.

I've never hauled a reefer , but I've heard lots of stories about guys that let em run out of fuel and end up losing their load. I only say this because that insulation may not do the job your hoping it will. Just something to seriously think about.

As for the reefer you found 300 miles away, I'm sure if you ask around you could find a local guy to go pick it up for a reasonable fee. Especially if you catch a log hauler on a rainy day.