Used 2017 Dry Van Trailers For Sale in Colorado

Swing doors usually provide more usable rear opening, while roll-up doors simplify frequent dock stops where exterior door clearance is tight. On a dry van, the roll-up door header and overhead tracks can restrict tall freight. Measure the actual opening against loaded pallet height, and confirm that each delivery location accommodates the door style before choosing.

The dry van manufacturer's floor rating must cover the loaded forklift's concentrated axle load, not just the trailer's total payload. Obtain the original floor specification and account for forklift weight plus the carried pallet. Inspect underneath for cracked crossmembers, loose fasteners, and repairs, then check the wood for softness, splitting, or separation near the rear loading area.

A standard tractor and dry van combination on Colorado Interstates generally has an 80,000-pound gross limit and a 34,000-pound tandem axle limit without special authorization. Federal Bridge Formula requirements, equipment ratings, and posted restrictions can reduce allowable weight. Cargo capacity is the legal combination weight minus the actual tractor, trailer, fuel, driver, and equipment weight, not the trailer's GVWR alone.

An uninsulated dry van cannot reliably protect freeze-sensitive freight during a Colorado winter. A weather-tight box keeps out precipitation but does not maintain a controlled cargo temperature, especially during overnight parking or mountain delays. Heated or refrigerated equipment with an appropriate heating capability is the safer specification when the shipper requires a minimum transit temperature.

A trailer ABS lamp that stays illuminated after its prescribed self-check indicates a fault that needs diagnosis before purchase. On a used dry van, retrieve ABS fault codes and inspect wheel-speed sensors, wiring, connectors, and power supply. Standard braking may remain functional during some ABS faults, but that does not establish that the trailer's brakes are safe or compliant.