Dry van trailers are the workhorse of the American trucking industry. They carry everything from consumer goods to industrial supplies. If you're looking to add capacity to your fleet or buy your first trailer, this guide breaks down your financing options.
Dry Van Trailer Costs
| Trailer Type | New Price | Used (1-5 yr) | Used (6-10 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 53' Standard | $35,000-$55,000 | $18,000-$35,000 | $8,000-$18,000 |
| 53' Plate | $30,000-$45,000 | $15,000-$30,000 | $7,000-$15,000 |
| 48' Standard | $28,000-$45,000 | $14,000-$28,000 | $6,000-$14,000 |
| 53' High Cube | $38,000-$58,000 | $20,000-$38,000 | $10,000-$20,000 |
| 53' Swing Door | $33,000-$52,000 | $17,000-$33,000 | $8,000-$17,000 |
Major manufacturers include Great Dane, Wabash National, Utility Trailer, Hyundai Translead, and Stoughton.
Why Dry Vans Are the Easiest to Finance
Dry van trailers are considered the most "bankable" trailer type because:
- High liquidity: Easy to sell or re-lease if the borrower defaults
- Low maintenance: No moving parts like reefer units
- Universal demand: Every carrier needs dry vans
- Strong residual values: A well-maintained dry van holds 50-70% of its value after 5 years
- Long lifespan: 15-20 years of useful life
This means lenders offer better terms on dry vans than almost any other trailer type.
Current Financing Rates
| Credit Profile | New Trailer APR | Used Trailer APR |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent (720+) | 5.49%-6.99% | 6.49%-8.49% |
| Good (660-719) | 6.99%-9.99% | 8.49%-11.99% |
| Fair (600-659) | 9.99%-15.99% | 11.99%-18.99% |
| Challenged (550-599) | 15.99%-22.99% | 18.99%-25.99% |
Monthly Payment Examples
On a $40,000 dry van trailer with 20% down ($8,000 financed = $32,000):
| Term | 7% APR | 12% APR | 18% APR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 months | $1,430 | $1,510 | $1,600 |
| 36 months | $988 | $1,063 | $1,157 |
| 48 months | $766 | $843 | $940 |
| 60 months | $634 | $712 | $812 |
Financing Requirements
Standard Program
- 1+ year in business
- 600+ credit score
- $75K+ annual revenue
- 10-20% down payment
- Clean FMCSA record
- Active DOT authority
First-Time Buyer Program
- 650+ credit score
- 20-30% down payment
- Personal guarantee
- Proof of contracted freight or lease agreement
- 6+ months CDL experience
Lease vs. Buy: Which is Right?
Buy (Equipment Loan)
Pros: Build equity, full tax deductions (Section 179), no mileage restrictions, sell anytime Cons: Higher monthly payments, responsible for all maintenance, depreciation risk
Lease (FMV or $1 Buyout)
Pros: Lower monthly payments, easier to upgrade, maintenance may be included Cons: No equity until buyout, potential early termination fees, mileage limits possible
Our Recommendation
For most owner operators and small fleets, a loan with the shortest term you can afford is the best long-term financial decision. You own the asset, and dry vans hold their value well enough that you can sell or trade when you're ready to upgrade.
How Many Trailers Do You Need?
A common question from growing fleets. Here's a general guide:
- 1 truck, 1 trailer: Minimum setup, but you lose time at shippers waiting for loading
- 1 truck, 2 trailers: Drop and hook capability, much more efficient
- Fleet ratio: Most efficient fleets run a 2:1 or 3:1 trailer-to-truck ratio
Financing multiple trailers at once often gets you better terms. Volume discounts from both the dealer and the lender are common.
The Brobas Advantage
We don't just match you with a lender. We analyze your full financial picture and present your application in the strongest possible light. With 91+ lending partners and 39,000+ credit reports reviewed by our team, we know which lender says yes to your profile.
Ready to finance a dry van? Apply at brobascap.com or call (773) 691-3925