The prospect of owning a salvage Freightliner is an exciting opportunity, however, it can also be overwhelming trying to decide what type of Freightliner is best for you. Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all semi-truck. Picking your Freightliner salvage comes down to personal preference and the type of truck you need.  If you’re looking to buy Freightliner salvage, there are numerous factors to keep in mind that can help find the right Freightliner salvage for you.

Map Out Your Needs

Before you buy your potential salvage Freightliner, the first step in buying is mapping out some of the factors that will influence what you’ll need from your semi-truck. Take time to consider what you need your Freightliner to do and the different features needed, or what you consider a ‘must-have’. When it comes to Freightliner salvage they vary in function to support the specific need for the job.

To help identify the type of Freightliner you need, consider these questions as you’re buying Freightliner salvage: 

Taking these questions into consideration before you buy a salvage Freightliner can help you make the most effective decision for your purchase.

Get to Know Your Salvage Freightliner 

As you’re shopping around for Freightliner salvage, make sure to check the condition of the truck. When it comes to salvage, you can find Freightliners in various conditions. While some buyers don’t mind buying a salvage Freightliner that needs extensive repairs, others may be looking to buy one that can be up and running with minimal repairs. Thus, the ideal condition of the salvage Freightliner depends on how much work you’re looking to put into the Freightliner. 

When looking to buy a salvage Freightliner it is important to obtain a complete picture of the “health” of the truck. This way, as a buyer, you can budget for repairs and upgrades. Not only does this give you a clearer picture of what the truck needs, but it can also give you negotiating power with the seller as some factor in the cost of repairs into the total price. 

However, when reviewing the condition of salvage Freightliner, keep in mind: 

Tires

Tires that are in good condition are essential to a Freightliner’s operation. Be sure to look for any cracks and plugged holes. Additionally, make sure the tires match in size and have the correct capacity. 

Brakes

Be sure to ask the seller about the brake function on the axles. If possible, inspect the pads, shoes, drums, rotors, and magnets. If you’re unable to view your salvage Freightliner in person, ask the seller or auction site for a detailed vehicle report that discloses the structural condition of the truck.

Suspension

Check the suspension, specifically the leaf springs and spring hangers. Be on the lookout for any cracks or repairs as this can indicate that the truck has been overloaded in the past.

Modifications

Another component you’ll want to consider as you’re buying a salvage Freightliner is any modifications that the previous owner installed. These can include extra tie-downs, shelving, racks, interior lighting, fans, vents, and more. Though many of these modifications may be beneficial to you, inspect the installation of these items to verify the structural integrity of the Freightliner was not compromised. If not installed properly, these modifications may be a potential hazard to you and your Freightliner salvage.

Engine

When buying Freightliner salvage, it is also important to know the engine history and review a list of scheduled maintenance. This is an important factor to look at when choosing the best salvage Freightliner. Depending on the condition of the salvage Freightliner or the number of miles on an engine, it might need a rebuild soon after you purchase it. Typically, Freightliner engines can last up to a million miles before a rebuild is needed, however, some engines may need it sooner than that depending on their condition.  

Buy Your Salvage Freightliner with Heavy Salvage

Heavy Salvage offers the industry’s most trusted system of buying and selling transportation salvage. We specialize in connecting verified buyers to certified sellers of wrecked or salvaged semi-trucks, trailers, equipment, or other heavy-duty specialty vehicles with insurance companies and certified sellers. Check out hundreds of certified salvage Freightliner trucks today.