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If you’re wondering when to buy a new semi-trailer, you might feel overwhelmed by all the factors that go into the decision. In this buying guide, we break down the process so you can feel empowered to make a decision without too much stress.
The first step involves the current condition of your trailer. While you can repair most basic issues, such as loose parts, faulty lighting, worn brakes, or leaking fluid. There are two indicators that suggest it may be time to consider purchasing a new trailer.
If your undercarriage has significant rust, you can’t restore it. While rust and contamination are inevitable in our environment, substantial rust, especially on the axles and suspensions could lead to dangerous driving conditions and costly repairs.
You may consider a new trailer if you have a damaged frame rail. Even a quality repair will be costly and performance many be compromised.
Also, consider the cost of repairs compared to replacement. If your trailer is older, you’ll likely need more frequent repairs. While a few repairs might save you money over buying a new trailer, will the cost of repairs overtake what you’d have spent on a new one?
Finally, waiting for repairs means your truck and trailer are out of commission. Buying a new one could help you become productive again sooner.
The average semi-trailer lasts between 10 and 20 years with proper maintenance. However, several factors affect your trailer’s lifespan, including:
If you’re considering when to buy a new semi-trailer, look for these most common signs you should upgrade:
Safety issues: Don’t compromise safety to save a few bucks. If your trailer is a threat to your or other’s safety, replace it
While you might put off buying a new trailer to save money, consider all the benefits you’ll receive, such as:
With seven locations around Michigan, Royal Truck & Utility Trailer is the state’s trusted semi-trailer dealership. We provide the widest inventories in the state from all the top brands, including Utility Trailer, MAC, Pitts, Talbert, Wilson, Titan, and more.
We’re committed to helping you stay on the move, which is why we also offer a range of parts from all the top manufacturers. Across all our locations, we have the parts you need to get your trailer back on the road. You can pick them up yourself, have them delivered, or schedule service repair with our team.
Royal Truck & Utility Trailer can provide you with the perfect new trailer to keep you on the road. If you’re wondering when to buy a new semi-trailer, you won’t find a better place to shop.
Not ready for an upgrade? No problem, we’re committed to helping you stay on the move by offering a wide range of repairs and parts at all our dealerships.
Ready to upgrade? Contact your nearest dealership in Dearborn, Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Hudsonville, Northville (Headquarters), Warren, or Wixom. Our highly trained and knowledgeable sales staff will help you every step of the way. They can help you determine when you need a new trailer and the best one for your needs.
Chief Legal Officer
Anthony Sciara is our Chief Legal Officer, Corporate Secretary, and a Member of our Board of Directors. He has been a licensed attorney for nearly 15 years. Anthony earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Michigan University in 2002 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois (Chicago) Law School in 2006. Anthony represented the company for eight years as outside counsel before formally joining the team in October of 2019. Anthony handles and/or supervises all legal and compliance matters for the company, including executive strategy, corporate transactions, and dispute resolution. In addition to his responsibilities with the company, Anthony serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Northville Educational Foundation, participates in the Association of Corporate Counsel, and was previously an Adjunct Professor of Lawyering Skills at the University of Illinois (Chicago) Law School. Anthony is most proud that his position allows him the opportunity to solve problems for us in creative ways, which minimizes risk and maximizes success. The thing Anthony loves most about being part of Royal Truck & Utility Trailer is the sincere and uncommon passion that ownership, leadership, and other employees share for the success of the company.
Chief Financial Officer
Julie Igielski is the Chief Financial Officer at Royal Truck & Utility Trailer. Julie attended Michigan State University and earned her Bachelor’s in Merchandise Management in 2004 before attending Eastern Michigan University to get a Master’s degree in Accounting. After graduating with her MSA, she received her Certified Public Accountant license. Prior to joining the Royal team in 2013, Julie held various accounting positions at both publicly and privately owned companies. Since deciding to continue on in the family business nearly 8 years ago, she has helped us accomplish so much. Julie is in charge of all of our finances, creates all of our financial statements, works closely with our CEO and COO when making executive decisions, and works with the bank when acquiring new properties and companies. She is most proud of her CPA license and all of the growth and success she has helped Royal achieve. The thing she loves most about her job is being able to work with her family and her co-workers who have become her family over the years. We are so happy that Julie decided to join the team, we are so appreciative of all she does for us every day.
Chief Operating Officer
Adam Pigeon is the Chief Operating Officer here at Royal Truck & Utility Trailer. Adam joined the team in 2009 after graduating from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelors of Science in 2008. He first joined us as a Parts Counter Representative and advanced to Parts Purchasing Manager. Adam was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in January of 2015 and under his leadership we have seen such tremendous growth. Adam is tasked with overseeing all of our day to day operations between all four facilities and works closely with Corporate Officers, Department VPs, and Directors to implement the company’s strategic plan. When asked about his favorite part about being a part of Royal Truck & Trailer, he shared that he loves the people he works with every day. Something Adam takes pride in is all of the company growth that he has helped achieve over his time at Royal. With over 10 years experience, he has become knowledgeable about the industry and strengthened his skills in operations management, leadership, team building, and contract negotiation. Adam has served on multiple industry advisory and councils and boards. Adam is such an asset to our company and we are so proud of everything he has accomplished during his time with us at Royal Truck & Trailer.
Chief Executive Officer
Ken Bumgardner is the CEO of Royal Truck & Utility Trailer. Ken is an extremely hardworking individual with interpersonal and problem-solving skills. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Business Management in 2001. Ken has been with the company since he was 12 years old, he was always helping out at the shop to spend time with his dad before joining the team full time in 2001. Before becoming our current CEO, he has held various positions working his way up in the company, such as: cleaner, parts runner, parts counter, parts manager, trailer salesman, office manager, vice president, and president. Ken wanted to join the family business because of his very close relationship with his family, and he loved working with and spending time with his dad. On a daily basis, he is in charge of merger and acquisitions and overseeing our C-level executives. In addition to these responsibilities, Ken also makes sure everyone at Royal is happy in their roles; he thoroughly enjoys working with all of the members of our team. Something he is very proud of is the acquisition of East Michigan Trailer Sales in 2017 because of how it has impacted the dynamic of Royal. He is on the Board of The National Trailer Association and formerly was on the Board of The Michigan Trucking Association. Under Ken’s leadership, we have accomplished great new highs and cannot wait to see what else we can accomplish in the future.
Chief Executive Officer
Ken Bumgardner is the CEO of Royal Truck & Utility Trailer. Ken is an extremely hardworking individual with interpersonal and problem-solving skills. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Business Management in 2001. Ken has been with the company since he was 12 years old, he was always helping out at the shop to spend time with his dad before joining the team full time in 2001. Before becoming our current CEO, he has held various positions working his way up in the company, such as: cleaner, parts runner, parts counter, parts manager, trailer salesman, office manager, vice president, and president. Ken wanted to join the family business because of his very close relationship with his family, and he loved working with and spending time with his dad. On a daily basis, he is in charge of merger and acquisitions and overseeing our C-level executives. In addition to these responsibilities, Ken also makes sure everyone at Royal is happy in their roles; he thoroughly enjoys working with all of the members of our team. Something he is very proud of is the acquisition of East Michigan Trailer Sales in 2017 because of how it has impacted the dynamic of Royal. He is on the Board of The National Trailer Association and formerly was on the Board of The Michigan Trucking Association. Under Ken’s leadership, we have accomplished great new highs and cannot wait to see what else we can accomplish in the future.