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Hi-Point Truck Sales

Mississauga, ON

Kitchener, ON

866.766.8484

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Used Reefer Trailers in Canada: What to Check Before You Buy

Hi-Point Truck Sales
26-June-2025

At Hi Point Truck Sales, we help truckers across Canada—from Toronto and the GTA to Vancouver and the Lower Mainland—find used reefer trailers that don’t just look good but perform when it matters.

Because in refrigerated trucking, one breakdown can turn a high-paying load into a total loss. If your trailer can’t hold temperature, it doesn’t matter how new your tires are or how clean the floor looks. You need gear that can back you up mile after mile, province to province.

Here’s how to buy a used reefer trailer that protects your freight—and your reputation.

Why Reefer Trailer Reliability Matters

When you’re running time-sensitive freight like produce or frozen goods, failure isn’t an option. Whether you're hauling across Southern Ontario or through the BC interior, temperature consistency is everything.

Common problems in unreliable reefers include:

  • Compressor delays that slow down cooling

  • Poor insulation that lets ambient heat in

  • Torn or missing air chutes limiting airflow

  • High unit hours with no documented maintenance

  • Trailers that pass idle tests but fail under load

In Canada’s long-haul climate—cold starts, hot days, varied altitudes—your trailer’s reliability isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a requirement.

What to Look For in a Used Reefer Trailer

At Hi Point Truck Sales, every used refrigerated trailer is inspected, certified, and tested to ensure it can handle real-world freight—whether you're running loads out of Brampton, Surrey, or anywhere in between.

Here’s what makes a reefer trailer worth buying:

  • Under 14,000 hours on the refrigeration unit

  • Complete, verifiable maintenance records

  • Fully functional airflow systems (air chutes, floor channels)

  • Tight door seals and insulation

  • DOT-compliant brakes, lights, tires, and floor

  • Temperature holds under real load conditions—not just idle tests

And if a seller can’t show you these details? Walk away.

Used Reefers Don’t Cool—They Maintain

This one trips up a lot of first-time buyers: reefer units don’t cool freight. They maintain temperature.

If you load warm produce into the trailer, it’ll still be warm when it arrives—whether you’re delivering to a grocer in Calgary, a restaurant chain in Vancouver, or a wholesaler in Hamilton.

Here’s what smart operators do:

  • Pre-cool the trailer before loading

  • Pulp-test freight at the dock

  • Use temperature-monitoring tools (Ryan Recorders, GPS-based systems)

Even the best reefer trailer in Canada won’t save a bad load if the prep is sloppy.

Never Skip the Inspection

Whether you're buying locally in Toronto, browsing from Edmonton, or looking for delivery to Winnipeg, you should never buy a used reefer without a proper inspection.

What to check:

  • Refrigerant system and pressure

  • Electrical components and wiring

  • Trailer floor and wall integrity

  • Door seal condition

  • Cooling performance under loaded test

At Hi Point Truck Sales, every trailer is DOT-certified, pressure-tested, and inspected by our reefer mechanics before it ever hits the site.

Can You Finance a Used Reefer in Canada? Yes—Easily.

You don’t need to front the full cost to get a reliable reefer. Whether you're just starting or expanding your fleet, we offer flexible financing with Canadian lenders who understand trucking.

We regularly finance trailers for clients in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec—including first-time reefer buyers.

FAQs from Canadian Reefer Buyers

How old is too old for a used reefer trailer?
Brokers and shippers typically avoid trailers over 10 years old. Even if it looks clean, age matters when it comes to load acceptance.

What’s the best reefer brand—Carrier, Thermo King, or Hyundai?

  • Carrier: Quiet, fuel-efficient, and widely supported

  • Thermo King: Known for service availability, especially in rural areas

  • Hyundai: Gaining traction with advanced tech and durable builds

We carry all three and help you pick based on your routes and load types.

Do you inspect every reefer before sale?
Absolutely. Every used trailer is fully inspected, DOT-certified, and tested under load.

Do you finance in all provinces?
Yes. We serve customers in Toronto, Vancouver, and throughout Canada with commercial financing solutions.

Buy a Reefer That’s Ready for Canada—From Hi Point Truck Sales

Whether you’re hauling from Toronto, Mississauga, Vancouver, or anywhere across Canada, Hi Point Truck Sales has certified used reefer trailers built for Canadian roads and regulations.

Every trailer we sell is built to hold temperature, pass inspection, and keep your freight protected coast to coast.

Call +1 866 766 8484 or browse our used reefer inventory to find the right unit for your business today.

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