Trailer new vs used ????

[Kevin]

Right now this is just a hypothetical question. But I’m curious if you were shopping for a trailer would you buy a new trailer or a used one?

Specifically a trailer to haul a car. I looked last night online and you can buy a car sized trailer for around $6,500.

The hypothetical: my wife and I are loosely thinking of buying some sort of small sports car. So the trailer needs to fit something the size of an older corvette or a Porsche 911. Something that size. Perhaps even a Jeep wrangler. We aren’t sure yet.

But also do trailers hold their resale value? It would have to have brakes of course.

I do have the truck to pull it. And yes, I’m actually pretty good hauling a trailer. Back in college I had a CDL and a job at a canoe rental place in Southern Missouri. We rented canoes and then I picked up completely drunk canoeists at the pickup point down river. Hauling canoes with an old school bus.

Once or twice even with two trailers. But no, I didn’t back those up.

So? New or used trailer? Can you even buy used trailers?

 

[thinckley]

If only for occasional use, I would go used. If you are looking at a cross-country trip for weeks, I would go new.

I am planning on putting a trailer on my property in Montana while the house is being built. I am going to buy used for a couple of reasons. 1) it can be a muddy mess up there. If I dirtied up a new trailer, I would probably wind up living in it for the rest of my life. 2) I do not anticipate it getting a lot of use after the house is built.

 

[contender]

Used is fine. Just do an inspection on the brakes & bearings. I'd suggest a dual axle type as well.

Just watch out for driveway cables!!!

 

[Wyandot Jim]

Well I would suggest that you buy a car that runs and drives. That way you don't need to haul a POS around.

 

[bigbillyboy]

Well I would suggest that you buy a car that runs and drives. That way you don't need to haul a POS around.

That's a crude response to a serious question ...

 

[arfmel]

You can flat tow a Jeep Wrangler with a tow bar…and a low slung vehicle like a sports car may have difficulty with the undercarriage of the car scraping on the back end of the trailer as you’re driving it on. I had to jack the front of the trailer up to make more of a straight shot onto it.

 

[bigbillyboy]

Right now this is just a hypothetical question. But I’m curious if you were shopping for a trailer would you buy a new trailer or a used one?

Specifically a trailer to haul a car. I looked last night online and you can buy a car sized trailer for around $6,500.

The hypothetical: my wife and I are loosely thinking of buying some sort of small sports car. So the trailer needs to fit something the size of an older corvette or a Porsche 911. Something that size. Perhaps even a Jeep wrangler. We aren’t sure yet.

But also do trailers hold their resale value? It would have to have brakes of course.

I do have the truck to pull it. And yes, I’m actually pretty good hauling a trailer. Back in college I had a CDL and a job at a canoe rental place in Southern Missouri. We rented canoes and then I picked up completely drunk canoeists at the pickup point down river. Hauling canoes with an old school bus.

Once or twice even with two trailers. But no, I didn’t back those up.

So? New or used trailer? Can you even buy used trailers?

Get the price on new , then check Facebook marketplace . There are a lot of deals on there locally .

 

[WanderLust]

I had the same issue before and bought a new one. I found that certain states require a tag for it, which can only be issued to a vehicle with a VIN number (and trailers are counted as 'vehicles' in many states). Older trailers have trouble here as no VIN numbers are stamped onto the frame, in many cases, and the only proof is in the title, which often is lost. Many police will pull over a trailer with no tag if they suspect you are operating 'commercially' in their eyes. Hauling cars of any type may be enough to trigger them, so I would avoid that if possible.
I immediately stripped my new trailer down, sealed all of the wood twice on every side, then reinstalled it all. I upgraded some wiring and lights, adding some larger back-up lighting and tie downs too. Mine still looks great at this point. Glad I bought a new one.

 

[Kevin]

Well I would suggest that you buy a car that runs and drives. That way you don't need to haul a POS around.

Hmmm! That’s some good advice! But I do have to say one goal I have in life is buying a junk car to have it restored.

But right now sweetie and I are just thinking of something fun to drive. The problem is Dallas is so effin’ flat.

We would like to go somewhere with some hills like out where Contender lives.

And I promise to watch those driveway cables!!!

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

If you want to have a corvette for a trip like that rent the corvette, and take it out. I think you would be shocked by how little you would use one if you invested in the car and trailer. Most people think it would get a lot of use and how fun it would be, but if they got out twice a year that would be a lot. It’s romantic thinking. Almost everyone does it but the ones that follow through with it have a driveway full that seldom moves, with a pile of money tied up. Rent the car, take a trip and then rethink it.

 

[Kevin]

That's a crude response to a serious question ...

Oh, Wyandot Jim's reply made me laugh. I actually loved it.

And I can fess up. Contender's reply about driveway cables. Two years ago at the East Coast Gathering... No! Three years ago! (Hurricane) He's got this cable pretty low to the ground across the entrance to his range. I was the first one there, didn't see the cable, and drove over it with my truck.

The truck snagged the cable and ripped the post holding said cable out of the ground.

Which is one way of doing it I suppose...

 

[Wyandot Jim]

That's a crude response to a serious question ...

Well I consider Kevin a friend of many years on this forum and we both rag on each other.
Maybe you didn't see the smiley faces to indicate I was joking.
I will ignore your comment this time Newbie

 

[WanderLust]

I rented a convertible for an lengthy date with my wife through the Blue Ridge parkway, just a skip away from Lake Lure.
Went in late September; warm enough for the top to be down, cool enough in the evenings for the heater.
Tremendous memories for both of us. I'd do that part again with no hesitation. Best of luck on your decision!

 

[Wyandot Jim]

Hmmm! That’s some good advice! But I do have to say one goal I have in life is buying a junk car to have it restored.

But right now sweetie and I are just thinking of something fun to drive. The problem is Dallas is so effin’ flat.

We would like to go somewhere with some hills like out where Contender lives.

And I promise to watch those driveway cables!!!

Kevin,
Vetts are great rides and a lot of car for the money. I do not recommend paying to have a car restored. It is much cheaper to buy the BEST one that you can afford and drive it. As far as having a fun trip Texas has GREAT back roads. Wifie and I enjoyed many trips to see the Bluebonnets and wildflowers along with trips to the Texas Hill Country in our Vetts.
I suggest that you do it now rather than waiting. My reason is that I bought our 2013 convertible Vette because it has a trunk which our 1996 does not. Our plan was to take 66 to CA. then N to The Colombia River Gorge and E to Idaho and back to Texas. Our plan went to sh!t when Wifie started having symptoms of dementia. I was able to take some shorter trips with her before it became impossible to do so.

Our 427 Anniversary 2013 an outstanding ride.

 

[Justice B. Swift]

Kevin, Buying a used trailer can be fine and save some cash. That said there are some things to consider. I have towed a fair amount and used many trailers over the years. Make sure that whatever you buy has a manufacture number stamped into the frame and current Title. You'll need to register and insure it and this is required stuff.
Then there are some mechanical things to look at. Dual Axles are a must, with brakes on at least one axle. You don't need to have two 10,000 lbs. axles to haul a 4,000 lbs. car. check your axle/spring rating to get a decent ride that won't bounce all over the place but is sufficient for your worst-case scenario. Something around 7,000 lbs. typically works well. Leaf spring axles are more durable, and torsion axles will ride lower. If it's used take a good look at tire wear to assess if the axle is aligned correctly (especially an issue with torsion type}. Consider which will be better for You. There are standard rigid flat deck types, tilt decks, and Beavertail designs (angle drop at rear section) and each has a purpose. Tilt decks ride higher, weigh more, cost more and are rarely needed for casual auto use as you have planned. Beavertail types can be a big asset if your vehicle sits low, such as a street rod or sports car, because the low tail improves ramp angle and allows better clearance to the floor pan and reduced approach angle for "low Nose" cars. This comes at a slight loss of usable flat deck space. A standard issue flat deck trailer has made a good platform for many users for many years, with the exceptions already noted. Also, be sure to thoroughly investigate the loading ramps. Check how they store and are they "Lockable" to prevent theft. Take them out and install them. Is it a PITA to fit them or stow them? are they substantially strong or flimsy. Can they be adjusted for spread to accommodate different track widths? Are they long enough to soften the approach angle or will your car "high center" while cresting the deck? Just be sure to check things out carefully based on your needs. This applies to NEW trailers too. Good luck sir. Hope this helps.

 

[Killer Bee]

open deck or enclosed?
weight or towing capacity a concern?

I own several trailers, bought some new and some used. managed a fleet of hundreds of trailers and dollies at work.

stick to recognized brands. having shopped several trailer lots I've seen some pretty poor construction. what may look like a deal on the outside may be a disaster underneath.

for a car hauler, definitely want electric brakes on both axles. look or ask, not standard on all brands. name brand axles like dexter a plus. they're durable and parts are readily available.

I use tekonsha prodigy brake controllers, also the standard model used at work. well known top performer with intuitive controls.

electrical - check for good wiring, grounds, and routing, led lights, battery back-up breakaway, etc. trailer lighting issues are frustrating, start with a solid system.

verify all dimensions before you buy. length, width, fender style, loading ramps, height (enclosed) etc. make sure doors will open, especially sports cars next to trailer fenders. for enclosed trailers look for full width with fenders inside.

check mechanical items like couplings, safety chains, wheel bearings, brakes, etc. really easy to service at home, lots of info out there with pictures and how-to videos.

speaking of couplings, I recommend a good solid drawbar and ball. I have several drops and ball sizes for various trailers but primarily use a medium duty U.S. made bulletproof brand adjustable. having traveled a lot of rough roads, well worth the peace of mind.

tires are often overlooked beond simple tread depth. age and dry rot is a killer, beware. I have had to compromise and buy imports in the past due to budget or availability but I prefer U.S. made like goodyear endurance nowadays for better reliability. inflation, inflation, inflation. don't forget to check and maintain proper inflation for the load.

anchor points, d rings, chain buckets, pipe stop, spare tire mount, doors, ramps, storage, interior lighting etc. there are a lot of convenient accessories, look around at various brands and models to see what's out there.

invest in some good tie-downs. tire straps, chains, chain leaders, binders, etc. last thing said just before losing the load, that'll hold.

post up any questions and good luck!

two of mine most relevant to your search.

20' wells cargo I bought used last year for $6500 in excellent condition. new equivalent would run about $14k. although too old for duty and first thing I replaced, still had original tires on it indicating low use. my teenage son and I inspected brakes and repacked the bearings in about an hour. already paid for itself during our cross country move for my toolbox alone, plus a lot of other oversized/heavy items that couldn't go in the ABF trailer.

16' carson car hauler bought new with accessories for $2500, but that was about 25 years ago. just redecked it a couple of years ago for about $250 myself. it's been all over the country, mojave desert, and mexico. hauled dozens of cars and trucks among other various items over the years. been a solid trailer, no complaints.

 

[Kevin]

Again, I’m glad I asked this question. Thanks for the wealth of knowledge and laughs!

It is going to be something sweetie and I will do. And yeah, like Jim said, better to do it sooner rather than put it off to later and then it might not happen.

 

[Kevin]

Kevin,
Vetts are great rides and a lot of car for the money. I do not recommend paying to have a car restored. It is much cheaper to buy the BEST one that you can afford and drive it. As far as having a fun trip Texas has GREAT back roads. Wifie and I enjoyed many trips to see the Bluebonnets and wildflowers along with trips to the Texas Hill Country in our Vetts.
I suggest that you do it now rather than waiting. My reason is that I bought our 2013 convertible Vette because it has a trunk which our 1996 does not. Our plan was to take 66 to CA. then N to The Colombia River Gorge and E to Idaho and back to Texas. Our plan went to sh!t when Wifie started having systems of dementia. I was able to take some shorter trips with her before it became impossible to do so.

Our 427 Anniversary 2013 an outstanding ride.
View attachment 92523

I love the color of this car. I remember you posting about getting this a few years ago. Great choice.

 

[gjgalligan]

Well I would suggest that you buy a car that runs and drives. That way you don't need to haul a POS around.

It appears as though (by the 4 smiley faces) that it was post in jest.

That's a crude response to a serious question ...

If that is a problem for you then maybe this isn't the right forum for you.

 

[bigbillyboy]

Well I consider Kevin a friend of many years on this forum and we both rag on each other.
Maybe you didn't see the smiley faces to indicate I was joking.
I will ignore your comment this time Newbie

Newbie yeah right , you belong over at Hunters Campfire , you will fit right in ...

 

[bigbillyboy]

It appears as though (by the 4 smiley faces) that it was post in jest.



If that is a problem for you then maybe this isn't the right forum for you.

I didn't see it as a joke .....

 

[bigbillyboy]

Oh, Wyandot Jim's reply made me laugh. I actually loved it.

And I can fess up. Contender's reply about driveway cables. Two years ago at the East Coast Gathering... No! Three years ago! (Hurricane) He's got this cable pretty low to the ground across the entrance to his range. I was the first one there, didn't see the cable, and drove over it with my truck.

The truck snagged the cable and ripped the post holding said cable out of the ground.

Which is one way of doing it I suppose...

I was defending your post . I took it as an insult to you.......

 

[DGW1949]

Right now this is just a hypothetical question. But I’m curious if you were shopping for a trailer would you buy a new trailer or a used one?

Specifically a trailer to haul a car. I looked last night online and you can buy a car sized trailer for around $6,500.

The hypothetical: my wife and I are loosely thinking of buying some sort of small sports car. So the trailer needs to fit something the size of an older corvette or a Porsche 911. Something that size. Perhaps even a Jeep wrangler. We aren’t sure yet.

But also do trailers hold their resale value? It would have to have brakes of course.

I do have the truck to pull it. And yes, I’m actually pretty good hauling a trailer. Back in college I had a CDL and a job at a canoe rental place in Southern Missouri. We rented canoes and then I picked up completely drunk canoeists at the pickup point down river. Hauling canoes with an old school bus.

Once or twice even with two trailers. But no, I didn’t back those up.

So? New or used trailer? Can you even buy used trailers?

I don't know where you are getting your prices from, but you can buy a new 18' car hauler a lot cheaper than $6,500 ......Try Texas Trailer Supply. I've bought their stuff before and can vouch for it......As for used, I wouldn't personally buy a trailer that didn't come with a Title, especially in Texas. Plus, I'd be sure to check the bearings, brakes, lights, the wear pattern of the tires, and make sure there's no sign of it being wrecked or jack-knifed. If the ramps are bent or bowed, it's a sure sign that the trailer has been over loaded...Also note that if the distance from the centerline of the hitch to the tip end of both spindles of the same axle are not equal, it won't tow strait, so take a tape measure with you.

Hope this helps.

DGW

 

[Joe Chartreuse]

I would buy a trailer specifically made as a car hauler, and I would definitely buy it used- no, they generally don't hold their value. I would strongly suggest a complete inspection before buying.

 

[Springer2]

I worked on electric brake trailers for a living back in the 70s and currently have 4 trailers, 2 can haul cars. We have an 18 foot open that pulls great and a 24' enclosed that we moved our household goods from PA to FL. We also hauled 2 cars over 1000 miles on the open trailer. As a general rule trailers that have 5 bolt wheels are 3500 lb axles and 6 bolt are usually 5000 axles. Used trailers are fine and parts are common with most trailers so you can fix most anything but that figures into the price. In used trailers, look to be sure the tires are for trailers and not for cars. The tire load range needs to exceed the axle rating. Many car tires will not carry the weight 8 and 10 ply trailer tires will.

 

[GasGuzzler]

Used 100%.

Why?

The prices are way lower and there is no quality benefit from buying new like there is with a car. My parents' last travel trailer purchase was a new one that had 43 items on a punch list to repair before delivery and it stayed at the dealer for more than two weeks after purchase. A nice aluminum car hauler with ramps, a winch, and a storage/battery box should be a good bit less than $6K. Looks for removable fenders for door clearance.

 

[Fox Mike]

You are talking about hauling a Corvette or a 911 Posrche and are worried about trailer resale value? You need stronger coffee to really wake you up.

 

[thinckley]

You are talking about hauling a Corvette or a 911Posrche and are worried about trailer resale value? You need stronger coffee to really wake you up.

Maybe he wants to save money to buy more guns?

 

[XUSNORDIE]

I vote for the Jeep, a used trailer and a subscription to ON X OFFROAD app.......

Hey the Jeep already has hooks for tie downs!.....

....and you won't mind getting it dirty like you would a Vette or 911 (unless you make it a Rally Car!)

 

[protoolman]

Way to much trouble you're going to. Every body man, weekend racer whatever I know has a really nice trailer or two that sits a lot. Since I don't move a car or two in 10 years I just ask around. I've never even had to pay to borrow one. I had to return a favor maybe but that's about it. To move one car I wouldn't even consider it. The other thing is the last guy that offered me a tired mid 70s corvette live about 15 miles from my house you might find one close enough in the end to bring home on a chain! Worst case you could probably rent a car hauler for a couple days for less than $200.