Trailer to buy

[Guest jayf]

I would like to buy a used but good car hauler - at least 24' long X 8.5' wide with 7' high door; 10,000# capacity, etc. Would appreciate any leads

Jay Fitzgerald

[Durant Mike]

Jay

Check out you local Craig's List site for automobile trailers or haulers. I know down here in Florida I see about 10 listed all the time. craigslist: san antonio classifieds for jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events

[Guest jayf]

Thanks, Mike - I will watch Craig's List. Any experience with some of the vendors on EBay ?

Jay

[DAVE A]

Jay;

First of all, be careful buying a used trailer. You can hit as many pitfalls as buying a used car. Be sure to have a good mechanic experienced in trailers check it out before buying. Personally, I would spend the extra dollars and buy new. Particularly if you live in the midwest where many of them are made. Buying direct and picking up from the factory will save you a bundle of money and not get you any one else's problems.

[Larry Schramm]

Ditto on what Dave A said. Looked for over a year and ended up buying new. Considered every used trailer needed at least tires, brakes & lights which was usually true.

[West Peterson]

I totally, but respectfully, disagree.

It's a given that you will have to replace wiring, brakes and tires. Heck if you have a trailer long enough, you'll be doing that anyway. You will also be looking at replacing springs, shackles and bearings. It's part of maintenance. But it certainly isn't as expensive as buying new. A "trailer mechanic" isn't going to tell you any differently.

There are not near as many pitfalls as in buying a used car, but that shouldn't stop you from checking it out carefully. Mainly look at how well it has been maintained. Check weld points, check for rust, joints, etc. If it is good and solid, it's a lot less expensive than buying new, even if you have to replace the above-mentioned items. A good complete overhaul shouldn't set you back more than $1,500-$2,000 on a trailer that has already been well-maintained. Compare that, plus the purchase price, to what a new one will cost.

[Guest jayf]

Thanks for your input - I continue to look, but don't see many out there

Jay Fitzgerald

[old car fan]

Just be wise on the height.depends on what your hauling,an early touring car,most will not fit.

[DizzyDale]

Above ALL else......look over all frame members as NO low end enclosed trailer manufacturers prime or paint any framework.Oh sure everyone expects to see a little surface rust,what i am talking about is:eek: BIG time ROT:eek:.diz