Buyer’s Guide for Used Trailers

Buying Your First Used Trailer

Even for experienced trailer owners, the purchasing process can feel overwhelming at times due to the sheer volume of options. When buying your first trailer, it’s important to narrow your options into your specific needs, then consider any add-ons and amenities. That is, are you looking for a utility trailer to haul some yard waste? Maybe transport a motorcycle in an open or enclosed trailer? Considering a travel trailer for camping or other adventures? Each type of trailer has its own basic features and potential upgrades.

When to Buy a Used Trailer vs. a New Trailer

Why buy used? For most, the primary reason is price. Like cars, new trailers depreciate the most within the first year or two, at which point the depreciation slows. So, buying a used trailer skips that initial harsh depreciation period and might allow you to eventually sell your trailer for closer to what you originally paid than if you’d bought new. In summary, you pay less up front, experience less depreciation and might be able to recoup more of your investment if you decide to sell later.

Another benefit of a used trailer is its availability. That is: it’s available. With many new trailers, you make a purchase and then have to wait for the trailer to be finished or ready and eventually get delivered to you. When you purchase a used trailer, it’s sitting right there and you can usually tow it home with you that day.

All that noted, new trailers have some advantages, too. If you’re financing your purchase, most dealers will help with new trailers, whereas financing options with used trailers, particularly used trailers for sale by owner, are more limited. New trailers take away any unknowns over the history of the trailer; you’re the first owner. New trailers will come with manufacturer’s warranties, which are not a given with used trailers. Plus, if maintenance is needed, new trailers will almost always have readily available parts, whereas used trailers might—but not necessarily—be more difficult or expensive to fix due to hard-to-find parts.

So, should you buy used or new? Of course, that’s up to you. Consider your budget, your needs in a trailer and which features and amenities are your top priorities.

Where to Buy Used Trailers

The two main options for buying used trailers are at dealerships or for sale by owner. In both cases, it’s very similar to purchasing a used car. At a dealership, they’ll have inspected everything professionally, vouched for the quality and the history of the trailer and work with you to make the deal. With a used trailer for sale by owner, all those things are present as well, depending on the owner, of course. Some trailer owners are experts and others may be selling a trailer they used a few times and don’t know much about. That’s up to you, the buyer, to discern.

Special Considerations when Buying Used Trailers

When purchasing a used trailer, make sure to do a thorough inspection to make sure you’re getting a trailer in good condition. Depending on the type of trailer you’re purchasing, you may not need to go through this whole list (for instance, if you’re buying an open utility trailer, obviously there is no reason to inspect the roof as there will be no roof). You’ll want to examine:

• The trailer itself. Are the tires and wheels in good condition? Are the tires relatively new? Is the hitch reliable? Does the wiring work as it should? Check the suspension and brakes to make sure everything is working there, too. Sometimes, suspension and brakes are hard to check, especially with an empty trailer, but look underneath the vehicle to see if there are any signs of wear or corrosion.
• The power, particularly for travel trailers or recreational vehicles. Check all the outlets and appliances, the generator and the batteries. Confirm the warranties and age of the generator and batteries.
• The exterior of the trailer. For enclosed trailers and travel trailers, making sure the roof and walls are strong (and don’t leak), the windows and door open and close with ease (and don’t leak) and any awnings and sides, particularly slide-outs, operate properly (and don’t leak). Check the paint and exterior material to make sure there’s no detrimental wear or corrosion.
• The interior of the trailer. Is the furniture in good condition? Do the kitchen and bathroom work as they should? What is the condition of the floor, ceiling and interior walls?

Used Trailer Categories

Essentially, if there is a trailer category, there is a market for used trailers in that category. Whether you buy new or used is up to you and your priorities, but there are certain categories that may be more difficult to find in used condition. Concession, vending and food trucks, for example, are usually built specifically for local regulations on food preparation, so it doesn’t always make sense to purchase a used food truck from hundreds of miles away that may not be suited for the regulations in your area.

When looking for used trailers in any category, make sure all your local regulations and licensing requirements are met. The simpler the trailer, the simpler that process, but it is always good to confirm.

Towing and Hitch Needs for Used Trailers

The right towing vehicle and the right hitch are essential to a safe, smooth hauling experience with any trailer.

Hitch type

Most used trailers use ball hitches, but some large trailers might need a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch to increase stability and handle larger weight capacities.

Hitch class and rating

Hitch classes range from Class I to Class V and most small utility trailers need class I, II or III. These hitches are generally found on cars and small SUVs (but a large SUV or pick-up truck will almost certainly suffice). Larger used trailers such as travel trailers might require a class IV or V hitch or even a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch. Check your owner’s manual to ensure you have the proper hitch on your towing vehicle.

Towing vehicle capacity

Check your owner’s manual to find your towing vehicle’s gross combined weight rating (GCWR) and make sure you can safely tow your trailer.

Braking systems

Most trailers towed behind your vehicle will have electric, hydraulic or surge brakes to assist with control and stopping while towing heavy loads. Tail lights, turn signals and reflectors are often required by law.

Used Trailer Pricing

Because there are so many types of trailers, the price of one used trailer is hard to compare to another. That is, a used open utility trailer might cost several hundred dollars while a used, souped-up toy hauler may run into six figures.

The best way to describe the price of a used trailer is in relation to the cost of a new trailer. New trailers depreciate 10-20% within the first year or two, then at a slower rate after that.