The age of a trailer is not as important as its condition. How is was previously used and cared for, will have more relevance to its ability to further supply a reliable service.

The frame, all its supporting structures, the flooring, roof and the axles are the most important parts to inspect. Any broken welds, bent members or poorly serviced bearings and brakes, are clues that this trailer should be avoided.

If those items are in good repair, then the next inspection would include any doors, ramps and windows for integrity. Warpage, delamination, broken frames and hardware issues should be included in your inspection. OEM replacement parts for some of these older parts, can be sometimes difficult to source.

If the trailer includes a LQ, you can pretty well expect some appliances to be non functional. Try all of them, and use any non functional ones as part of your bargaining issue. Fortunately, with few exceptions, most interior broken items can be replaced or upgraded with newer products.

There are wear items that are age dependant. These would include tires, any rubber based seals on doors and windows, the age limits on propane gas tank inspections, and safety items such as CO detectors and fire bottles.

Just as with automobiles, there are used trailers that look and perform like new. If they are neglected, they will have to be reconditioned to make them reliable. Last year I bought a 7 year old trailer that could be displayed in a show room. Except for one small ding in a fender, it was immaculate. The caveat was that I paid less than one half the price of a new one.

When you are pricing a used trailer, you must also include the additional cost of repairs and modifications you will need to expend, to bring it to your specifications. This would include the tires, appliances etc.

A good used trailer is an excellent value. The original owner pays most of the initial depreciation, and works out any discrepancies the new trailer may have had. A trailer is just a big box with some accessories. It is not complex like an automobile; its accessories are built by other companies, and except for some body parts, most replacement parts are readily available from after market sources.

BOL  Gard