Posted 2006-11-06 10:28 AM (#51161) Subject: Need Advice
Veteran
Posts: 219 Location: Mt. Clemens, MI 48043
Good Day To Everyone,
I need advice about the horse trailer business. I hope you can help. I am buying a two horse bumper pull with a hay rack that is in good condition. I will also have a title. I need advice on insurance since I am letting the 4-H rent the bumper pull this year. I live in Michigan so any one from Michigan with advice would be a great help. I am doing this for two reasons - I need the money back and the 4-H is a good thing to support.
Posted 2006-11-06 12:18 PM (#51171 - in reply to #51161) Subject: RE: Need Advice
Expert
Posts: 2689
Hi and Welcome to the Forum.
You should check with your insurance provider, my guess is that "renting" it out would put you into a "Commercial" category.
Translation: Expect an expen$ive policy change.
Posted 2006-11-06 12:52 PM (#51174 - in reply to #51161) Subject: RE: Need Advice
Expert
Posts: 1723 Location: michigan
I live in Michigan but really cannot help much but to say ditto with Reg. While I also like 4-H, I wouldn't rent them my trailer. Instead, I'd hook up my rig, drive it where ever they needed it go and consider that my contribution. Just too many red tape, sticky issues to deal with in a rental agreement when your not a commercial operator. if they want to rent a trailer, you can ask about that with a trailer dealer.
Posted 2006-11-06 1:08 PM (#51175 - in reply to #51174) Subject: RE: Need Advice
Expert
Posts: 2689
I agree with farmbabe, although I appreciate your problem of needing some dough out of it.
I'd also have them at least sign a "hold harmless" agreement, still do all the driving myself, perhaps suggest a "contribution toward out of pocket expenses" _ _ AFTER it is all over and there have been no injuries or damage to property. You might get something back on your taxes as a charitable contribution, although I don't know what the IRS mileage rate would be for a truck and trailer (I hope not their "car" rate).
The other "dough" you might be able to get out of it would be of the baked goods kind, i.e. DO be sure to suck down as many donuts, muffins, cookies, whatever they put out on the tables (-:
Posted 2006-11-06 2:03 PM (#51178 - in reply to #51161) Subject: RE: Need Advice
Veteran
Posts: 219 Location: Mt. Clemens, MI 48043
Thank you for all your advice. I guess I will be doing alot of hauling next year. I will use my truck, insurance, and time. They will have to pay for the gas. I can not afford to have the trailer ruined - it is my first one. At this time it is my familys pride and joy and this web site is great.
Posted 2006-11-06 6:05 PM (#51188 - in reply to #51161) Subject: RE: Need Advice
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 333
I rarely use my trailer for hauling others unless I know how their horse hauls. I hauled a friend's horse and it reared up in my trailer and put a very nice dent in the side.. which she said, Oh sorry... pretty much after that we weren't friends because I wasn't about to finance her horse hobby for the price of a couple gallons of gas. But that was my lone experience.
Need Advice
