Posted 2010-02-28 11:26 PM (#117114) Subject: Help in pricing a trailer?
Member
Posts: 6
Location: CA
Hi,
I am looking for a used trailer, and I have come across one that might be something. I asked the price, but they hadn't decided yet. I looked at it, and it seems to be a 1979/1980 Circle J, 2-horse straightload step-up. It needs some work, it has a lot of rust, some lights need replaced, and it needs buttbars.
At this point I am not sure how good the floor, wheels, tires, the wiring, brakes etc. are, but it hasn't been used in a long time, so I think everything needs work.
I know it will cost some money to fix this all up, but what would be a fair price right now? I don't want to overpay! I was thinking 800 dollars or so, is that reasonable? Too much?
Posted 2010-03-01 6:17 AM (#117120 - in reply to #117114) Subject: RE: Help in pricing a trailer?
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Welcome to HTW.... Having not seen the trailer, it's hard to say. But if it cost anything much more than free then, I would walk away. You pay $800.00, then have to spend $3000.00 (cutting out and replacing frame work underneath and replacing the floor, paint, tires, wiring, brakes, etc. ...) to make it road worthy, then you got about $4000.00+ tied up in a $500.00 trailer. If you're handy with steel and got some mechanical inclination, a do-it-yourselfer, if you will, then go for it!!! Remember, It is, a 30 year old trailer.
Posted 2010-03-01 9:15 AM (#117132 - in reply to #117114) Subject: RE: Help in pricing a trailer?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
I agree with Retento. It takes a lot of time, work and money to restore an older steel trailer. Unless it's a family heirloom, it's sometimes just not worth the effort and expense. Better trailers are available at a less expensive total cost, and will not require the large amount of labour.
On a daily basis, there are many 2H BP trailers for sale. Keep looking for a better one, that will require less in an investment of time and repairs. It will be less expensive in the long run.
Posted 2010-03-01 12:01 PM (#117144 - in reply to #117114) Subject: RE: Help in pricing a trailer?
Member
Posts: 6
Location: CA
Thanks for the replies!
So I understand $800 would be too much for this "project"...
I will wait to see what they want for it, if it is next to nothing, I might go ahead and fix it up anyways, just because we can do it all ourselves. My husband loves fixing stuff, so he would be doing most of it.
I will have to see if my horse will fit first! No point doing the work if it turns out to be too small. Is it possible to take the middle divider out, and turning it into a big 1-horse? What kind of reinforcement would be needed?
Another question, if this doesn't work out. Are there any dealers that will finance used trailers? What should I expect to pay for a 2-horse bumperpull in good state? Function is more important than looks :)
Posted 2010-03-01 2:48 PM (#117145 - in reply to #117114) Subject: RE: Help in pricing a trailer?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 447 Location: cedar rapids iowa
If you do a search on here with your needs in your area that will give you an idea of what trailers are going for. They may sell for a little less than asking but a 2hs bumper pull should be in the lower end of the spectrum to begin with.
Help in pricing a trailer?
