Posted 2010-11-15 1:44 PM (#127096) Subject: PROS & CONS OF SHIPPING A TRAILER?
Member
Posts: 10
Was hoping for some ideas on this...I finally found my "perfect" used trailer-right options, right price, etc., etc. but wrong location, 2000 miles away. How common/smart is it to ship a trailer sight unseen (other than the company website) to my location? The company is well known, & checks out w/the BBB, but I cannot find any info about them on the forums. So I have 2 questions, please...can I post the name of the trailer company & see if any of you folks have had any experiences with them--good or bad-- or is that not allowed? Secondly, in general, is it a good idea to buy a trailer on line---I realize many people purchase this way, but I am "old fashioned/old school" & find it a bit unnerving to send a huge check to a company without physically seeing the trailer. However, it will severely limit the number of trailers available to me if I have to drive to see them all! Would love to hear thoughts on this, & I appreciate the help!
Posted 2010-11-15 1:51 PM (#127097 - in reply to #127096) Subject: RE: PROS & CONS OF SHIPPING A TRAILER?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 447 Location: cedar rapids iowa
Ar you looking for something out of the ordinary and that is why you are traveling so far? My guess is it could cost a couple of thousand minimum to get it shipped and that money could be added to something closer to give you a higher price range.
Posted 2010-11-15 3:06 PM (#127100 - in reply to #127096) Subject: RE: PROS & CONS OF SHIPPING A TRAILER?
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Originally written by sockie on 2010-11-15 1:44 PM
Was hoping for some ideas on this...I finally found my "perfect" used trailer-right options, right price, etc., etc. but wrong location, 2000 miles away. How common/smart is it to ship a trailer sight unseen (other than the company website) to my location? The company is well known, & checks out w/the BBB, but I cannot find any info about them on the forums. So I have 2 questions, please...can I post the name of the trailer company & see if any of you folks have had any experiences with them--good or bad-- or is that not allowed? Secondly, in general, is it a good idea to buy a trailer on line---I realize many people purchase this way, but I am "old fashioned/old school" & find it a bit unnerving to send a huge check to a company without physically seeing the trailer. However, it will severely limit the number of trailers available to me if I have to drive to see them all! Would love to hear thoughts on this, & I appreciate the help!
Nan
Pros, saves the wear and tear on your truck.
Cons, do not get to look the trailer over yourself, have to pay high dollar shipping cost
I have sold a few trailers on ebay this year and all went out of state and was picked up by the buyer one wanted shipping help, but the cost was going to be almost $3.00 per loaded mile.... I helped them out myself and did it for $1.50 a loaded mile but it was only 200 miles from my house too.
Where are you located and what location it the trailer? Depending on the location you might find someone close to it that might take a few min. to look it over for you just for a extra opinion about the condition. If it is around Dallas/Ft.Worth I could check it out for you.
Posted 2010-11-15 4:47 PM (#127103 - in reply to #127096) Subject: RE: PROS & CONS OF SHIPPING A TRAILER?
Member
Posts: 10
Laurie, I didn't think the trailer I wanted would be hard to find, but I'm not finding any locally. The biggest stumbling block is the need for a 2H straight load, & most are 3H SL. You are right about the added cost to ship, & I am tending more local for that reason.
Hogtownboss, thanks much for the offer to take a look at it! But it's at a dealer in AL, close to the FL border. I'm in Ohio, so looking at $1.35/mi, really adds up.
And this just came up-is it common for a dealer to require the entire payment up front before taking delivery?
Posted 2010-11-15 5:07 PM (#127104 - in reply to #127103) Subject: RE: PROS & CONS OF SHIPPING A TRAILER?
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by sockie on 2010-11-15 4:47 PM
Laurie, I didn't think the trailer I wanted would be hard to find, but I'm not finding any locally. The biggest stumbling block is the need for a 2H straight load, & most are 3H SL. You are right about the added cost to ship, & I am tending more local for that reason.
Hogtownboss, thanks much for the offer to take a look at it! But it's at a dealer in AL, close to the FL border. I'm in Ohio, so looking at $1.35/mi, really adds up.
And this just came up-is it common for a dealer to require the entire payment up front before taking delivery?
Personally, I'd pass...you are out the total cost for the trailer and if something happens to it on the trip up...WHO is going to handle the insurance of the trailer while in transit...since it technically belongs to you...I'd say you better have it FULLY INSURED BEFORE it leaves for Ohio...WHAT is so special about this trailer?...If the price is too good to be true, you might be getting scammed... There are plenty of two horse straight loads in the New England area...much closer to Ohio...
Posted 2010-11-15 5:31 PM (#127109 - in reply to #127096) Subject: RE: PROS & CONS OF SHIPPING A TRAILER?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 333
If you are in Ohio, I was looking for some two horse GNs for my sister in law and on the dayton, cincinnati and columbus Craigslists, I found some pretty nice trailers. I think some were two horse straights. Take a look. I bought a trailer from Illinois, I had in mind the exact trailer and had it shipped. It was well worth it since I factored in my time.. which would have been a whole weekend. Sometimes you can meet the shipper half way.. or at least some folks have done that. Jbsny
Posted 2010-11-15 6:05 PM (#127110 - in reply to #127096) Subject: RE: PROS & CONS OF SHIPPING A TRAILER?
Regular
Posts: 70 Location: PA
If it is any help, we live in PA & bought 2 trailers from the same dealer in AL and picked up each of them. 1st one was older & was our first gooseneck with small LQ but they sent all the pictures & measurements I asked for (they have to be your eyes) and answered all of my questions so I was pretty sure before we made the trip down that there would be no problem. We had to put a small down payment to hold the trailer but didn't pay for it until we got down there and made sure it was everything they said. The 2nd trailer was also used (but like new) and was larger LQ and had everything we wanted and then some. We could not find one as nice up here for the price. Round trip to AL cost us about $550 in gas and it was a fun trip. Each time, I added it to our insurance policy so it was insured for the trip home. Since each one had an LQ, we ate & slept in the trailers when we got too tired to drive. Feel free to send me a PM and if it is the same dealer, I can highly recommend them.
Posted 2010-11-15 6:49 PM (#127114 - in reply to #127096) Subject: RE: PROS & CONS OF SHIPPING A TRAILER?
Veteran
Posts: 201
Don't let everyone scare you. You can meet 1/2 way-save money on delivery and if the trailer's that bad your only out a little gas and time. Reputable dealers ship trailers everywhere without any hassles and I don't think yours would be an exception?
Posted 2010-11-15 8:00 PM (#127122 - in reply to #127096) Subject: RE: PROS & CONS OF SHIPPING A TRAILER?
Member
Posts: 47 Location: Findlay, OH
I bought a trailer in MN this spring...I'm in Ohio. I just couldn't find all alum 3H GN with managers & large empty dressing room, ready to finish. I used USHIP where people bid on your shipping. I ended up with a nice couple that brought it for $450. They were already in my area to pick bring something back to MN. The trailer did end up leaking like crazy...but after sealing the roof it's now perfect! My husband was extremely nervous about the ordeal. But they did show me their insurance..looked it over at pickup & called me with a report. It was worth it for me. Good Luck!
Posted 2010-11-15 8:57 PM (#127127 - in reply to #127096) Subject: RE: PROS & CONS OF SHIPPING A TRAILER?
Member
Posts: 10
Really great ideas, lots of things I hadn't thought of before. Shipping 1/2 way would be a good option, as is the bidding for shipping. Zoe, I tried to PM you, but could not, can you try to PM me & I'll send that info, thanks.
Twocloud, curious where you saw info that they were bankrupt?
I am finding that the straight loads seem to be more popular in certain regions, like you said, in New England, Paul. Where I live, the slant is more prevalent.
Posted 2010-11-15 8:57 PM (#127128 - in reply to #127096) Subject: RE: PROS & CONS OF SHIPPING A TRAILER?
Location: Kentucky
Seems like Ohio would be a more likely place to find a trailer. Too bad it's not working out that way. I wouldn't buy (or pay in full) sight unseen although I do understand why the dealer may be wanting you too. Guess he wants you to assume all the risks!
Posted 2010-11-16 7:41 AM (#127143 - in reply to #127096) Subject: RE: PROS & CONS OF SHIPPING A TRAILER?
Veteran
Posts: 188 Location: Kinston, NC
Hey Nan, Double D Trailers routinely ships trailers to all lower 48 states (lots to California), Canada, Australia and New Zealand, have been for over a decade. A few quick points:
1. All of our trailers are insured during transit. This is an absolute must!
2. How are warranty/service claims handled? Lots of dealerships like to think of themselves as nationwide but may lack the experience in dealing with a customer that is 1000 (or 10,000) miles away.
The internet makes the world smaller, don't limit yourself to only your local area.
Posted 2010-11-16 7:46 AM (#127144 - in reply to #127143) Subject: RE: PROS & CONS OF SHIPPING A TRAILER?
Veteran
Posts: 188 Location: Kinston, NC
...and shipping can be an issue if the dealer doesn't offer free (or reduced) shipping. For instance, Double D offers free shipping for the first 1000 miles on small trailers, free nationwide on large trailers.
Posted 2010-11-16 7:54 AM (#127146 - in reply to #127096) Subject: RE: PROS & CONS OF SHIPPING A TRAILER?
Location: Central Arkansas
I bought a trailer, over the phone, from Dixie Horse & Mule a few years back. They delivered it AND picked up the trade in. No worries and the trailer arrived exactly as described. Are you going thru a dealer?
Posted 2010-11-16 8:08 AM (#127147 - in reply to #127144) Subject: RE: PROS & CONS OF SHIPPING A TRAILER?
Location: Where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain...
Originally written by DD_TrailerMan on 2010-11-16 7:46 AM
...and shipping can be an issue if the dealer doesn't offer free (or reduced) shipping. For instance, Double D offers free shipping for the first 1000 miles on small trailers, free nationwide on large trailers.
Posted 2010-11-16 8:35 AM (#127150 - in reply to #127147) Subject: RE: PROS & CONS OF SHIPPING A TRAILER?
Veteran
Posts: 188 Location: Kinston, NC
I suppose that is one possible way to look at it. Another way is to consider freight as an overhead cost of doing business and spread it over all trailers. Because we actually manufacture our trailers and sell direct, we save on the typical freight from the manufacturer to the dealer, might as well pass it on. All things considered, no freight charge is better than having a freight charge.
Posted 2010-11-16 9:54 AM (#127156 - in reply to #127096) Subject: RE: PROS & CONS OF SHIPPING A TRAILER?
Member
Posts: 10
Yes, you all are making more great points...
I was actually going thru the same company, bushycreekranch, Dixie Horse & Mule. Good to know you had a positive experience with them. But I guess the question for now is moot as the trailer was sold since talking w/the rep yesterday. After reading more posts on certain manufacturers, though, I did not realize that the one I was looking at (SD) had problems w/the composite and has since switched to all aluminum. Maybe rethinking that now, too, need to do more homework all the way around.
This being my first trailer, I've concluded I should stay somewhat local (300 mile) so I can see it before I buy it. As I am kinda picky about stuff, (ok, so actually really, really picky), I think I'd more comfortable seeing all the nooks & crannies before buying.
You all really helped with the decision, appreciate the comments, for & against, bcse all the points were valid reasons. So, I'll be starting the search again, will continue to use the great HTW searches, and if anyone out there has a nice 2H GN w/dress, straight load, let me know!
Posted 2010-11-16 10:16 AM (#127158 - in reply to #127096) Subject: RE: PROS & CONS OF SHIPPING A TRAILER?
Member
Posts: 10
Hey, thanks!! I saw that, it's gorgeous, just what I'm looking for, except about double what I can spend. I will have to stick with a used trailer, as that's what my budget allows. Hmmm, can I post what I'm looking for here, or is that a no-no??
Posted 2010-11-16 11:29 AM (#127162 - in reply to #127096) Subject: RE: PROS & CONS OF SHIPPING A TRAILER?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Presently there are 38 2h BP trailers for sale in OH, listed in HTW. They may not all be ST loads. In addition, are those for sale in MI, IN, PA MN, KY, all less than a day's drive from you.
I don't know your budget, but in Youngstown OH is Blue Ribbon, who makes excellent products at reasonable prices. They also sell used. I think if you continue your searching, you will find something closer to you.
Posted 2010-11-16 9:46 PM (#127197 - in reply to #127096) Subject: RE: PROS & CONS OF SHIPPING A TRAILER?
Member
Posts: 10
Appreciate all the PM's!! For some reason I can't send a reply to your PM's, so I'll thank you all here...and for those who asked, my ideal trailer would be: a used 2H gooseneck w/dress, straight load w/ramp, aluminum, for about $11K. Would travel to see the right one, up to about 300mi. Thanks again!
PROS & CONS OF SHIPPING A TRAILER?
There are plenty of two horse straight loads in the New England area...much closer to Ohio...
you can be banckrupt and still have an a+ with the B.B.B nowdays???
