Trade-ins / Used Trailers

Trading in Your Old Trailer

Yes, we accept trade-ins. There are no published “Blue Book” trailer values to refer to, but we have come up with a general formula to help determine your trailer’s resale value. These are general guidelines only, and we reserve the right to refuse to take a trade, or to deviate from these guidelines if in our opinion the trailer is not something we feel we can resell.

Number one rule of trading in: we reserve the right to refuse any trailer with lettering on it. Painted lettering is worse than vinyl lettering, but when you letter your trailer you make it yours. We can charge back the cost of removing lettering, but at $60 per hour the average lettering job takes about 10 hours to remove, and there is always the chance of damaging the painted panels. Expect a deduction of a minimum of $500 to $600 if your trailer is lettered. You may choose to remove the lettering yourself before you bring it in, but if there is any evidence the trailer was lettered, we will make a deduction.

Trailers in like-new condition lose about 15 to 20% of their retail value when they are driven off the lot, much like an automobile, which loses even more. At wholesale you can expect to lose another 5-10%, but when you trade in, the amount of the trade in is allowed to be deducted from the new purchase amount before the tax is added on. This saves you 6% sales tax on the trade amount, effectively reducing the difference between retail and wholesale to around 4% difference.

Trailers generally lose between 10-15% per year after the first year’s 20% loss in value. Prices have gone up about 5% per year, and many older trailers have less features and options. Chances are if your trailer is 5-10 years old, you paid only 20% less than the cost of a new trailer.

Example

Trailer to be traded in description:
Value of trailer when new:
Value of a new trailer of same description:
Year trailer was built:
How old is trailer:
Deduct 20% for 1st year:
Deduct 10-15% for each additional year:
(depending on overall condition)

DEDUCT for LETTERING
Minimum $500 up to $1000 or more.

Deduct for damage and wear:

Are axles straight?
Are tires good?

Do wheels clunk & wobble when pulled?

Have brakes ever been replaced?
* Is the frame bent or cracked?
What condition is wood deck in - replacement - $400 to $800 or more depending on size.

Retail value of trailer -
Seriously what would someone be willing to pay for this trailer compared to the price of a new one.
Wholesale is 20% less than retail, but because of 6% sales tax savings, it is only 14% less than customer could sell at retail.

Wholesale Value:
Wholesale value of trades must be approved by Glenn Ehrgott, President and Trade-in Manager.

This form should be filled out and presented along with all legal proof of ownership and declaration of ownership - no lien or encumbrances declaration form.