Trailer rescue - worth it or am I wasting my time?

[jvigier]

Got this "barn find" trailer for next to nothing. At this point I am trying to decide one of the 3 options:

1. Fix it for my four winns horizon 240
2. Fix it but resell it
3. Listen to my wife and just put it "as-is" on Craigslist

First the details:

Total trailer length= 24ft
10 gauge steel all around
main beam running from hitch to head of "v" is 3x4 inches, beam, not channel
frame is "C" channel, 4 inches by 1.5

Picture

On to the options:

1: my boat is 3850 dry weight. This trailer has 2000 lbs axles. So the first option would cost me roughly $500 (two new 3500lb axles, new leafs and 4 new tires), I would also need a new winch arm, winch, and fenders so figure $700

2: I would leave it at 4000 lbs, the cost would be a little cheaper but not by much. Going rate around here for a trailer is around $1000~

3: least amount of work, I imagine I could get $500 +/- ??


Bottom line: my preference would be to keep this trailer and make it work for my four winns, I just need some feedback on whether it could handle the load?

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Trailer rescue - worth it or am I wasting my time?

How do you figure $500 for 2 3500lb axles, leafs and 4 tires? Sounds like a nice dream.

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Trailer rescue - worth it or am I wasting my time?

If it were me a couple cans of rattle paint after some sanding and wire wheeling FOR SALE!!! use the profits to re-furb your current setr up to your desire. but to answer your ? NO the axles are to close to max rating of load.

 

[jvigier]

Re: Trailer rescue - worth it or am I wasting my time?

How do you figure $500 for 2 3500lb axles, leafs and 4 tires? Sounds like a nice dream.

$219 a piece for the complete axle from Carolina Trailer in Rock hill SC. a similar set from Northern tool is $239 here: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200317475_200317475

+ 4 wheels from cragslist for $75

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Trailer rescue - worth it or am I wasting my time?

$219 a piece for the complete axle from Carolina Trailer in Rock hill SC. a similar set from Northern tool is $239 here: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200317475_200317475

+ 4 wheels from cragslist for $75

No brakes on those axles - so better add a few hundred more, and while they could work for a boat trailer they do not have through lube spindles so you are going to be repacking more often. $75 for 4 wheels? Car rims and tires or actual trailer stuff? If they are car stuff make sure that they are narrow enough to work with your fenders and frame clearance - not to mention load rated for at least 1400.

 

[jvigier]

Re: Trailer rescue - worth it or am I wasting my time?

No brakes on those axles - so better add a few hundred more, and while they could work for a boat trailer they do not have through lube spindles so you are going to be repacking more often. $75 for 4 wheels? Car rims and tires or actual trailer stuff? If they are car stuff make sure that they are narrow enough to work with your fenders and frame clearance - not to mention load rated for at least 1400.

Thinking more and more that a "for sale" sign is in my near future.

What do you folks think it's worth?

 

[MountaineerMiner]

Re: Trailer rescue - worth it or am I wasting my time?

Since I am currently in the middle of rebuilding a trailer (see pics in 1970 mustang thread) I feel that your estimates are slightly off. Not including new tires or leaf springs I bet I have spent atleast $400 in paint, bolts, rollers, and a winch.

If you really need a trailer for your four winns I would rebuilt it. If you just hope to have a nicer trailer than you already have I would sell it.

 

[infideltarget]

Re: Trailer rescue - worth it or am I wasting my time?

That trailer is wayyyy too light for your 240. I had a 220H that I had to buy a trailer for, and your trailer would be too small / light for it also...and my 220 was 2' shorter than your 240, and a good bit lighter. By the time you fuel up, throw your gear in there, etc you need to add 500-1000lbs to your weight rating to account for it all. Rattle can it, and sell it. There are always folks on CL looking for boat trailers. Start at $1100(ish) and be willing to take $800(ish). That's about right for my area anyway (SE TN).

 

[jvigier]

Re: Trailer rescue - worth it or am I wasting my time?

That trailer is wayyyy too light for your 240. I had a 220H that I had to buy a trailer for, and your trailer would be too small / light for it also...and my 220 was 2' shorter than your 240, and a good bit lighter. By the time you fuel up, throw your gear in there, etc you need to add 500-1000lbs to your weight rating to account for it all. Rattle can it, and sell it. There are always folks on CL looking for boat trailers. Start at $1100(ish) and be willing to take $800(ish). That's about right for my area anyway (SE TN).

Thanks a lot for the feedback. Getting sanded and painted tomorrow and going on Craigslist!

 

[infideltarget]

Re: Trailer rescue - worth it or am I wasting my time?

Thanks a lot for the feedback. Getting sanded and painted tomorrow and going on Craigslist!

Are you actually NEEDING a trailer? Or was this one of those freebies that just happen to come along, so you got it?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Trailer rescue - worth it or am I wasting my time?

I sold a similar trailer with nearly new tires and wheels but without repainting for $450.

It was a little shorter but a little heavier

 

[jvigier]

Re: Trailer rescue - worth it or am I wasting my time?

Are you actually NEEDING a trailer? Or was this one of those freebies that just happen to come along, so you got it?

One of those freebies, to tell the honest truth, co-worker paid me a case of beer to come get it off his hands.

What can I say, my wife rescues horses, I rescue boats, trailers, race cars and the occasional riding lawnmower.

 

[jvigier]

Re: Trailer rescue - worth it or am I wasting my time?

Here's the finished product after working on it today. Put it on cragslist for $750...doubtful right now.