Value of trailer

Jeep Man

Commander
Joined
Oct 17, 2008
Messages
2,803
As I have moved over to a pontoon boat from the old runabout, and the boat is gone, I now have a trailer that I no longer need. I spent the weekend cleaning up any rust and priming and applying a couple of coats of Rustoleum. I want to sell it, but have no idea what it's worth. Any ideas? It's an EASY LOADER with 14" wheels, single axle, bearing buddies, a sturdy 3" boxed frame, rollers, and can probable take an 18' vessel. I can only guess it's an early 80's model. The weight and model # are illegible.
 

reelfishin

Captain
Joined
Mar 19, 2007
Messages
3,050
Re: Value of trailer

I'm not sure where your located, but around here, I'd have to say that any roller trailer in good usable condition, without any serious rust, would bring anywhere from $500 to $1000. Being galvanized is pretty much a must around these parts but it's not as important away from saltwater.
I have two listed now, in good shape, for $750 each, one is a 17-19' roller trailer, the other a 14-17' roller trailer. Both are in great shape, could stand fresh tires but really don't need anything. There's no way I'd take less than $750 since I can sell the roller assemblies and axle for at least that amount.
If the trailer has a winch, or new tires, etc. I'd expect it to be even higher in price. A new roller trailer in that size would run upwards of $2500 or more.
I would say year has very little to do with the value, condition will more set the value than anything else.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Value of trailer

in the south, used trailer rarely goes for more than $500. i both a good one just recently for $50, needed tires.
 

reelfishin

Captain
Joined
Mar 19, 2007
Messages
3,050
Re: Value of trailer

Usually the easiest way to get a better or newer trailer is to find a cheap or free boat that has a trailer you can use, then switch your boat to the newer trailer and put the other boat on the lesser trailer or just take it to the dump.
I've gotten a few this way, but have had no problems selling any unneeded trailers for $750 plus, it all depends on it's condition and the type of trailer. I just sold a tandem bunk trailer, galvanized, with new tires, axles, springs, and all hardware, no winch, for a 19' boat for $900, I had listed it at $1000, the first guy to look bought it, I had dozens of calls.
I sold two 18' roller trailers this weekend, both were rust free, and from the late 80's. Both were in good shape, but with original tires and rollers. All lights worked, and the fenders were still intact. They were listed for less than a day on CL before they sold for $750. I had three guys here after the one trailer within several hours of putting the ad up. First come, first served in cases like that. I have one more left, I suppose it will be gone by the end of the week. I have about 15 emails on it already.

I actually sold two boats that I had intended to keep, but got offers of far more than I would have ever asked for them so they went. So I had a few extra trailers around to sell lately. That and a few free boats picked up for their motors left me with several others this year then I needed.
 

freeisforme

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 23, 2009
Messages
184
Re: Value of trailer

RF, I wish I had found your trailer for sale. I paid $1100 after searching for months for a good used roller trailer last fall, I ended up buying a 1982 Shoreline which needed tires and rollers. I spent $110 on a full set of rollers, washers, and hog rings, then $165 for two new Carlisle tires. All in all it was far cheaper than a new trailer and the frame was clean. The springs and axle are like new, and I pulled and repacked the bearings, and replaced the wheel seals. I though I had gotten a pretty fair deal since a new trailer was over $3500. I'd have gladly driven to NJ to save a few hundred dollars.

The trailer I bought probably really didn't have to have tires and rollers but I am a fan of urethane rollers, so I put a set of those yates rollers on, and I figured that since I on occasion drive a distance with that boat, a fresh set of tires was in order. The original tires were pretty cracked and rotted, although they had perfect tread.

I never shop for a trailer by what condition it's tires are in, the main thing is the frame, if that's solid, the rest is just bolt on parts. I had gotten a free boat with no trailer and had to find something quick back then.
 
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