trying to price a trailer before the auction

[George2615]

When I was looking for a trailer back in 2012-14 I went to several auctions that included different trailers. I was very disappointed to find trailer plugs cut off, tires shot, non functional lighting, brakes, decking that needed replacing etc. I hoped they would go for cheap knowing the amount of repairs needed. However, that was not the case. Bids approached near new pricing for 8-10 year old trailers. In my opinion, bidders had no clue what new trailer prices were and by the time repairs were made they would be way over new price on a used trailer. IMO auction trailers should be dirt cheap because of the money you need to put into them.

I decided to buy new rather than have new price invested in an old trailer.

I suggest gathering all data on what a new one would cost first. With that knowledge you can guess what costs will be involved to repair a used trailer.

 

[Hay Dude]

Buy once, cry once

 

[paulsharvey]

Only partially related, but I saw today, the local electric coop is auctioning off light trucks. 12.5% buyers premium... didn't it used to be 2.5-5% at most places, or have I lost my mind?

 

[4570Man]

Only partially related, but I saw today, the local electric coop is auctioning off light trucks. 12.5% buyers premium... didn't it used to be 2.5-5% at most places, or have I lost my mind?

10 percent or sometimes more has been the norm for as long as I’ve been going to auctions. Charging sales tax on used auction purchases is a fairly recent introduction. They’re probably going to charge you another 3 percent cc fee. I used to enjoy auctions but I’ve about quit on the account of all the fees.

 

[Hay Dude]

10 percent or sometimes more has been the norm for as long as I’ve been going to auctions. Charging sales tax on used auction purchases is a fairly recent introduction. They’re probably going to charge you another 3 percent cc fee. I used to enjoy auctions but I’ve about quit on the account of all the fees.

I don’t see where it’s worth it any more. I go to the auction previews and most of the equipment is substandard. Then you attend the auction and watch people bid too high for the stuff.
Also difficult to see all auction items run. At a preview, you can start a tractor, skid steer or truck and maybe even drive it a bit. With rakes, tedders, log splitters or most other non powered equipment, you cant. So it’s more difficult to buy with the rush of the auctioneering process.

 

[nyone]

Buy once, cry once

If a trailer has the same specs and is the same type what makes it worth sometimes thousands more?

 

[ddbackhoe]

I go to the auction previews and most of the equipment is substandard. Then you attend the auction and watch people bid too high for the stuff.

Yep, some of these buyers act clueless to market pricing. Last large equipment auction I went to, dealerships were bidding stupid money on low budget attachments (elcheapo skid steer mowers, fork frames, etc)

Maybe that bubble will burst now too

 

[Hay Dude]

If a trailer has the same specs and is the same type what makes it worth sometimes thousands more?

My guess would be welding quality, painting quality or sometimes, profit desired by trailer company owner.

 

[Jframe]

The discussion here has been very helpful to me. Now the auction company is showing bids and the high bid is already more than I believe the trailer to be worth. The trailer has no ramps, and they would add to the price. I would need the ramps for my skid steer. A private sale would not incur the sales tax but this auction company will charge the tax. I will continue to follow the auction but will keep looking. Thanks to everyone.

 

[nyone]

The discussion here has been very helpful to me. Now the auction company is showing bids and the high bid is already more than I believe the trailer to be worth. The trailer has no ramps, and they would add to the price. I would need the ramps for my skid steer. A private sale would not incur the sales tax but this auction company will charge the tax. I will continue to follow the auction but will keep looking. Thanks to everyone.

Have you looked at all the smaller trailer manufacturers that dont advertise? If a manufacturer dosnt list a price on there website or only sell to dealers that will tell me that there over priced. It's a chunk of steel with nearly the same axles bolted under it.

 

[4570Man]

The discussion here has been very helpful to me. Now the auction company is showing bids and the high bid is already more than I believe the trailer to be worth. The trailer has no ramps, and they would add to the price. I would need the ramps for my skid steer. A private sale would not incur the sales tax but this auction company will charge the tax. I will continue to follow the auction but will keep looking. Thanks to everyone.

You would only avoid paying sales tax if you never registered the trailer in your name. If you take the title to the court house you’ll have to pay sales tax unless you live in one of the few states without sales tax.

 

[paulsharvey]

You would only avoid paying sales tax if you never registered the trailer in your name. If you take the title to the court house you’ll have to pay sales tax unless you live in one of the few states without sales tax.

True, But, the bill of sale or tile transfer doesn't need to list the actual sale price. As in, 7x14 trailer, sale $500. Take that to the county tax collector, and pay 7% on the $500 listed. No need to list the full price of the transaction. Around here, atleast, they don't bluebook a trailer, and vehicles, if it's somewhat realistic, say, $5k for a 20k vehicle, noone questions it. Just don't get greedy and say $5 for a $50k truck.

Edit: or "$500 plus other good and valuable resources", I think I saw once.

 

[Brendanspapa]

You really don’t want to haul a skid steer in a dump trailer for several reasons; no dovetails means using portable ramps (which are inadequate for several reasons), inadequate approach angles to allow the back end of the SS to clear the ground or ramps, high break over angle at the top of the ramps, lack of proper tie-downs in the trailer can lead to a disaster in event of an accident or emergency maneuver.

 

[LD1]

You really don’t want to haul a skid steer in a dump trailer for several reasons; no dovetails means using portable ramps (which are inadequate for several reasons), inadequate approach angles to allow the back end of the SS to clear the ground or ramps, high break over angle at the top of the ramps, lack of proper tie-downs in the trailer can lead to a disaster in event of an accident or emergency maneuver

While I agree that hauling a skidloader in a dump trailer is less than ideal and certainly not as convenient. NONE of the things you listed are really true. Most dump trailers DO have proper tie downs, and most DO have adequate ramps, and most skidloaders WILL load just fine and not have clearance issues. And the breakover angle is no big deal either. My old GN 20+5 deckover had a dove angle and ramp angle that was the same as my dump trailer ramps.

 

[Flogger]

I'm not saying it will sell for that, but unless it's pristine, I would look at new, if you're paying almost new prices. I know stock can be a problem, but I'm seeing a lot of new 7x14, dual 7k axles, in-stock at $11,500 to $13,000 within a 50-mile radius with a quick search.

Now, what I can't comment in these I see, or this auction one is the little things that might make or break it for your use case, like slide out ramps, angle of approach, how high the skid steer rides above the axles, dump angle, tie down points in the dump bed, ect.View attachment 788498

The trailer drought is over in my area. Lots are over full in reaction to not being available. With that said a good used dump trailer is still in very high demand. Just make sure it has at least 7000 lb axles or it won't be good for much except hauling off gras clippings.

 

[busterja21]

trailers tend to get bid up quickly at many auctions. Check completed auctions at ritchie bros and see if you can find something comparable to give you an idea of what it might sell for.

 

[Elviscaretaker]

The Auctions have been nuts, period. BUT, a Canadian company has been bring down their new dump trailers lately. The brand is Southland. I found them comparable to my Big Tex. More so in the tie downs, ramps, rear stands and onboard charging and so on. I ended up selling my beat up 1997 Tex and buying one of these for less than I sold it for. You might consider looking into them as the exchange rate is decent. Just a thought....

 

[Omega Woods]

True, But, the bill of sale or tile transfer doesn't need to list the actual sale price. As in, 7x14 trailer, sale $500. Take that to the county tax collector, and pay 7% on the $500 listed. No need to list the full price of the transaction. Around here, atleast, they don't bluebook a trailer, and vehicles, if it's somewhat realistic, say, $5k for a 20k vehicle, noone questions it. Just don't get greedy and say $5 for a $50k truck.

Edit: or "$500 plus other good and valuable resources", I think I saw once.

The tax on a $10k trailer is $750 where I live. I don't think I'd be willing to risk breaking the law (to say nothing of my integrity) to save $700 in taxes.

Your risk profile may vary...

 

[Hay Dude]

The Auctions have been nuts, period. BUT, a Canadian company has been bring down their new dump trailers lately. The brand is Southland. I found them comparable to my Big Tex. More so in the tie downs, ramps, rear stands and onboard charging and so on. I ended up selling my beat up 1997 Tex and buying one of these for less than I sold it for. You might consider looking into them as the exchange rate is decent. Just a thought....

The exchange rate is .73 right now. That’s on the lower end for the last few years. Canadian equipment is appealing IF you can still do well after the border crossing fees and shipping to you.

 

[Elviscaretaker]

The exchange rate is .73 right now. That’s on the lower end for the last few years. Canadian equipment is appealing IF you can still do well after the border crossing fees and shipping to you.

I guess what I meant to say is to look for them at auction. In the area of Idaho I am they show up at Armstrong Auctions, I've also noticed them in Bellingham Wa. Typical auction, some go for a good price others a tad high but most under the cost, and they are new. Then if you are close to the border, you know how to deal with cross border purchases. It's not a real big deal. Don't think I'd want to deal with an shipping company....