used trailer help

[hchxoom]

I've been looking off and on for a trailer to periodically tow a tractor (JD 5045) and implement or two back and forth to hunting property, and for other nonroutine hauling. Haven't been in a hurry since I could borrow or lease once in a while... just kind of waiting for the right deal/time. Been looking for a double axle 10-14k with brakes at every wheel, 22'-28' range gooseneck. Will pull with a 2010 diesel f250 (4x4). I trailer a horse periodically, so not new to towing, but am new to equipment towing.

Found this one the other day... 25+5 dovetail, tandem dual 10k dexter axles. It is heavier than I was looking for, but if the price is right it might be worth the extra capacity in case I need it in the future. I haven't seen it yet, and wanted to get some advice from TBN experts on what to look for (and what to look out for). I don't mind a "beater" as far as looks for my limited purposes, as long as it is structurally sound. I am pretty insistent on new tires on any trailer I tow, so assume the first thing I'd do on any used trailer is get tires.

Any downside to a heavier trailer like this? Any tips, or traps to avoid?

Thanks

 

[CowboyRon]

I bought a used hd trailer last year. The price was right but I did have to replace a bearing, and a broken leaf spring that I didn't catch. I'm like u, I want new tires on a used trailer, I replaced 4 last summer, and will do the rest this spring.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Check welds for cracks, bearings, wheels for cracks, brakes, lights, wiring, wood deck, ect.

I am in the trailer business and 9 times out of 10 you can buy new by the time you end up fixing what is wrong with used.

On that trailer figure on 8 tires, $1200. 8 bearing kits, $250 if you do it yourself. 8 brake backing plates, $400 if you do it yourself. New lights and wiring, $200 if you do it yourself, extra $50 if it needs a new brake-away battery. New wood deck, $400 if you do it yourself. As you can see a used trailer can get expensive quickly.

One comment on that trailer. For your equipment you will be fine but the ramps look light weight for a 20,000# gvwr trailer from the pic.

Chris

 

[hchxoom]

Thanks, Chris... very helpful. Yes, I've priced out a Kaufman 15k the way I'd want it at a little under $6k. Not as heavy duty and a little shorter, but new with no worries. I think I could get the trailer in the pic for about $4k, so if it checks out structurally would be all-in similar cost.

 

[MrPete]

Check welds for cracks, bearings, wheels for cracks, brakes, lights, wiring, wood deck, ect.

I am in the trailer business and 9 times out of 10 you can buy new by the time you end up fixing what is wrong with used.

On that trailer figure on 8 tires, $1200. 8 bearing kits, $250 if you do it yourself. 8 brake backing plates, $400 if you do it yourself. New lights and wiring, $200 if you do it yourself, extra $50 if it needs a new brake-away battery. New wood deck, $400 if you do it yourself. As you can see a used trailer can get expensive quickly.

One comment on that trailer. For your equipment you will be fine but the ramps look light weight for a 20,000# gvwr trailer from the pic.

Chris

These figure sound a little high to me. I know I get get some for a lot less. But I do understand your point.

 

[Zebrafive]

What does the trailer weigh? I am guessing 6000lbs empty. If your tow vehicle is rated for 12,000lbs that leaves 6000lbs for cargo.
Only down side I see is if you can't handle the weight of the trailer and load with your tow vehicle.

 

[firefighter jim]

After looking at the picture, I'm with Diamondpilot on this one. Spend a little more and get a new one.

 

[two_bit_score]

Thanks, Chris... very helpful. Yes, I've priced out a Kaufman 15k the way I'd want it at a little under $6k. Not as heavy duty and a little shorter, but new with no worries. I think I could get the trailer in the pic for about $4k, so if it checks out structurally would be all-in similar cost.

I'm not a trailer expert but the paint, if there ever was any, seems to be gone on that trailer. Was it a factory branded trailer or a shop built? I know you say you don't care if it's a beater but if you are going to get it and spend money and time to fix it up, not counting paint and your time, and still come out at about the same as a new trailer, why would you do it?

I've bought used trailers and I've bought new and I believe DP is right in 95% or more cases. The exception would be if you found an almost new trailer at a good price or if an old trailer was just dirt cheap.

 

[kevin37b]

Pilot is right on asfar as future expenses .The trailer does not look bad structurally . If you are going to use it the brakes need to work . I find that to be the biggest problem . Pilot has some good info on controllers . Like Chris says , you may be better off with new . Used trailers are a good way to pi$$ away money

 

[kneedeep]

I bought a Betterbuilt 20' + 2', 14K gross bumper pull with brakes on both axles, spare tire, xtra tiedowns, chainbox, sealed wiring harness, ramp assist for $4300 tax include last year.
New is cheaper!