Prices for used open aluminum trailers

[Kouki monster]

I know this is a very general question but can you give me a rough estimate
on pricing for Used open Alum trailers. What to look for or stay away from etc.

Thanks
John

[billy]

Probably 3-4k. I paid 5200 for mine last year but prices went up so I think it's like 6k now. Mine is a featherlite 3100. You can't go wrong with a featherlite. quality is high.

[Conan]

I think Billy's estimate is about right. I bought mine on Ebay for $3100.00.

[JimLill]

another quality brand is Worthington, shown here:

http://www.vectorbd.com/am-rennsport/truck/slides/DSC_0770.JPG

[Kouki monster]

Thanks guys, do you happen to know a good source for used trailers?
John

[billy]

Where are you based? www.racingjunk.com is a good one.

[Kouki monster]

I am located in Toronto but spend time all through the North East.
I have found a couple Alum trailers 16-18ft in the $2500 range electric brakes
etc.

[billy]

Get a good brake controller like a Prodigy and then try out the trailer after setting the weight on the controller. Make sure the wheels don't lock up. Look for broken welds around the ramp holders etc. Check the front support wheel isn't bent. Check the bearings are greased and brake pads new or newish. An alu trailer is pretty much maintenance free except for the brakes and bearings.

[Kouki monster]

Thanks for the heads up I would not have thought to check for broken welds.
I think I will be somewhat nervous the first time I take it out!!

[JimLill]

I am located in Toronto but spend time all through the North East.
I have found a couple Alum trailers 16-18ft in the $2500 range electric brakes
etc.

That "low" price suggests well-used so inspect it carefully.

[mrepka]

That "low" price suggests well-used so inspect it carefully.

Agreed, In the midwest I found that Alu trailers where 2x the price of the comperable steel one.

[billy]

I think I can almost trade in my featherlite for what I paid for it given what the trailers went up in price by at the end of last year.

[Kouki monster]

It could be time of year in the North East things are starting to slow down.
I am budgeting $3k for a decent used trailer

[Lobo6]

It could be time of year in the North East things are starting to slow down.
I am budgeting $3k for a decent used trailer

That would be correct. If you can wait until September/October there will be more inventory and motivated sellers. Lots of folks moving up to enclosed trailers and some just hanging up their driving shoes. 3K should get you a decent used aluminum open trailer. But remember Jim Lills' other others advice the check welds, shake wheels to get a feel for the wheel bearings, etc. Also check the tires for signs of dry rot or nasty old hard rubber. If you find any of those things just that to offer less. Good luck.

[Kouki monster]

Thanks guys, I will keep you posted I am not in a major rush to buy
John

[Noel]

Personally, I think it may be tough to find a used one for $3K. I tried for a while and went with a new one. With Aluminum prices what they are, the scap value is close to $3K. My friend is a ATC dealer and his cost increased almost $1K per trailer during 2007, due almost entirely to Aluminum prices. This unfortunatly carries down and makes the used one more expessive too since there is more demand for used now. Good luck. Let us know if you find one.

[Lobo6]

Personally, I think it may be tough to find a used one for $3K. I tried for a while and went with a new one. With Aluminum prices what they are, the scap value is close to $3K. My friend is a ATC dealer and his cost increased almost $1K per trailer during 2007, due almost entirely to Aluminum prices. This unfortunatly carries down and makes the used one more expessive too since there is more demand for used now. Good luck. Let us know if you find one.

I bought Tail Waggers Cargo Pro aluminum trailer when he decided to get an enclosed trailer. Despite TW being my "close personal friend and mortal enemy" he sold it to me at a bargain price of 3K. Otherwise he is an insufferable pr*ck. :D So my advice to Koukie Monster is network with your track friends if you run with a club like PCA, BMWCCA, SCCA, etc. That's where are likely to find a good aluminum trailer at a decent price. This is a very good time of year to be looking as its off season.

[Noel]

Lol

[Kouki monster]

One thing that helps is the American Peso being so cheap, us CDN's can come down there and shine a couple of Lonnies(CDN dollar) around and take what we want. :)

[Lobo6]

One thing that helps is the American Peso being so cheap, us CDN's can come down there and shine a couple of Lonnies(CDN dollar) around and take what we want. :)

There is a SLIGHT chance that I'll be selling my aluminum trailer in the next few months. Stay in touch.

[steveh]

If you do, oh fellow defender of the Porsche Faith, decide to sell your trailer, and no one has prior dibs, I'm definitely interested. My tow vehicle and I have been slumming it with U-haul car hauler specials (last one to VIR a couple weeks ago) until I find a suitable permanent hauler. :)

[Lobo6]

If you do, oh fellow defender of the Porsche Faith, decide to sell your trailer, and no one has prior dibs, I'm definitely interested. My tow vehicle and I have been slumming it with U-haul car hauler specials (last one to VIR a couple weeks ago) until I find a suitable permanent hauler. :)

Hey Steve, Koukie Monster has already indicated interest. Not really sure if the trailer will be sold, will know in a couple of months. PM me your email address. The RS America may also be sold, stay tuned.

[jstecher]

The RS America may also be sold, stay tuned.

HUH!!!!! What the hell is this all about!?

[Noel]

Hey Steve, Koukie Monster has already indicated interest. Not really sure if the trailer will be sold, will know in a couple of months. PM me your email address. The RS America may also be sold, stay tuned.

Say it ain't so!!!!

Will you be up for some ice racing next month in NH???

[Lobo6]

John and Noel, Worst case senerio I will be selling trailer, car, wheels, etc. I think that won't happen but you never know. Thats all I want to say at this time.