determining value ?

[cat320]

Ok there are alot of used trailers out there some with torflexx axels some with springs . how would you go about dertermining value on them when buying used? how do you check torflex axels? does it get to a point where trailers stay at a given price no mater what the age .

for example say an 8-10 year old towmaster 10-Tp (pan type trailer )what would that go for saying everything is in decent shape > i just see alot of them out there but seams like they want what they paid for them or they slap a coat of paint on them to look clean and new looking .

[John C.]

The price of all equipment is subject to the markets it is sold in. Equipment trailers have done well in the past bunch of years because they are cheaper to buy and more usable than the old ramp bed trucks. A dump truck driver pulling a trailer does double duty. Everyone sees that and wants one which drives up prices. The reason most have high asking prices is because people are paying it.

You can check on Ritchie Bros. Auction site in the results section for going prices at auction. Most of the dealers check there for realized sales and then price their units accordingly.

Other factors that affect price are manufacturer, age, length, width, carrying capacity, type of deck, suspension, type of hitch, type of brakes and of course condition. Paint hides lots of sins.

Buyer beware.