I’m getting ready to sell my trailer. I did a web search and found a horse trailer blue book, but it’s a paid subscription and it sounds like a scam. I can’t find any comps on-line. Any idea what percentage of depreciation is reasonable in a barely-used 5 year old trailer?
Honestly, probably around what you paid for it five years ago. I am flabbergasted at what I see used trailers selling for right now. I even see them listed for more than new ones, although I’m hoping people are smart enough not to buy those.
Have you found any similar trailers for sale to compare too? Go to Horsetrailerworld and look. Just keep in mind a lot of those listings are dealerships. Are your tires new?
If it’s in excellent condition, price it so it’s attractive to someone who might opt for new if they couldn’t get such a good deal on your pre-owned trailer…after you thoroughly clean and shine it up so it looks great in your promotional photos. Three years ago or so, I bought a 2004 trailer that was in really excellent shape and priced a little higher than many other options in that age range…but enough less than a comparable new trailers enough to make it a no-brainer. You have more room because your trailer is a lot newer, so make it look like it’s worth what you are asking! You can always negotiate down if needed over time, but it’s really hard to negotiate up… 
That’s exactly why I bought a new one when I found a good deal on a show special.
Sorry, double post.
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That’s exactly why I bought a new one when I found a good deal on a show special.[/QUOTE]
I’ve been looking for a steel trailer for hauling mare/foals and also hauling the 4x4 or mower, etc. Something like a Titain Avalanche with the slants on the rear and butt side, or some kind of stock trailer that is wider and taller. There are 20-30 year old used ones listed for 1k less than a brand new one. So I’m buying a new trailer.
Aluminum trailers are also barely depreciated.
I just went through this myself. In my area, used horse-sized steel BP stock trailers in usable condition sell for $3000-4000 (if you can find them). Yet you can purchase them new for $4000-5000. It didn’t make sense to me to save $1000, yet potentially have to deal with big ticket maintenance and repair items in the near future. So I purchased new.
OP, searching the online classifieds in your area will give you a good idea of the price at which trailers are selling. As I eluded to above, in my area, newer trailers in good condition depreciate very little.
I have a 2014 Merhow I bought new and when I listed it (decided not to sell it) I got many offers within $500 of what I paid for it 2 years ago.
There’s cheap new trailers on the market, but if yours is a well built premium brand, you can still sell it for more. It’s also regional, here Kingstons sell for top dollar just because they’re made here.
Thanks everyone. That’s good news but also pretty crazy. Sounds like this should be pretty easy if I clean it up (ugh …) and price it attractively. Thanks!
