Navigating the Market of Used Horse Trailers
When considering purchasing a used horse trailer, the options and considerations can be overwhelming. In our latest podcast episode, we delve deep into what prospective buyers should know to make an informed and wise decision. Here’s a summary of the key points covered:
1. What to Look For
When inspecting a used horse trailer, it’s crucial to be vigilant about red flags. Rust, worn tires, and faulty brakes are obvious signs of trouble, but don’t overlook the less apparent issues like floor integrity and the condition of the electrical systems. Always ensure that the trailer has been well-maintained and that all components are operational.
2. Benefits vs. Drawbacks
Used trailers often present a more budget-friendly option compared to new, custom models. They also offer the opportunity for personal renovations and customizations—a popular trend among equestrians. However, potential drawbacks include hidden damage and the lack of warranties which might lead to additional expenses down the road.
3. Choosing the Right Size
Understanding the size of the trailer you need is fundamental. Consider not only the number of horses you plan to transport but also their size and the space required for them to ride comfortably. A cramped trailer can lead to stressed and potentially injured horses.
4. Best Places to Purchase
Platforms like Horse Trailer World and Horse Trailer Trader are excellent starting points for finding a used trailer. These sites offer a wide range of options from dealers and private sellers, allowing for comparison shopping and finding the best deals. Don’t forget to check out specialized forums and even the used listings on doubledtrailers.com for Double D Trailers.
5. Market Insights
Our research shows that while brands like Featherlite and Cimarron dominate the listings, finding a used Double D Trailer can be a rare but beneficial find. Prices vary widely with basic bumper pulls starting around $10,500, while goosenecks and luxury living-quarters (LQ) trailers can range from $25,000 to $180,000.
6. Financing and Ownership Transfer
Financing options for used trailers are available but can be trickier than new purchases due to varying conditions and valuations of trailers. Ensure you understand the terms and conditions of financing used vehicles. Transferring ownership requires attention to detail with paperwork; always verify that titles are clear and transferable.
Host (Brad): Welcome to the Double D Trailers Podcast! Today we’re talking about used horse trailers. We’ve received lots of questions from our listeners about this topic, so I just want to address a few of those today.
[00:00:15]
Question 1: What should I look for when buying a horse trailer? What are the red flags and conditions to be aware of?
There’s certainly nothing wrong with purchasing a used trailer, but if it’s an older model—let’s say 20 years old—and it’s built of aluminum with an aluminum chassis, the biggest thing you’ll want to inspect is the welds for cracks and breakage. These can be an issue, so make sure the structure is solid.
Another thing to inspect is the flooring. If it’s an aluminum floor, be cautious. I traded for one out of Georgia several years ago—sight unseen—and the customer sent pictures, and everything looked good. However, when the driver delivered it and we brought it back to the factory to clean up, I turned the mats back and could see daylight through the floor. The floor had oxidized because the customer had not maintained it—they hadn’t pulled the mats out and allowed the flooring to dry. I had to go through a very expensive and time-consuming process to replace it. So definitely check the floor, especially if it's aluminum.
If it’s a steel frame trailer, you won’t have as many issues with structural integrity in terms of welds breaking, but you may have some surface rust to contend with. Generally, this is less concerning, though.
The running gear is another important area to inspect. Tires, for example, tend to age out rather than wear out. A lot of folks look at the tread and think it looks great, but if the tire is over five years old, it’s time to replace it. Check the date code on the side of the tire—Google it if you need to know how to decipher it. Five years of service is usually the max you want to get out of tires. Even if they have good tread, sunlight, heat, and cold will break down the rubber, weakening the sidewalls. This could lead to a blowout even with a tire that looks good.
[00:03:00]
I would plan on replacing the tires unless the date codes are just a couple of years old. Also, inspect the running gear itself. Most trailers will have an electric braking system, and the magnets, brakes, and bearings might need attention. You could end up spending hundreds of dollars on this aspect alone, so it's good to be prepared.
[00:04:00]
Bottom line: If you’re buying a used trailer, especially if it’s several years old, expect that it may need work. The older it is, the more issues it may have—the wiring could have moisture damage, rubber gaskets around windows could dry rot, and trim could fall off. Be prepared for maintenance costs.
If it has a wood floor, pull the mats back to make sure everything is solid. You don’t want your horse to fall through. There’s also a lot of popularity now for DIY upgrades. If you’re up for a project, you can potentially save some money and really customize the trailer to your liking.
[00:05:00]
Question 2: How do I know what size trailer to get for my horses?
This can be a big issue—if you buy a trailer and your horse doesn’t fit, that’s definitely a problem. If it’s a straight load trailer, most will have a 10-foot stall, but keep in mind that’s an exterior measurement. Inside, once you account for the padding and thickness of the walls, it's more like 9 feet. For horses 16.2 hands and under, most standard trailers will work. However, if you have a horse 16.3 hands or taller—like a warmblood or draft cross—you need to pay attention to the dimensions.
If it's a slant load, it’s harder to measure because the horse is angled. It depends on the stall's width and space. You can use our customization builder tool on our website to get an idea of what stall sizes will work for specific horse sizes. It’s a great resource and can help you figure out if your horse will fit.
[00:07:00]
Question 3: Where is the best place to buy a used horse trailer?
If you go to Google and search "horse trailers for sale," you’ll get a lot of listing sites. A listing site is simply a platform where individuals and dealers list trailers for sale. My personal favorite is "Horse Trailer World"—Dave and those guys have been around since the late '90s, early 2000s, and it’s a reliable platform. There are others like "Horse Trailer Trader" and "Used Horse Trailers.com." You can also check out Facebook Marketplace, but you have to be very cautious with scams and theft there.
If you're buying from a dealer, it’s usually a little safer because they handle the title and paperwork. If you’re buying from an individual, it does require some trust—you’ll want to verify that they have the title and ensure everything checks out.
[00:09:00]
Question 4: Can I get financing for a used trailer?
Yes, it is possible to finance a used trailer. We offer financing on both new and used trailers through our partnership with banks that specialize in recreational vehicle loans. These loans can cover RVs, horse trailers, boats, and motorcycles. The only way we can offer financing, though, is if we own the trailer, which allows us to handle the title work.
If you’re buying from an individual, it can get complicated—particularly if they still have a lien on the trailer. In those cases, there are intermediaries like "Southeast Financial" that can help facilitate financing.
[00:10:30]
Question 5: How do I get my used trailer home?
We get a lot of folks asking if we can haul trailers for them—say, from California to Florida. Unfortunately, we don’t provide that service because our drivers are based in Wisconsin and only transport new trailers from the factory to customers. If you need transportation, there are companies that offer it, but make sure they are bonded and insured.
[00:11:15]
Lastly, let’s talk a bit about living quarter trailers. If you’re buying a used living quarter trailer, be very careful. These trailers are more complex with all the RV components—like hot water heaters, fridges, and air conditioning units—and all those components are prone to breaking down as they age, especially if they haven't been used frequently.
If it’s a living quarter trailer, take it to an RV dealer to have it inspected. Most of the components inside are the same as those used in RVs, so RV centers are very knowledgeable about servicing them. Make sure everything works, especially the roof gasket, which is prone to leaking over time. It’s better to replace that proactively than deal with water damage later.
[00:13:00]
So, those are some insights and tips for buying a used horse trailer. Remember, do your homework. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you have any more questions, feel free to send them our way. We’d love to help. Thanks for listening!
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