i will be needing to purchase a trailer for the miata here in the next couple of weeks, and have begun my search. while making a few phone calls, looking at some classifieds, and visiting some retail venues, i have come to the conclusion that a new trailer for what i need will be about $1500 +/- $100-$200. at the same time, a used trailer that is close enough to what i want is about $1200 +/- $100-$200. apparantly trailers don't depreciate much.

this begs the question, is it worth it to purchase a used trailer that may have annoying things that don't work such as lights? also unless you find one locally, it could cost $100+ to go get one you like.

fyi-what i'm looking at is an 18' wood deck, single or possibly dual axle brakes, beavertail, 4 d-rings, pre-wired with lights, and 5' ramps.

 

you in KS? I'm in AR... if you want a good deal on a trailer that is in like-new condition, but sacrifice some features, i'm probably going to sell my 16' wood deck trailer. it has 2 axles, working lights, 5' ramps, but no trailer brakes and it is not a beavertail.

but i'd be willing to sell if for cheap cheap too. let me know if your interested. i'm looking at upgrading to a beavertail because of how low my car is.

 

I went the used trailer route. It is very easy to make mistakes when looking @ the condition. added in edit: The first trailer. Lesson learned. Next auto trailer was a new open. Current trailer is an enclosed.

added in edit: The size & type you are looking for usually don't depreciate much. They are also usually in demand.

IMHO, it is much better to just get the new trailer. You won't have to go thru the old one greasing the bearings, checking the brake pads, etc. You will get good resale on the trailer you buy.

If you do go the used route, be very patient in waiting for the right one @ the right price to come up.




Modified by civicrr at 2:34 PM 2/10/2004

 

the no beavertail i can deal with, but the lack of brakes i don't think i can accept. thanks for the offer though.

 

Travis, what are you towing with? My trailer came in last night. It has elec.brakes on 1 axle, but I won't get a brake controller until maybe the summer when my wallet cools off. Here in the flat midwest, a 3/4 ton truck's brakes should have no problem with an open trailer and a crx.

 

99+ 1/2 ton silverado w/5.3 and tow package. it would be ok without axle brakes, but just that, ok. dual axle brakes would probably be excessive, but isn't that the way racers usually do things?

 

I have been towing various trailers behind trucks, vans & suvs for almost 25 years. IMHO, towing a car & trailer without a braked trailer axle is asking for trouble.

I am not sure what the laws are in your state, but that load requires trailer brakes in CA.

 

IIRC, trailer brakes are required on all wheels in WA.

 

Definately get one that has trailer brakes. An accident that could cause serious injury to you and other, not to mention the financial costs is not worth the few dollars saved. Like others said, most states require it by law. CT and MA do as well.

Go with a new trailer. I've been debating about this as well. The difference in price really is not much. Just think, replacing the tires alone will eat up the savings. Bearings, brakes, wiring, time savings from not having to fix this / worry about this stuff...

 

In my area, I had the same problem with used trailers. We don't get much rust in AZ, so there was less than $200 difference between new/used, and some used trailers were more than new ones. My suggestion would be to buy a trailer that has the things that are more difficult/expensive to add later, like brakes and the beaver tail. Adding D-rings is super easy, and rewiring lights isn't impossible. Not all used trailers are created equal, however, and some might be good finds if they have options that add value such as a tire rack, tool box, spare tire and mount, two axle brakes, a wind screen, etc. Also, get the longest ramps you can find. Mine are 4' and are pathetic. I will upgrade them to 6' minimum, maybe 8' if I can store them on the trailer.

Oh yea, one other thing to consider with a used trailer is that tax has been paid, and it may have a lifetime registration that's already paid. That can save you hundreds.

 

I borrowed a trailer for a season and then when it was time to buy one, I bought a new one. All the lights work, without wiggling wires, no dryrotted tires, and the brakes worked all the time instead of some times.

New trailer towed sweet too......

16 foot full diamondplate deck with beaver tail, and definately brakes, brakes brakes. Don't skimp. buy a controller right away, It may save your car, tow rig and your life.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EPrepCivic &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
16 foot full diamondplate deck with beaver tail, and definately brakes, brakes brakes. Don't skimp. buy a controller right away, It may save your car, tow rig and your life.</TD></TR></TABLE>




Swap to hydraulic disc, with stainless steal rotors

 

i think i'm just gonna go new. unless i find a steal of a deal somewhere.

thanks for the input.

 

Great decision. There are a number of trailers built new out your way-make sure that you get the setup done right. In PA we are required to have brakes on both axles. I strongly urge you to install a controller when the trailer is delivered. My dealer did all of the setup in about 2 hours.
Do I believe in overkill-sure the trailer is a 20' open aluminum, full deck with beavertail, and the ramps are also the windscreen. But I can haul either the CRX or Prelude or for that matter a friends 64 Ford Fairlane &lt;BG&gt;.

Have fun and tow safe

 

A few thoughts:

1. Travis, be sure to ask about the tires on the new trailers. When I was looking around at new trailers in this area (Iowa), a whole bunch of the "good deals" on new trailers were for trailers with used tires. Neat trick.

EDIT: by "used tires," I mean REALLY used....as in "I don't know that I'd pull that trailer 20 miles to my house with those mis-matched excuses for tires." Maybe it's just a local phenomenon, but...

2. Last summer I burned a magnet up on the axle of my trailer...and had no brakes for the rest of that trip. 1/2 ton Dodge 4x4. Brought new meaning to the words "look ahead".

Even with the new vehicle (Excursion) I wouldn't think about pulling that trailer (16' open) without brakes.

Possible changes very soon: tire rack (no more pickup to haul crap), beavertail (car too low for current trailer). Helps to have friends with welders and fabrication skills....

Jarrod