Last Updated on December 8, 2022
Unfortunately, putting a value on a horse trailer isn’t quite as cut and dry as determining a vehicle’s value. When selling a trailer, the first question horse owners ask is, “How much is my horse trailer worth?” It becomes a more difficult task if the horse trailer was purchased used from a private party. Although there are tools available to assist in creating a valuation, a little research can greatly assist you in determining your horse trailer’s worth.
How Much Is My Horse Trailer Worth? Buying or Selling a Used Horse Trailer
Location
The location of the horse trailer being sold plays a role for two primary reasons: popularity and average pricing for the zip code. Although aluminum horse trailers are becoming an increasingly popular choice, steel trailers are still popular in many areas such as the southwest. In a high-end equestrian-dense community, a straight-load bumper pull would be more difficult to sell than if it were located in a small rural community. Regional availability will also impact trailer prices.
Readiness
The most important aspect buyers are looking for will be hauling readiness. All other aspects aside- a horse trailer has a purpose, and it is to transport animals from Point A to Point B. Anything that affects a trailer’s “readiness” will drastically decrease its value. This would be immediate work for the new owner, and worse if the trailer has to be repaired before removing it from its current location.
Flooring and Tires
Flooring and tires are two major functionality points of a horse trailer. Although flooring is typically not a problem in an all-metal aluminum trailer, wood-floor steel trailers can need work. Wood floors might not be a resale “problem”, but are typically less desirable. Worn tires are also problematic, as purchasing all-new quality ST tires aren’t cheap!
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Aesthetics
“Appearance is everything.” Okay, while appearances aren’t everything, they certainly count in resale. This is a particular problem in classic steel trailers with rust. Although cleanliness won’t add value, a filthy and unmaintained interior/exterior will decrease the overall value.
Removal of any rust, paint touch-ups or even replacement dealer decals can go a long way for marketing purposes. Although aluminum trailers are pretty low maintenance, special washes can help brighten a dull trailer by removing any oxidation.
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So How Much is My Trailer Worth? Tools and Resources
Although first-year depreciation is said to be between 10-20% on horse trailers, there is no industry standard and it’s subjective at best.
Researching similar models and trailers in the same condition in your region will provide a great starting point. It is important to view prices in your area for going rates.
Another option is utilizing The Horse Trailer Blue Book. Although it’s not free, it can assist you in determining prices and sellers can provide the information to prospective buyers. According to THTBB, a decade-old trailer in good condition can be 55-75% of its “new” price.
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How Much Does it Cost to Restore a Horse Trailer?
The cost of restoring a horse trailer will depend very much on the condition of the trailer to start with. Some renovation projects require just some paint and the replacement of minor parts, and may only cost a few hundred dollars.
In other situations, you may come across a horse trailer that requires more extensive renovation work, such as new wall panels. The cost of this will depend on whether you can do the work yourself or whether you will need to hire the services of a specialist.
When considering a horse trailer renovation project, it is a good idea to do an estimate of all the costs involved. You may be surprised to realize that in many cases, it works out more cost-effective to purchase a newer trailer that does not need restoring!
How Much Does it Cost to Register a Horse Trailer?
The cost of registering a trailer will vary from state to state, and also depends on the size of the trailer and what it is used for. Most state departments rate according to the weight of the trailer, but some will charge a different amount according to the type of trailer.
It is also a good idea to check whether registering a trailer is a one-off payment, or if you will need to go through an annual inspection process.
How Much Does it Cost to Paint a Horse Trailer?
There is no better way to make an old trailer look like new than with a lick of paint! Paint not only makes your trailer look smart but also protects against damage from the weather and stone chippings on the road.
The cost of painting a horse trailer will vary according to whether you intend on doing the work yourself or are considering hiring a professional. Doing it yourself is the cheaper option, but a commercial company will also be able to carry out additional services such as sandblasting and treatment of rusted areas.
For a smaller trailer, expect to pay $1000 – $2000 for a respray, as long as the trailer is in relatively good condition. Larger trailers or those with a lot of rust may be much more expensive.
How Much Does it Cost to Put a Ramp on a Horse Trailer?
There are two costs to consider when putting a ramp on a horse trailer – the cost of the ramp itself, and the cost of hiring a professional to fit it. Unless you are very experienced in metal fabrication, it is not a good idea to attempt to install a ramp on a horse trailer yourself. A horse weighs a considerable amount and a badly installed horse trailer ramp could result in serious injury if it breaks.
The price of a ramp for a horse trailer depends on the size of the trailer, but expect to pay around $1500 for the ramp itself. You will then need to get a quote from a reputable installer, but this can vary widely according to your location and the type of trailer. Make sure to choose a company that is experienced in dealing with livestock trailers and is aware of the safety requirements of fitting a new ramp.
Things to Remember
Unfortunately, there is no standardized price guide for horse and livestock trailers. However, you can determine your horse trailer’s worth with a little local research and possibly the assistance of The Horse Trailer Blue Book. It will be worth the extra effort to prepare your horse trailer for resale!
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FAQ’s
Is there a Blue Book for horse trailers?
Years ago all you had was the Kelley Bluebook and that was strictly for vehicles, so if you were trying to sell a trailer it was somewhat of a guess for a sale price. But, luckily today they have what is called the Horse Trailer Blue Book and it can be found at horstrailerbluebook.com. This works similarly to the Kelley blue book. Provide the information about your specific trailer or one you are interested in purchasing and you will be provided with the pricing for the specific criteria you entered.
Do horse trailers hold their value?
In most cases yes horse trailers do hold their resale value. A horse trailer that is about 10 years old, will generally hold between 55 to 76 percent of the original price paid. This figure does depend on who the manufacturer is and the construction type of the trailer. Other things such as previous repairs and cosmetic damages will also play a part in deciding the resale value.
What is the most expensive horse trailer?
In 2021 the most expensive horse trailer on the market is the Outlaw Conversion by Bloomer Trailers. This is an aluminum, five-horse, slant load, with living quarters. Living quarters are furnished with a queens size bed, full bath, pull-out sofa couch, and dining table and bench seats that also convert to a sleeping area. Not only does this trailer have amazing tack storage but there is plenty of storage for the rider as well. Fully equipped with an air conditioning unit and heating. 250 amp generator and is a fully contained unit, ideal for sites when hookups are not available.
How much does a used horse trailer cost?
Usd horse trailers vary in cost ranging from low end at 700 hundred to high end at over 210,000 thousand. The price is dependent on if the trailer has a tack room, or living quarters, how many horses you can be hauled, structural integrity, damages, and possible repairs needed. Many other things can influence the price of a used horse trailer such as the make, model, year, and what it is constructed out of. Bumper pull trailers tend to be less expensive than gooseneck trailers
Do horse trailers have VINs?
Yes, horse trailers do have a VIN. Although they are not always the easiest to find each trailer does have one. Any trailer or vehicle that moves along the road in the US must have a current VIN and be registered with the DMV. If you are caught using a vehicle without either of these required documents you can be fined and the trailer may be towed until the problem is resolved.
How do you read a VIN on a trailer?
The VIN is a 17-digit number that is unique to one specific trailer. No two VINs are alike. Trailer VINsare usually located on a metal rectangular card mounted to the trailer. That can be located inside the tack room, near the tongue, or along any of the metal bars on the trailer.
Equestrian, Marine Corps vet, and Morgan horse enthusiast.