Buy/Sell a cargo trailer for cross-country move: How much depreciation these days?

[6-0 Prolene]

After looking around a bit and reading several recommendations on here, I'm considering buying a 6x10 cargo trailer for my cross-country move instead of renting from U-Haul and selling at the other end. I'm moving from NC to the Tacoma area in WA and driving my '13 Trail Edition.

Two big questions: First, has anyone done the buy/sell thing recently for a cargo trailer in the $2000-$2500 (new) range? Just curious what the loss will be after depreciation etc.

Second, I'm reading about transmission coolers, etc. This trailer will max out at 3000lb, more likely around 2500. Is there any reason to bother with a tranny cooler? My understanding is that the 5000-lb towing capacity of my T4R means it can safely tow that weight without mods.

Thanks in advance.

 

[cacarbuff]

Have you looked around on craigslist for used ones? We got our cargo trailer when it was about 3 years old for less than half of what it cost new. Then we immediately took it on a 2800 mile trip and it worked out great. Just a suggestion. Good luck!

 

[6-0 Prolene]

Yeah, I've been keeping an eye on CL but there's not much on the used market near me, so I'm considering new. The lack of surprises with a new trailer is also a big plus...

 

[gadgetguy1288]

Can't really offer any advice on trailers but to say that I'm looking at doing the same thing next summer when I transfer, not sure where I am going yet though. I plan on buying an enclosed 12x6 or something along those lines with a v-nose, and ramp door, mainly for my motorcycle(and potentially a 4wheeler after the move). but I have just been looking at used from the start. I plan on buying a used one, and just going over everything to make sure I am comfortable making a trip with it.

My main concern is whether or not I should be looking for a trailer with brakes. I don't have any experience with towing a trailer with my 4runner, so I don't know if they would be necessary or not.

 

[6-0 Prolene]

For what it's worth I'll probably look for one with brakes or have them added, just because the idea of towing without them and coming down from the passes is a little unnerving. Necessary? Who knows. Will I use fewer antacids? Probably.

 

[nevada]

For what it's worth I'll probably look for one with brakes or have them added, just because the idea of towing without them and coming down from the passes is a little unnerving. Necessary? Who knows. Will I use fewer antacids? Probably.

I was/am in the market for a trailer about the size you're considering.

ive been shopping a bit, and the depreciation hit is pretty big, as cacarbuff above said.
there also seem to be quite a few of those trailers around here, so the resale is even worse.

ive found them anywhere from $650 to $1500, and only just slightly more for new.

 

[6-0 Prolene]

I was/am in the market foe a trailer about the size you're considering.

ive been shopping a bit, and the depreciation hit is pretty big, as cacarbuff above said.
there also seem to be quite a few of those trailers around here, so the resale is even worse.

ive found them anywhere from $650 to $1500, and only just slightly more for new.

Interesting. I was looking at a couple Look and Pace America 6x12's that a dealer here has on sale for $2395 (might be extra for brakes) and Olympic Trailer (one I found online easily) has a similar trailer for $2995. According to the dealer, their cost on the Look trailers is almost 20% less on the east coast than the west.

Still looking at $750 or so for a 6x12 U-haul, so that's the depreciation hit I'm hoping to take at most.

In all seriousness, what's your timeframe to buy? I'll have it out there in early Jan and will be looking for a buyer if I go through with it.

 

[Jeremy556]

My main concern is whether or not I should be looking for a trailer with brakes. I don't have any experience with towing a trailer with my 4runner, so I don't know if they would be necessary or not.

Yes. It is illegal in many areas, and stupid everywhere, to pull anything over 1000 lbs with a 4runner without trailer brakes.

 

[nevada]

Interesting. I was looking at a couple Look and Pace America 6x12's that a dealer here has on sale for $2395 (might be extra for brakes) and Olympic Trailer (one I found online easily) has a similar trailer for $2995. According to the dealer, their cost on the Look trailers is almost 20% less on the east coast than the west.

Still looking at $750 or so for a 6x12 U-haul, so that's the depreciation hit I'm hoping to take at most.

In all seriousness, what's your timeframe to buy? I'll have it out there in early Jan and will be looking for a buyer if I go through with it.

hm, I just looked again specifically at the 6x10. there is a pretty big price break for the next size down.
initially I was looking at several different sizes, since I was looking for used.

im seeing about $2500 for the 6x10 without brakes.

my timeframe is whenever I save up the cash. lol.

honestly tho, id prefer to get something for less than $1k. since I don't NEED it, its just going to make things easier for camping. we would just store all of our stuff in there.

 

[Titanpat57]

Can't really offer any advice on trailers but to say that I'm looking at doing the same thing next summer when I transfer, not sure where I am going yet though. I plan on buying an enclosed 12x6 or something along those lines with a v-nose, and ramp door, mainly for my motorcycle(and potentially a 4wheeler after the move). but I have just been looking at used from the start. I plan on buying a used one, and just going over everything to make sure I am comfortable making a trip with it.

My main concern is whether or not I should be looking for a trailer with brakes. I don't have any experience with towing a trailer with my 4runner, so I don't know if they would be necessary or not.

ALWAYS with brakes..

 

[dekeman]

Whatever a utility trailer costs is more than worth it. These things prove their value over and over again.

 

[6-0 Prolene]

Whatever a utility trailer costs is more than worth it. These things prove their value over and over again.

The only catch is that I won't really have a place to store it long-term at the new house, so unfortunately it'll be a quick buy/sell. If I had the extra space for it I probably would hang on to it after the move.

 

[derekp]

I bought a 5x8 enclosed trailer for my move from Little Rock to DC. We used it to move things we didn't want the movers to break/lose. It sat in our backyard as a shed for three years then helped us to move from DC to ND. Each move we had roughly 4k pounds, give or take a bit. My '01 Tacoma had no problem with the trailer. Once I am finished moving, I hope to turn the little trailer into a bug-out trailer/small camper (or hard-sided tent).

As for it being illegal to tow a trailer over 1k pounds without brakes being illegal in many place; not sure about that. Most states require brakes around the 3k pound mark except Cali (big surprise), NY (ditto), GA, and a few others which require them at the 1500 pound mark. Is it always stupid to tow w/o brakes? Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Just remember that you have additional weight/additional length and drive at least a 1/4 mile ahead. You can't be in a hurry. Try to plan your trip to avoid larger cities or hit them at off peak times if you can't go around them.

Be aware; several states have a different speed limit for vehicles towing trailers. Cali will light you up if you are towing and driving over 55!

 

[STX4Runner]

If you don't have anywhere to store it long term and this is just for a cross country trip, why are you trying to avoid renting? That is exactly the scenario where renting makes sense.

 

[6-0 Prolene]

If you don't have anywhere to store it long term and this is just for a cross country trip, why are you trying to avoid renting? That is exactly the scenario where renting makes sense.

The main reason is the sketchy quality of U-Haul. A new trailer will be in perfect mechanical condition. Also, buying my own allowes me more latitude in installing brakes, choice of weight distributing hitch, etc. There's also a bit of an advantage in terms of late fees, etc. Because we're stopping along the way, we'd be going over U-Haul's usual 10-day rental, and it looks like the loss from depreciation will be roughly equivalent to the rental cost.

I freely admit that my situation is one that has me crossing the country at probably the worst possible time (Dec/Jan), so even if it costs a little more I'm in favor of bells, whistles, and safety features that will make the trip more bearable.

So basically, buying/selling gets a better/safer trailer at about the same cost, even for a short-term trip--or at least that's what I'm coming up with.

 

[SeattleCyclist]

Get a U-Haul - Peace-of-mind and not having to deal with CG sellers/buyers.

I rented the same-size trailer when I moved from Seattle to Indy. Pulled the trailer with my bone-stock 1997 3rd gen w/ 180K mi w/o any problem. No tranny cooler and no brake assist. And take note the route I took was mostly I-90 and the WA, Idaho, and Montana section was full of mountain passes.
The good thing about U-Haul is that they have emergency assistance. Should the trailer breakdown, you can leave it in any U-Haul shop and take a replacement at no cost. If you expect $500-$700 depreciation of the trailer, then why even bother getting one (That's about the cost of the U-Haul rental). Selling things like these on CG is a truly PITA. You have to meet numerous potential buyers who are mostly low-ballers or just plain jack-ass. Do you think the time it takes you to find and sell one on CG will be worth it?

 

[TonyJ124]

Lots of really good points here, I'll add to a couple. To back up my response, I'll start with saying that I used to drive a crew cab dually and an 26' enclosed gooseneck trailer, daily all over the mid Atlantic for work. I also moved from NY to NC with a uhaul trailer, then moved from NC to Boston a few years later with a budget truck and a car on a trailer behind it.

Initial cost, depreciation, and resale.
When I moved both times, I investigated rentals and purchasing a used trailer heavily. For me, it was much easier to dump off the rentals when I was done, rather than try and store what equates to a second car. I was also able to write off the moving expenses on my taxes since they were for work, so the "loss" factor was minimized. FYI, keep all trailer, hotel, fuel, and misc receipts if you're moving for a job. Secondly, if buying, I'd avoid new, the loss will be maximized if you buy something new at Ricky retail prices. In Charlotte, I know that size single axle trailer runs anywhere from $800-$2000 used. Trailers are simple equipment. Plan on spending an afternoon repacking the bearings and carry at least one spare tire, and a used trailer will tow and work just like a new one. Even an LED taillight setup, complete with wiring can be purchased for <$100 if you bought something in need of new lighting. Keep in mind that the cost of one new spare tire will be exponentially less than roadside trailer service, tractor supply carries most sizes and bolt patterns for a potential trip saver. If pulling a dual axle trailer, I'd carry two spares... Call me captain redundant.

Brakes.
Will you be towing enough weight to warrant brakes? Sure. Can simple operating tactics eliminate the need for brakes on a small tag along trailer? Certainly. As mentioned above, driving with your eyes on the road 1/4 mile out, using your 4runner brakes in a logical and methodical manner (on on on, off off off, allowing them a few seconds of cooling time when descending), and generally expecting to be in the right lane, traveling slower than unloaded cars when running downhill, and you'll be safe. I'd always go for the safer option, such as brakes, but I wouldn't be scared in your case. If you were pulling 4 or 5,000 pounds the, I'd start looking at brakes, but at 3000ish GVW, I'd say that's easily manageable with safe driving practices and general awareness on top if the 4runners capability.

Trans coolers.
I'd look into it, and if a decent kit was reasonably priced and viable, I'd go for it. They're straight forward to install and the benefit is easily recognized. Even if it pulls only a little heat out when you're running up a few long hills, I'd say it's still worth it. Heat kills transmissions.

To sum all that up, if I were moving again, had the room for a trailer at the destination, and had my 4runner (my last move I had a Jetta) I'd find a deal on a used basic enclosed setup, toss a few dollars of maintenance at it, and be on my way without brakes. Tranny cooler optional.

 

[Titanpat57]

If you were pulling 4 or 5,000 pounds the, I'd start looking at brakes, but at 3000ish GVW, I'd say that's easily manageable with safe driving practices and general awareness on top if the 4runners capability.

I'm sorry...but that's the most ridiculous advice I've ever seen

In a perfect world, your plan may work, until some asshat on the phone cuts you off at 65-70 mph, your trailer brakes will be the ONLY thing that may decide your fate. Wagging down the road with no way to control the trailer is a very, very bad feeling. You can never dictate what will happen around you, and I certainly don't consider the 4Runners brakes as some of the best I've driven on(although the stock systems are capable for sure) so based on that reasoning alone would seal the deal for trailer brakes and a good controller.

I think it's irresponsible to tow something that you can't control in an emergency situation, but with the proper equipment could have. If things go wrong (blow a tire, get cut off, wreck out in front of you, etc) you may make it...but in the process you take out the minivan with 4 kids in it next to you....then what was actually saved?

 

[derekp]

I'm sorry...but that's the most ridiculous advice I've ever seen

In a perfect world, your plan may work, until some asshat on the phone cuts you off at 65-70 mph, your trailer brakes will be the ONLY thing that may decide your fate. Wagging down the road with no way to control the trailer is a very, very bad feeling. You can never dictate what will happen around you, and I certainly don't consider the 4Runners brakes as some of the best I've driven on(although the stock systems are capable for sure) so based on that reasoning alone would seal the deal for trailer brakes and a good controller.

I think it's irresponsible to tow something that you can't control in an emergency situation, but with the proper equipment could have. If things go wrong (blow a tire, get cut off, wreck out in front of you, etc) you may make it...but in the process you take out the minivan with 4 kids in it next to you....then what was actually saved?

I think before you go on the attack you should completely think your comment through. You have absolutely NO control in an emergency situation. Trailer brakes won't save you in wind gusts or if you are cut off/run off the road and start spinning/tumbling. Situational awareness is the only thing you have control over. Reading other posts you will see that is the common point people are bringing up. Read the road ahead, watch for idiotic drivers, drive to the conditions of the road or 10-20% less, and look for people preoccupied with items other than driving are things that will save you. Even vehicles not towing have been know not to stop in time if there is a wreck in front of them.

By all means, if you are maxing out your tow rating INSTALL BRAKES! If you are new to towing, nervous about towing, live in a state that doesn't trust it's citizens; follow their laws. If brakes were required on every trailer, they would be sold with every trailer. The gub'ment would mandate it!

 

[eddiebx]

I think before you go on the attack you should completely think your comment through. You have absolutely NO control in an emergency situation. Trailer brakes won't save you in wind gusts or if you are cut off/run off the road and start spinning/tumbling. Situational awareness is the only thing you have control over. Reading other posts you will see that is the common point people are bringing up. Read the road ahead, watch for idiotic drivers, drive to the conditions of the road or 10-20% less, and look for people preoccupied with items other than driving are things that will save you. Even vehicles not towing have been know not to stop in time if there is a wreck in front of them.

By all means, if you are maxing out your tow rating INSTALL BRAKES! If you are new to towing, nervous about towing, live in a state that doesn't trust it's citizens; follow their laws. If brakes were required on every trailer, they would be sold with every trailer. The gub'ment would mandate it!

Not trying to start a fight here because I certainly don't tow anything at all, but this is kind of like saying why bother upgrading brakes at all, and just be more situation aware when driving. There's nothing a tow vehicle can do with upgraded brakes that a completely stock tow vehicle can't do...eventually, lol.

My point is, I am not sure how additional brakes can be seen as poor advice in any situation? Every inch counts when trying to stop in an emergency, and I sure as heck would rather be able to stop too soon rather than too late



Anyway, back on top, OP, have you considered the potential additional costs for registering and inspecting your new trailer? I know in several states you need to do all that for any substantial sized utility trailer (some even make you pay use tax on it). So I would look into that and factor it all in before you go ahead with this idea.

IMO, cut your losses and just rent if the only reason you are doing this is cost. At the end of the day I don't see you saving THAT much to make it worthwhile