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Post by Teachndad on Sept 11, 2014 4:52:19 GMT -8
Hi, If I add brakes to a trailer, can I recoup the cost of the brakes(assembly, labor, parts) back when it's resold? I am considering buying a used vintage trailer that would need brakes. It's had previous mods on it that aren't stock like some added cabinets and shelving. Rear tail lights were added outside the trailer, not the original that fit into the skin, replacement rear window that comes from a more modern RV, added ceiling vent, to name a few. So, if I bought it to learn on and then resell, I don't think it would be worth more tan a few thousand in resale value with my efforts to renovate it. In that type of scenerio, would it be worth it to add the brakes. It means more money invested and money is tight right now. No brakes means I can't tow it to camp in it. I am not comfortable towing a trailer without brakes. I will go get it and bring it back, but not take it camping. Here is what it looks like.   Thanks. Rod |
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SusieQ
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'62 Shasta Compact
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Post by SusieQ on Sept 11, 2014 6:31:04 GMT -8
MHO, you get the cost back of adding brakes in the safety of pulling the trailer. If you rebuild/restore your trailer properly and to your liking, don't count on getting back your entire investment. What someone pays for a trailer depends on how badly they want it and what they think it is worth. I look at my trailer now and think that all the hard work and money I put into it really doesn't show. Buyers often can't truly see the value of a well restored trailer. But, do it up Hello Kitty style and you'll make a killing.
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John Palmer
Senior Member
Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Sept 11, 2014 7:54:30 GMT -8
For me.....the painted interior would be "the deal killer" on buying a flipper, because it's REALLY hard/expensive to fix previous owner fixes.
Not having brakes, is easy to add at anytime for a few hundred bucks. The largest cost in adding brakes will depend on "if the axle has mounting plate flanges already welded on"? It could easily require a new axle also.
The safety of towing a trailer without brakes, is completely dependent on the size and weight of the tow vehicle. Last week we picked up, and towed a 35' Spartan, 400 miles across the desert from Arizona to So. California with an F250 using just a weight distribution hitch and 80 gallons of diesel in the bed tank. No sway bar, and no trailer brakes connected. We towed at 60-65 MPH all the way, without even a wiggle.
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Post by Teachndad on Sept 11, 2014 16:12:39 GMT -8
Hey John,
Thanks for the response. I have been trying to figure out how to get in the market for restoring a travel trailer and doing it on a shoestring budget. You are right, the painted walls probably mean water damage was covered and other hidden "treasures" are hiding. At this point after lurking for months and searching Craigslist, this might be the way to go to test out the waters, to see if I really want to do this. I know this particular trailer isn't a good bet for a complete restoration, I could make some improvements and fix what I can. Learn what I can and experiment and probably sell it for what I put into it minus the labor - or maybe not...  I can throw in a few Hello Kitties and maybe get a few more bucks.  
Cheers
Rod |
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Post by bigbill on Sept 11, 2014 16:28:46 GMT -8
Rod most people that say they made money on fixing a trailer most likely didn't keep a good record of all that they spent. There are two reasons to fix an old trailer 1. Because you like them and want one to enjoy camping with friends and family. 2. Because you are nuts. Very few people make a profit on a trailer unless it is old, rare, and a model that is in demand at premium prices which most are not. I don't consider $500 or even a $1000 a above what you invest a profit when you figure you have many many hours of labor invested. To turn a profit you have to count every cent you spent including worn out or broken tools, vehicle costs to pick up supplies, shipping and handling charges, Electricity and heater fuel, ect. Then keep track of every hour you spend working on or chasing materials for it. Then pay your self some trivial wage that you wouldn't consider working for. Now that you figure all that in the only reason to do it is because you enjoy the completed project, or as #2 above you are nuts, or maybe a little of both. Very few hobbies turn a profit. |
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I can throw in a few Hello Kitties and maybe get a few more bucks. 
