Ready to upgrade your trailer? Trading in your current trailer can make buying your next one easier, but you’ll want to get as much value as possible from the trailer you already own.
Several factors can influence trailer trade-in value, including age, condition, maintenance, features, and current demand. A little preparation before you bring your trailer to the dealership can help you put your best foot forward.
At Kerlin Trailers in Silver Lake, Indiana, we make it easy to trade in your current trailer and find the right upgrade for whatever you’re hauling next.
1. Give Your Trailer A Thorough Cleaning
First impressions matter, even with a hardworking trailer. You don’t need to make an older trailer look brand new, but you should show that you’ve taken good care of it.
Before getting your trade-in evaluated:
- Wash the exterior and remove road grime
- Sweep and clean the interior
- Remove personal belongings and equipment
- Clean living quarters, tack areas, or cargo spaces
- Remove excessive dirt, bedding, or debris
A clean trailer makes it easier to evaluate its actual condition and can demonstrate that you’ve maintained it responsibly.
2. Take Care Of Minor Repairs
Small issues can add up during an appraisal. Check your trailer for simple problems that you can address before trading it in.
Test the lights, inspect the tires, check doors and latches, and look for obviously damaged components. If your trailer needs more extensive repairs, talk with a professional before spending the money. A major repair won’t always increase trailer trade-in value enough to justify the cost.
Kerlin Trailers has a full-service shop in Silver Lake that handles everything from brakes, bearings, and electrical work to fabrication, floor replacement, welding, tires, and wheels.
3. Gather Your Maintenance Records
Have you kept receipts or records from routine maintenance and repairs? Bring them with you.
Maintenance records can help show how you’ve cared for the trailer over time. Documentation becomes especially helpful when you’ve invested in important repairs, replacement parts, or upgrades.
You should also make sure you have your title and any other ownership documents ahead of time to help simplify the trade-in process.
4. Know What Affects Your Trailer’s Value
Just like cars and trucks, trailers lose value differently depending on their condition, specifications, and market demand. Two trailers from the same model year may receive very different trade-in offers.
Factors that can affect trailer trade-in value include:
- Make, model, and year
- Overall structural condition
- Tires, brakes, bearings, and flooring
- Trailer size and configuration
- Living quarter features
- Added equipment or upgrades
- Current market demand
That’s why an in-person evaluation can give you a much clearer picture than guessing based on an online listing.
5. Think About Your Next Trailer
Knowing what you want next can make the trade-in process much easier. Consider what works well about your current trailer and what you’d like to change.
Do you need more horse stalls? More living space? A different floor plan? Greater cargo capacity? Maybe your hauling needs have changed completely.
Kerlin Trailers carries new and used horse trailers, living quarter trailers, stock trailers, enclosed cargo trailers, utility trailers, toy haulers, and more. With plenty of options to compare, you can trade up to something that better fits the way you haul.
Ready To Trade In And Trade Up?
Getting the most from your trailer starts with good maintenance, smart preparation, and a knowledgeable team that can help you understand your options.
Ready to find out what your trailer could be worth? Contact us today, or submit your trade-in information online. We’ll help you value your trade and start looking for the trailer that fits your next adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What determines my trailer’s trade-in value?
Age, make, model, condition, features, maintenance history, and current demand can all influence your offer.
Should I repair my trailer before trading it in?
Fixing minor issues may help, but major repairs might not deliver enough additional value to justify the cost. Ask the Kerlin team if you’re unsure.
Do I need to clean my trailer before a trade-in appraisal?
A clean trailer can make its condition easier to evaluate and shows that you’ve cared for it.
Can I trade in my trailer for a different type?
Yes. Kerlin Trailers offers several trailer types, so your next trailer doesn’t have to serve the same purpose as your current one.