Preparing Your Trailer for Trade-In

Getting a new trailer doesn’t have to mean your old trailer has gone completely out of commission. Sometimes you need a new trailer to perform different work, like needing to transition from an open trailer to an enclosed trailer. There’s nothing wrong with the open trailer, but you don’t need it anymore. This is the perfect opportunity to bring your trailer for a trade in.

At M&G, we take trade-in trailers in many different brands, styles and years. You can request an appraisal on your trailer for trade in on our website, and someone will contact you about how much your trailer is worth. Before you bring your trailer for trade-in or an in-person final appraisal there’s a few things you can do to ensure its looking its best. We’ll go through some steps you can take to be sure your trailer is in good condition so you can get the best deal on your trade-in.

Why Trade in Your Trailer?

Trading in your trailer will save you money, time and stress. If you have an old trailer that constantly needs repairs, there’s little point in continuing to waste money. Plus, when it’s time to purchase a replacement trailer you can use the money from your trade toward the new trailer.

Trading in an old trailer will also save you time. You won’t be stuck fixing up an aging trailer all the time, and you won’t spend hours making sure everything is in working order before hooking up your trailer. You won’t spend time diagnosing your trailer’s issues and towing it to and from the mechanic. With a new trailer, all you’ll need to do is hitch up and hit the road.

Your old trailer is also likely causing you a lot of stress. The stress of spending money on fixes and spending hours in the yard piecing the broken parts back together with some screws (and probably some duct tape) will quickly build up. When your trailer is out of commission at the house or at the mechanic, you’ll likely have to wait to complete your work until it’s fixed, which ads a new layer of anxiety to an already stressful situation.

Fixing and Cleaning Your Trailer

Now it’s time to take a hard look at your trailer. You need to think about what needs to be fixed, cleaned, repainted and more. Although difficult, it’s important to be as objective as possible at this stage. Try to look at the trailer from the perspective of the potential buyer.

To get you started in your trailer evaluation, here’s a list of things to take a look at: paint, roof, wheels, tires, windows, interior walls, interior ceiling and interior floors.

While your trailer might not have a roof or windows, our list is a good place to start. Check the trailer for damage, make sure everything is working, and your trailer is looking its best.

If possible, it’s best to fix all of your trailer’s issues before trade-in. This will ensure you get the most for your trailer, although it may cost you a few bucks to perform these fixes. Determine which issues should be fixed and which ones are too costly, too time consuming or just not worth fixing before trade-in.

Next, you’ll want to clean up your trailer. It’s important that your trailer looks its best when you’re trying to get the most money for it. Clean the interior and exterior of the trailer, try to clear out any unpleasant smells, and consider a fresh coat of paint. Whatever it takes to make your trailer as appealing as possible.

Determining Your Trailer’s Value

Although you might have an idea of what your trailer costs, it’s a good idea to do some research and get a professional opinion. Try browsing listings online, and look for trailers similar to yours. Pinpoint a similar style, year and any similar issues. Checking how much these trailers cost will give you a basic idea of what your trade-in trailer might be worth.

If getting an appraisal is an option, it’s always helpful to get a professional opinion. Ask a mechanic, dealer or manufacturer to evaluate and appraise your trailer. Bring any records of trailer maintenance over the years, and anything else that proves you’ve taken care of your trailer.

Now that your trailer is cleaned, repaired and you have an appraisal, it’s time to bring it down to the dealership. You can start by filling out this form and waiting for a sales representative to reach out to you. One of our trailer experts will check out your trade-in in person at M&G and give you a quote. Be sure to bring your maintenance paperwork, and a written appraisal from an expert if you have it. Have an open discussion about price with our M&G Trailer Sales expert until you come to an agreement, and your trailer is ready to go!