Seeing feedback on used trailer

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Seeing feedback on used trailer

Postby aclimer » Sun Sep 13, 2020 6:44 am

Hello!

My name is Amy and I'm new here. I'm seeking advice on a trailer.

I have an opportunity to buy a small used teardrop that needs some rebuilding (water damage in hatch). The teardrop is the Zephyr design and on a custom trailer from many years ago. I'm going to look at it for a second time today. The price is reasonable and I'm a decent woodworker so I'm looking forward to the rebuild.

My only hesitation is that there might be something wrong with the trailer and that's beyond my skill set or interest to get into welding or metal repair.
Any advice for what to look for when I crawl under the trailer today?

Here are some photos I took the first time I checked it out.

Full trailer with tongue: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1swKkDi ... sp=sharing
Underside 1 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PZyKdO ... sp=sharing
Underside 2 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rNkQGw ... sp=sharing

Thank you! I appreciate any input.

-Amy
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Re: Seeing feedback on used trailer

Postby greygoos » Sun Sep 13, 2020 6:52 am

Water is probably the worst enemy of of trailer builders. I personally wouldnt offer more than the cost of a used trailer frame and a used door.
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Re: Seeing feedback on used trailer

Postby aclimer » Sun Sep 13, 2020 7:41 am

Thanks Jim. I'm guessing that would be under $1,000?
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Re: Seeing feedback on used trailer

Postby greygoos » Sun Sep 13, 2020 8:47 am

I am a bargain hunter. I wouldnt offer more than 200 for the whole thing.
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Re: Seeing feedback on used trailer

Postby TimC » Sun Sep 13, 2020 7:17 pm

If you are serious about this trailer and the price is right (I don't know what that means in Amy's world!) give the trailer a good detailed look underneath. The frame and axle, if in decent condition, are worth a few hundred dollars at most. Crawl under and look at all the welds at all the joints of the frame. Any cracks in the welds and I would walk away unless you have a friend with welding skills and can get it for a low price (couple hundred bucks). The axle and suspension look solid in your pics but look close. The camper on the trailer will add some value. It all depends on what's wrong with it and what your skill set and budget is to accomplish repairs. Whatever you decide you've got a lot of experienced folks here to get you through.

Check for the four digit tire date code (last two digits are the year of mfr). If they were manufactured before 2015 and are trailer rated tires you'll be replacing those right away. Are there electric brakes. That is a plus but not necessary unless you have a small tow vehicle.

Let us know what kind of hatch damage you are finding. That could be a total hatch rebuild or just cosmetic. Makes a big difference.

This is the place to post some photos and ask questions. It could result in a lot of great advice and save you a bunch of money or save you some grief. Lots of folks here have built, repaired, rebuilt and re-repaired. Good luck. Tim
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Niagara, WI
My First Benroy Teardrop Build Thread - A 5x8 Woodie - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=63575
My Second Teardrop (partial) Build Thread - Started August '16 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=66939
#3 My son's Benroy Foamie team build - Started July '20 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=72877

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Re: Seeing feedback on used trailer

Postby pchast » Sun Sep 13, 2020 9:14 pm

I don't see any brakes on that axle nor wiring for them
in your pictures?
:thinking:
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