Used Car Mate CT -Opinions requested

[lrrowe]

I just found a 6 x 14 SA Car Mate CT in PA which is about 360 miles from me. The price is about 1/2 of a new trailer with RV door and electric brakes.
I am not opposed to making the drive from Va to get it if I were sure it would be right for me.

The good is that it is a well know brand. The bad is that it has no electric brakes and no side door.

I would have to install electric brakes (because I want the added security) and of course a side door. I do not know what model it is nor does the seller. Car Mate has several models and some are narrower then standard so to offer the buyer some economical choices. So I asked for the interior dimensions and they measure out to be the same as the standard model (Custom Cargo) that I want.

So here is my request. I welcome all forms of opinions and advice on this one. It would cost about $100 I guess to upgrade to electric brakes, but I could not get the paperwork to read 3500 lb axle (from the 2990 listed on the title). So while I would be safer should I ever load it to 3000 lbs plus, I would not be legal. I could probably relax over the legal issue, but what would the insurance company do should the weight be an issue after an accident?

On the side door, and I will add one, it would have to be an RV sytle door. My concern here is how hard is it to find and install one and at what price.
I would suspect it is no different then installing a window except you have the base issue and added strength issue for the sides.

So less say I can get the CT for $2500 or less given that it is 12 years old (looks very good in the pictures), then spend about $140 for gas, $100 for brakes, $250 (cheap-some mfgr's want $350 retail) plus some other surprises for used products of say $150 you end up with a total of $3140 which now is within $1000 or so of a new unit.

Thoughts welcome. I will try to only keep this post active until I make up my mind, but then again, it may offer information for other CT buyers.
I think I am now leaning towards a new one and have it ready to do the camping mods.

[hankaye]

lrrowe, Howdy;

For peace of mind as the "insurance" folks will separate themselves from you
over the gross weight issue faster than a fart in a wind storm. I'd spend the
"Other" $1,000.00, mostly for the warranty, such as they are. If they screw-up
the install of the door ... they fix it or re-build it.

hank

[Prem]

It's not right (RV doors aren't easy to install), electric trailer brakes are $250-$350 installed, it's far away and there are too many "IFs" for me. My opinion (you asked) is:


You'll find better.

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

Buy brand new .... Who wants someone's 12 year out old rusted trailer.

It's a no brainier for me

[lrrowe]

Buy brand new .... Who wants someone's 12 year out old rusted trailer.

It's a no brainier for me

The upside of buying a 12 year old trailer for me is primarily cash flow. The pictures showed it to be very clean. But just after the replies received so far, I have decided to pass on it. What the heck, what is another $1000 anyway. Thanks for the thoughts.

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

I would guess the axel, springs & tires would be shot , there goes another $500
& your assuming he has ZERO - dry rot and no rust !!

Would you buy a 12 year old car for 50% ...... Hell NO
With a new one you got what you need till the day you die ......

[lrrowe]

I sometimes pick the wrong horse to bet on.
Back to saving my pennies for the new one.