Posted 2015-04-08 8:30 AM (#163115) Subject: Is it worth repairing
New User
Posts: 1
Location: GA
I have never owned my own horse trailer, our barn always used to transport our horses but I moved away and needed my own trailer. I am sure I made many rookie (as a new trailer owner) mistakes but when you only have a limited budget, I figured we could gradually fix the trailer over time in stead of having to put a big amount down that I just don't have. There does seem to be quite a bit of rust and we are still trying to establish if it is superficial or not (I know, should have done that before I bought it right!). I feel really stupid asking this because I have had horses my whole life, just not horse trailers :(I will try and post some photos and go from there. Trailer is a 1985 Tracer and something I have been looking a while for, tall enough for my horse with escape doors on both sides and a walk through tack room. Some people say sell it, I spent way too much money on it, some people say take my time and repair it!The floor seems really good but I was told that it would need re-enforcement in the rear where the ramp is because of the amount of rust :(Will see if I can figure out how to do the photos.Thank you
Posted 2015-04-10 3:36 PM (#163123 - in reply to #163115) Subject: RE: Is it worth repairing
Regular
Posts: 76 Location: Michigan
I would take it to a welding shop or someone who specializes in metal work. Have them check it out. If there is any question on the frame giving way I would scrap it and move on. I have seen what happens to horses when the floor fails and it is not a pretty site. I have also heard a tale of the bumper pull tongue breaking loose from the trailer itself that did not end well.
Posted 2015-04-12 12:25 AM (#163128 - in reply to #163115) Subject: RE: Is it worth repairing
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by Davetsaub65 on 2015-04-08 8:30 AM
I have never owned my own horse trailer, our barn always used to transport our horses but I moved away and needed my own trailer. I am sure I made many rookie (as a new trailer owner) mistakes but when you only have a limited budget, I figured we could gradually fix the trailer over time in stead of having to put a big amount down that I just don't have. There does seem to be quite a bit of rust and we are still trying to establish if it is superficial or not (I know, should have done that before I bought it right!). I feel really stupid asking this because I have had horses my whole life, just not horse trailers :(I will try and post some photos and go from there. Trailer is a 1985 Tracer and something I have been looking a while for, tall enough for my horse with escape doors on both sides and a walk through tack room. Some people say sell it, I spent way too much money on it, some people say take my time and repair it!The floor seems really good but I was told that it would need re-enforcement in the rear where the ramp is because of the amount of rust :(Will see if I can figure out how to do the photos.Thank you
If you can't weld...you might possibly discover the real cost of what serious repairs to a rusty trailer can add up to...
Posted 2015-04-12 12:51 PM (#163134 - in reply to #163115) Subject: RE: Is it worth repairing
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Generally speaking, if an older steel trailer is badly rusted and worn, the purchase price and its necessary amount of repairs, may easily exceed it's restored value. As Paul stated, if you are not adept in welding, fabricating, wiring, mechanical repairs and painting, hiring these professional skills will usually make you trailer poor. Instead of searching for the least expensive "fixer upper", it's wise to buy the best trailer you can find in your price range. If you are debating a long term investment, upgrading to an all aluminum trailer will be a better value, in spite of their higher purchase costs. They will usually require less repairs and upgrades in the older models; they will need less repairs during an ownership, and they hold their resale value much better than the steel.
Is it worth repairing
