Selling a trailer
Selling vs trading in a trailer: which is right for you?
You can sell privately, trade the trailer in, or take a dealership’s cash offer. Each trades price for convenience in a different way.
Your options
- Sell it privately
- Usually the highest price, closest to market value. It takes the most effort: photos, an ad, answering questions, showings, and handling payment safely.
- Trade it in
- Quick and simple, and it can reduce what you pay on your next trailer. Dealers typically offer below market value, because they need to recondition and resell it.
- Take a dealer’s cash offer
- A middle ground: no ads or showings, paid by a business. Getting offers from several dealerships helps you see what’s fair.
Know both numbers first
Before you decide, know your trailer’s market value (roughly what it would sell for privately) and its likely trade-in value. The gap between them is what a private sale is worth to you in time and effort.
Get both values, then get offers
A TrailerBook appraisal gives you a market value range and a dealer trade-in estimate. Then send it to up to three local dealerships for cash or trade-in offers, free and with no obligation.
How to prepare your trailer
- Clean it inside and out, and remove anything that isn’t included
- Fix cheap problems: bulbs, a corroded plug, a loose latch
- Check tire pressure, and know the tires’ age
- Gather service records and receipts (or show its TrailerBook history)
- Take clear photos of the VIN plate, frame, deck, tires and hitch
Paperwork
- Registration or title in your name, with a VIN that matches the trailer
- A bill of sale with the VIN, price, date and both parties’ details
- Proof that any loan on the trailer has been paid off
Common questions
Will I get more selling my trailer privately?
Usually, because you’re selling closer to market value. Whether it’s worth it depends on how much time you want to spend, and on how easy your trailer is to sell.
How much lower is a trade-in offer?
It varies by dealer, demand and condition. A TrailerBook appraisal gives a trade-in estimate alongside the market value, so you know roughly what to expect.
Can I transfer my trailer’s service history to the buyer?
Yes. On TrailerBook, the trailer’s service history moves to the new owner when you transfer it, and your personal details stay private.