UHaul experience this weekend

[Tentman]

You guys are making me feel bad. Not all U-haul dealers are bad. As an independent dealer, I have U-haul and my own rental equipment, we try to truly make renting a better way to get the job done. With all of you out there, there has to be a time when the local rental rep took care of you. . . .

 

[illflem]

Must say that I have no complaint with U-Haul, the 4k rated trailer I rented this summer hauled 9k just fine...

 

[Alaskaskiff]

Lots of differences btwn uhaul dealers I am sure. If the dealer was out in the part of the country where they still know how to change a tire/fix lights/small enough community to know folks/etc the quality would be higher. Where I rented my Uhaul (Staten Island, NY) I am not confident the person behind the counter and the yard monkey who pointed out the trailer had the same cares or skill set. I can't wait to move back to a small town in Alaska where I belong. RobG is right the Uhaul corporate policy on breakdowns is a problem, but the independent francise would be more successful if they invested in a reliable product a little themselves (obviously as Tentman stated) some do. Maybe I should check to see if they are a TDR mbr before I rent

 

[klenger]

I don't know of anyone else that rents trailers. Several that rent trucks, but not trailers.



If I needed a large enclosed trailer to move in, where could I buy one used, how much would I have to pay for it, and could I sell it for close to what I paid for it?

 

[MidwestMotorman]

web search

Do a web search for trailers. You are bound to come up with a bunch, and may find a dealer near you. Ebay also has tons of enclosed trailers for sale.

 

[rickhans]

Klenger, I have found the two best places to find used trailers is the local newspaper and the various Auto Trader magazines. The Truck Trader always has some used ones, but the Heavy Machinery Trader has the most ads, although the majority are for new trailers. They probably have a regional Pickup Trader for your area, whereas the Heavy Equipment/Machinery Trader has nation wide advertisements.



It seems to me that when I need a used trailer of a certain type, there are not any advertised, then after I finally find one, I see several like what I want.



Yes, it is fairly easy to re-sell a trailer so long as it is not a specialty. The last one I sold after owning it for 3 or 4 years was slow selling primarily because it was a triple axle and very few want a triple axle. Also, it was only 6' high inside which is too low to get most cars in. The new one I mentioned earlier that I sold was a Haulmark with 7' inside height, dual axle car hauler. I sold it after parking it next to a busy street for one week.



Also, most people looking for a used one want a bargain. It is easier to sell it at a bargain price if you buy it at a bargain price. Just be sure the axles and frame are not bent, and that it is in solid shape. From what I have learned, Aluminum (side) is more preferred than steel because it is lighter weight and won't rust, but an aluminum trailer costs more.

 

[merryman]

B'Gate

has the right idea.

Ten years ago when I needed a horse trailer, I found one in classified. After making the deal and while rewireing to match my truck, the guy I bought it from told me he had bought it new in Arkansas just to move to Oregon. He admitted that I had paid him $200. more than he paid for it---it was still exactly like new.

I used it about 8 years, put new fenders on it and repainted it and sold it for several hundred more than I paid for it--including the cost of the fenders and the paint. .



Vaughn