Is this Utility Trailer worth $300?

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Have not heard back from the guy yet, but ran across a Stahl bed utility trailer on CL:http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/tls/4631083558.htmlMost of my tools and gear are either in a small storage room in this house, or in my father's shop up north, until I get my garage/shop built (this fall I hope). Wondered if the trailer would give me a place to keep some of the gear handy but not taking up space in the house.Looks like it's pretty worn, but the owner claims it's solid. Perhaps just needs cleanup/paint?--Steve
Reply:As a followup, I've responded and asked for more info on unloaded weight (my little SUV is only going to pull max 3500lbs) and if the electronics are in good shape.
Reply:7A749: Thanks. I'm new at this kinda of thing: anything particular I should be looking at if I go see it? I'm assuming:* check the frame* check the bed integrity* check that lights work and wiring looks in good shape* check tiresAnything else?- Steve
Reply:Looks good to me for the money as long as tires are decent and it trailers straight. Loading your goodies in it for storage may require some theft protection, 12 gauge and a backhoe.
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1Looks good to me for the money as long as tires are decent and it trailers straight. Loading your goodies in it for storage may require some theft protection, 12 gauge and a backhoe.
Reply:Originally Posted by sivyGood point about making sure it trails straight. And what's the backhoe for?
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1BURIAL !   or a sign, survivors will be shot again !
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1BURIAL !   or a sign, survivors will be shot again !
Reply:Don,t forget the brakes  your little truck will not stop it with a load on . it it doesn't have brake you can add them to it I can't see the wheels so I don't know if the wheels and tires are large enough . and it looks like it could be almost worth that that price  as scrap  gxbxcLast edited by gxbxc; 09-05-2014 at 10:56 PM.
Reply:If it's what you're looking for, it's worth every penny of $300. You're sure not gonna build an exact unit for that priceHome hobbiest:Build all sorts of BBQ pits & smokers (trailer & non)Lincoln 225 Cracker box (antique)O/P torchRedneck tools out the a$$.They get me by!
Reply:Make sure your insurance is up to date and you have serial numbers and photographs of expensive items. Tool/work trailers are notoriously easy to sprout legs and "wander off". If that happens and your business depends on those tools, you'd better make sure you are covered in advance. Too many times guys find out too late that most insurance policies don't cover tools in vehicles or trailers. Typically you need a separate Inland Marine policy specifically to cover tools and materials.I can survive the loss of my work truck. However even replacing 1/3rd of my tools on the truck would devastate my business. I should probably carry more than $15K in Inland Marine coverage, but that should at least keep me working should a major theft occur.Also check how your vehicle is insured. If you get in an accident with that trailer attached and you have a standard personal policy vs a commercial policy you may find you aren't covered. Many policies don't cover you if you are using the vehicle for business. It's easy to claim you were just running to the store in just an SUV. It's a bit harder when you are towing all your tools with you..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Items I would ask myself about:- frame soundness & straightness; running gear (wheels, brakes, axle, suspension) serviceable or not; lights working or not; condition of bed & boxes. It looks like a possible, but without looking it over in person, I can only wish you luck.City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:Agree with all they say, as it probably doesn't rain much there, up here we would be looking real close at door gaskets, leakage rust and drain holes. If the doors aren't leaking, then condensation saturates everything. One more thing to check!
Reply:Brakes are a big deal. The donor truck likely had hydraulic brakes. In my state at least, you wouldn't make it 10 miles without a DMV inspection and some big fines. A lady, (beautiful) told me about being pulled over in Alaska because her license plate light was dirty. As he was writing out her warning citation, he waves all friendly to a guy driving by in a wreck, missing one door. She is P.O.d, and asks why her instead of him. The answer: "He has no inspection sticker." In Alaska, safety inspection it seems is optional. Defective equipment tickets aren't issued to uninspected vehicles!I presume similar laws exist in VT as 10% of vehicles are driven by welfare rats, and drug dealers with something dragging, three donut spares, a broken windshield, no exhaust system, and rust holes. Police never stop them. My daughter in law was ticketed at 7:15 am for having a blown headlight in her 2 year old Subaru! I believe VT at least, is especially tough on trucks, and trailers, especially weekend warriors, who don't drive commercially. I put 3000 miles a year on a 28000 pound truck, with 9 ton trailer. I got numerous horror stories about police, and especially DMV. I believe they seek to penalize me for not being a drone in a Prius.Last edited by Willie B; 09-06-2014 at 09:54 AM.
Reply:Thanks for all the tips guys! Never heard back from the guy so might all be moot, but I'll keep it all in mind for next time.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk---Miller Millermatic 210Thermal Dynamics PakMaster 100XL PlusBuilding a new garage/shop from the ground up...