How Does Kelly Blue Book Price Used Trailers?

1. Kelley Blue Book is a company that specializes in determining the values of vehicles. Originally, they focused on used cars, but nowadays they determine the values of RVs, campers, motorcycles, trailers and other vehicles. Kelley Blue Book prices new and used vehicles in different conditions, as well as some antique vehicles. The company provides values for each new, used (from a private buyer and from a dealership) and as a trade-in.
2. Kelley Blue Book attempts to calculate what you would expect to pay or get for each particular model of a trailer in the American car market. There are many different factors that contribute to this. Age and condition make a big difference in the value of a trailer. The towing capacity and number of axles also effect the value. In general, a bigger trailer which can carry a larger payload is usually more valuable than a smaller one. Obviously, the type of trailer makes a big difference in the price. Kelley Blue Book defines campers as a type of trailer, and these are much more valuable than, say, towable fifth wheels. Finally, the reputation of the company effects the price. With trailers, as with anything else, you are partly paying for the name.
3. New cars are always listed at a higher price, for obvious reasons. With used trailers, where you buy it makes a difference. The retail value is higher than the private party value. Dealerships can charge more money for a used trailer because they have to recondition it, arrange insurance and financing, maintain a facility, and all the rest. The trade in value is what a seller would get from selling his car to a dealer. This value is going to be lower than what the dealer sells the car for.

Resources

• Kelly Blue Book