How Does Kelley Blue Book Price Used Trailers?

Age and condition make a big difference in the value of a trailer.

What It's For

Kelley Blue Book is a company that specializes in determining the values of vehicles. Originally, it focused on used cars, but nowadays it determines the values of recreational vehicles, 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.

Weighing Pricing Factors

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 affect the value. In general, a bigger trailer that 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 affects the price. With trailers, as with anything else, you are partly paying for the name.

Dealers vs. Private-Party

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

• Kelley Blue Book