I just replaced my 6-year-old original trailer tires with new Goodyear Endurance tires. As we are preparing for an upcoming 6-week, 4000-mile trip, I discovered that my trailer brakes are in need of replacing. Since I'll have the thing in pieces already, I am replacing the original bearings with new Timken bearings as well. So everything from the axles down (out?) will be new and high quality. Here's my question: If I go to sell this thing in a year or so, will any potential buyers care that I invested $1000 on it? Will buyers care?I'm not talking about adding $1000 or even $500 to whatever asking price I would normally start with. Mostly I'm thinking in marketing terms. Putting something in the advertising like: "new tires, brakes and bearings in 2020." Do you think buyers of used trailers would see how enhancing that is? -Speak

I know I would. Sure, some buyers won't seem to notice or care. But I'd guess that majority of lookers will see that it does enhance the unit. When we sold our TT with new bearings, brakes, etc, it was this that sold the buyer on the unit. He was looking at other units in the same price range (about $10k) but ours was only one that had new brakes, bearings, newer tires. Other units the owners could not say, or didn't know, or would say "it does not need it" when in reality they didn't know.Do it for peace of mind for your remaining trips and for knowing you did the right thing. You can then sell knowing you have a complete package for the new owner.

SpeakEasy wrote:I just replaced my 6-year-old original trailer tires with new Goodyear Endurance tires. As we are preparing for an upcoming 6-week, 4000-mile trip, I discovered that my trailer brakes are in need of replacing. Since I'll have the thing in pieces already, I am replacing the original bearings with new Timken bearings as well. So everything from the axles down (out?) will be new and high quality. Here's my question: If I go to sell this thing in a year or so, will any potential buyers care that I invested $1000 on it? Will buyers care?I'm not talking about adding $1000 or even $500 to whatever asking price I would normally start with. Mostly I'm thinking in marketing terms. Putting something in the advertising like: "new tires, brakes and bearings in 2020." Do you think buyers of used trailers would see how enhancing that is? -SpeakVery helpful. keep all receipts as proof.

Your repairs which are regular maintenance items may make a marketing difference but after trying to sell a mint condition 5th wheel a few years ago with all sorts of extras and maintenance records it did not seem to make much difference with potential buyers. The floor plan and the trailers weights had a larger impact . Just figure your investing in a safe trip for yourself and your family and hope for the best at resale.

cavie wrote:Very helpful. keep all receipts as proof.Good advice. Thanks! I wouldn't have thought of doing that.-Speak

A buyer is going to expect working brakes, bearings and tires. I doubt you will get any more money for these items but without them the prices might drop or it might be difficult to sell the unit.

Any Return on Investment? | Good Sam Community

43 Replies

Devocamper
Explorer
Feb 26, 2020
Your repairs which are regular maintenance items may make a marketing difference but after trying to sell a mint condition 5th wheel a few years ago with all sorts of extras and maintenance records it did not seem to make much difference with potential buyers. The floor plan and the trailers weights had a larger impact . Just figure your investing in a safe trip for yourself and your family and hope for the best at resale.
cavie
Explorer
Feb 26, 2020
SpeakEasy wrote:
I just replaced my 6-year-old original trailer tires with new Goodyear Endurance tires. As we are preparing for an upcoming 6-week, 4000-mile trip, I discovered that my trailer brakes are in need of replacing. Since I'll have the thing in pieces already, I am replacing the original bearings with new Timken bearings as well. So everything from the axles down (out?) will be new and high quality.

Here's my question: If I go to sell this thing in a year or so, will any potential buyers care that I invested $1000 on it? Will buyers care?

I'm not talking about adding $1000 or even $500 to whatever asking price I would normally start with. Mostly I'm thinking in marketing terms. Putting something in the advertising like: "new tires, brakes and bearings in 2020." Do you think buyers of used trailers would see how enhancing that is?

-Speak

Very helpful. keep all receipts as proof.
mleekamp
Explorer
Feb 26, 2020
I know I would. Sure, some buyers won't seem to notice or care. But I'd guess that majority of lookers will see that it does enhance the unit. When we sold our TT with new bearings, brakes, etc, it was this that sold the buyer on the unit. He was looking at other units in the same price range (about $10k) but ours was only one that had new brakes, bearings, newer tires. Other units the owners could not say, or didn't know, or would say "it does not need it" when in reality they didn't know.

Do it for peace of mind for your remaining trips and for knowing you did the right thing. You can then sell knowing you have a complete package for the new owner.

Forum Discussion

Any Return on Investment?

43 Replies

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

Generator investment

Return to AngelFireNM...

Fifth wheel investment

Returned Harbor Freight recalled Jack Stands

Returning