Hey Everyone,I have a 2004 U.S. Cargo Enclosed 45'x 8' car/cargo trailer. It's seen some rough use, but that's to be expected with it being 11 years old. I bought it used in Nov of 2014, and am now trying to find out what I can do to increase the resale value. I was thinking about putting interior plywood paneling in, and converting all exterior lights to LED. Perhaps adding weatherpack connectors on all connectors to exterior lights, and fixing the wiring - just in general - cleaning it up. Perhaps even removing the florescent bulb fixtures and conduit. Lastly, I was going to re-caulk/seal the entire exterior. Would these things increase the value? If you were a prospective purchaser, would you be willing to pay more for these features? If so, what do you think it would be worth with (and without) these modifications? Thanks for your input!

IMHO, I would fix the wiring and leave it at that. I don't think the other stuff will increase the value for more than you paid for the supplies. The wiring would be a good selling point even if it doesn't add a lot value.

I agree with toedtoes.If I were to buy used, I look at essentials like wiring, tires, suspension, condition of the hitch, etc., not glitz and glitter which I can customize to my own liking. The overall appearance tells a lot as how it was used and maintained.

Make it roadworthy and sell it.

I also wouldn't do anything beyond making sure it's in good mechanical/towing condition and clean. A good cleaning inside, a wash and a wax, and maybe a neat coat of white primer on the inside (if it's unpainted) to brighten it up would have more bang for the buck than upgrading gizmos. Making sure the required lights and brakes are properly functioning is also rather important—failure to do so, if not very clearly and explicitly disclaimed on the bill of sale and so forth, could conceivably lead to legal annoyances or worse.

The first thing I look at when buying a trailer is the underside. I'm looking for rust, framing all in good condition, springs looking good, tires aligned, etc. I can check out all of the top side in just a few minutes. I've also found that my ideas of improvements aren't what others like so I'd go easy on any big projects, you probably won't get the return on investment.

2004 Enclosed Cargo Trailer - How to Increase Resale Value

toedtoes
Explorer III
Jul 18, 2015
If the lights aren't functional, then go the cheapest route to repair those lights only. If you can get a good buy on LED and switch out all for less than replacing the non-working lights only, then do it.

Really, the trailer doesn't look that bad for what it is - a well used car/cargo trailer. Other than functional lights, nothing you've mentioned is affecting the trailer's ability to do it's job.
dirtbikeflyboy9
Explorer
Jul 18, 2015
Thank you to everyone for your input.

Just to clarify, if I were to cover the underside with undercoating, would that cause concern that something is being hidden? The tires are brand new (early April install/~4000 miles on them). The wheels have no rust, but one has a slight bit of damage.

Would a rattle-can paint job do the job, or would a professional paint job be better with a detail job?

Some of the tail lights and clearance lights are either hard to see, or missing. This was my biggest reason for the LED's.

Here is a link to my Photobucket where you can see the trailer pictures: http://s692.photobucket.com/user/dirtbikeflyboy917/library/Trailer?sort=3&page=1

Thank you again.
DougE
Explorer
Jul 17, 2015
Freshen up the electrical items - no ugly connections, etc. And make sure everything works. Spray any rust spots on frame with Duplicolor rust convertor or a similar product (leaves a black finish). Add fresh coat of light colored paint on interior. Scrub exterior until spotless. These steps will help you sell the trailer quickly at a decent price. The other mods will not return their cost. Painting the tip of the jack with a contrasting color gets you added points beyond its cost (mask with tape for a definitive cut-in line).
Tango__AE7UI
Explorer
Jul 17, 2015
As other posters have indicated, your ideas for the interior may or may not be what a potential buyer would like.
Keeping it a simple might make it easier to sell.
sprintstream
Explorer
Jul 17, 2015
I believe you can improve the saleability of the trailer by insuring the wheels look good. I've looked at a few trailers and nothing turns me off quicker than rusty wheels. I don't even look at the rest of the trailer. If you want somebody to look underneath make sure the outside looks good first.
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Jul 17, 2015
all the above ,clean make sure everything works, and its old so your gonna take a lose.
westend
Explorer
Jul 17, 2015
The first thing I look at when buying a trailer is the underside. I'm looking for rust, framing all in good condition, springs looking good, tires aligned, etc. I can check out all of the top side in just a few minutes.
I've also found that my ideas of improvements aren't what others like so I'd go easy on any big projects, you probably won't get the return on investment.
DrewE
Explorer II
Jul 17, 2015
I also wouldn't do anything beyond making sure it's in good mechanical/towing condition and clean. A good cleaning inside, a wash and a wax, and maybe a neat coat of white primer on the inside (if it's unpainted) to brighten it up would have more bang for the buck than upgrading gizmos. Making sure the required lights and brakes are properly functioning is also rather important—failure to do so, if not very clearly and explicitly disclaimed on the bill of sale and so forth, could conceivably lead to legal annoyances or worse.
dons2346
Explorer
Jul 17, 2015
Make it roadworthy and sell it.
3oaks
Explorer
Jul 17, 2015
I agree with toedtoes.

If I were to buy used, I look at essentials like wiring, tires, suspension, condition of the hitch, etc., not glitz and glitter which I can customize to my own liking. The overall appearance tells a lot as how it was used and maintained.