Any Return on Investment?

[SpeakEasy]

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

[drsteve]

SpeakEasy wrote:

drsteve wrote:
I think it makes a difference. When we sold our 2003 Jayco three years ago, the first guy who looked at it bought it, and paid the asking price. The buyer--a certified auto mechanic--was impressed by the new bearings, brakes, tires, and tongue jack, as well as the fact that I was the original owner.
Don't know if it really affected the price I was able to ask, but it made for a quick sale. The guy did mention that he'd passed on several that showed signs of neglect.

Did he take your word for it that it had these new items, or did you give him some documentation? Do people test drive these things to check out the brakes? Having seen how mine had deteriorated, I will certainly want to see working brakes when I make my next purchase of a used trailer.

-Speak

I gave him the receipts for the new parts. He didn't ask for a test drive.

[Bird_Freak]

I would say your return on your investment as you call it is keeping your rv maintained.

[Bumpyroad]

"Investment" and "RV" is an oxymoron.
bumpy

[the_bear_II]

Just my opinion--- if I see a list of recently installed parts, I usually think the owner was chasing a problem and wasn't able to correct it and now has decided to sell it.

That being written, I base the price I would pay on condition and current market price; usually aim for the low end pricing when I'm buying an RV or vehicle.

[mich800]

It will probably aid in how quickly you sell it. But I wouldn’t count on it adding value. Market price already assumes proper maintenance has been performed.

[fj12ryder]

Knowledgeable RV'ers will probably like it, but it's not like to add any more to the sail. New or novice RV'ers will be asking "Were they replaced because they were damaged? How were they damaged?".

[Yosemite_Sam1]

Those already knowledgeable long time RVers will appreciate that.

I'm 3 years into RVing although a lifetime camper but I would like it.

You can even mention the amount you spend and put a little premium to your price because of it.

[Mike134]

It will help you sell it quicker if priced right but won't add value. Any TT I buy I expect good tires, brakes, no leaks.

[wildtoad]

Any recent maintenance items will make for a smoother deal and perhaps a bit of a bump over had you not done it. But again it’s maintenance and not an improvement so set expectations accordingly.

[SpeakEasy]

drsteve wrote:
I think it makes a difference. When we sold our 2003 Jayco three years ago, the first guy who looked at it bought it, and paid the asking price. The buyer--a certified auto mechanic--was impressed by the new bearings, brakes, tires, and tongue jack, as well as the fact that I was the original owner.
Don't know if it really affected the price I was able to ask, but it made for a quick sale. The guy did mention that he'd passed on several that showed signs of neglect.

Did he take your word for it that it had these new items, or did you give him some documentation? Do people test drive these things to check out the brakes? Having seen how mine had deteriorated, I will certainly want to see working brakes when I make my next purchase of a used trailer.

-Speak

[drsteve]

I think it makes a difference. When we sold our 2003 Jayco three years ago, the first guy who looked at it bought it, and paid the asking price. The buyer--a certified auto mechanic--was impressed by the new bearings, brakes, tires, and tongue jack, as well as the fact that I was the original owner.
Don't know if it really affected the price I was able to ask, but it made for a quick sale. The guy did mention that he'd passed on several that showed signs of neglect.

[Lwiddis]

Safer to sell “as is, no warranties.”

[Grit_dog]

If the trailer is in very “used” condition, it could be considered a good thing, but would be comparing to generally older units in less than awesome condition .
Think, selling 15-20 year old car, new transmission is probably a plus. Selling average miles 6 year old car new trans = wonder why that was necessary.

[Grit_dog]

Lol, roi?
No, the smart consumer would wonder why bearings and brakes needed to be replaced on a 7 year old rig. Either a pile of miles or lack of maintenance or didn’t know how to pull a trailer would be my assumption.
Fresh bearings and brakes would be a small plus on something twice it’s age or more though.

[PartyOf_Five]

When i buy an older car, I want to know it's been cared for. I know it'll require some work, but a good history with conscientious owners speaks volumes about the "little things" that I can anticipate coming my way, and I'll pay a bit more for this owner's vehicle. DM if you decide to sell a year or two down the road.