A trailer bill of sale is used to record the transaction in writing between the buyer and the seller. This form is legally binding once both parties sign.
Type of Sale
What to Include in a Trailer Bill of Sale Form?
- The buyer’s name + address
- The seller’s name + address
- The description (make, model, year, + body style)
- The sale date
- Transaction details (purchase: price, trade, and/or gift)
- The warranty information (sold “as-is”)
- The Odometer Disclosure
- The Federal Law, 49 U.S. Code § 32705, requires a bill of sale to include a verifying statement about the vehicle’s mileage. Vehicles greater than ten years old and over 16,000 pounds are exempt.
How to Sell a Trailer
Step 1: Determine the Type of Trailer
Trailers vary in price, from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on the type. There are many types to choose from, including hauling trailers, boats, kayaks, canoes, farm animal trailers, flatbed trailers (stretch, double-drop), and dry-van trailers (enclosed, refrigerated, or not refrigerated), as well as vehicle-carrying trailers for ATVs, enclosed/open trailers, and single/multi-vehicle trailers.
Once you have identified the type of trailer, gather information such as the number of axles, length, year, maximum weight (in pounds), and any other specifications that would benefit a potential buyer.
Step 2: How much is the Trailer Really Worth?
Before tagging a price to a trailer, consider its type rather than the brand name since trailers vary in size and shape. To understand its value, it’s best to look at comparable trailers in your local area. While you might not find an exact match, you should at least be able to find one that is closely related.
Step 3: Listing for Sale
Before listing your trailer for sale, clean it and paint over any rust. This will make sure that the trailer looks good in the pictures you take for your online posting. When selling, consider using both online and offline options to reach potential buyers.
Online:
–Craigslist.org (most popular)
– eBay (Trailer Webpage)
– Trailer Specific Websites (BuyMyTrailer.com, TrailerTraders.com, and TrailerShopper.com)
Offline:
– Newspaper
– Local Classified Magazine / Newsletter
Step 4: Meet with Potential Buyers
As a seller, your role is in setting up meetings with buyers and striving to sell the trailer at the listed price. When communicating with potential buyers, it’s your responsibility to make sure that they are qualified. This can be done by asking about their future use for the trailer and confirming their financials to complete the purchase. Remember, most lenders will not provide a loan for a trailer unless it is sold with a boat or another vehicle.
Trailer and Boat Registration Requirements
File forms with a local DMV for Trailer and Boat registrations.