How many miles can you put on a trailer before you should replace it? I have a 2000 Shorelander (first used in 2002) single axle, roller (rated for 3500lbs) and I am approaching 30-35K. I have an 1800 Pro V on it. The surge break master cylinder is leaking, I am having issues with the break drums, it needs a paint job and I need to put new lights on it. I priced a new Shorelander and the dealer was amazed that I have that many miles on the trailer and told me that I should strongly consider buying new as it will probably end up being cheaper in the long run. Is it worth spending $1,000-1,300 fixing it (esitmates for the breaks, rhino lining, and putting on my lights myself) or just spending about $2300 after trade on a new one?

Thanks

If you are inept and cannot do the work yourself, yea, it is probably worth buying a new one. On the other hand, replacing parts on a trailer are pretty much straight forward and easy to do. Doing it yourself can save you a bunch of money. Let your wallet and your ability be your guide.

I personally don't think that your trailer has to many miles on it if it is maintained proactively and regularly.
You obviously use it and use it often.
I would question the maintenance schedule with the current problems you have listed Vs the condition you infer that you would like it to be.

You don't discuss roller condition, tires, wheel and hub condition, weld condition / integrity, etc, etc.

From strictly a $$ standpoint and the limited information you have supplied ... I would suggest you trade it in and start new.

Just my opinion.

Morton

If you can handle the repairs yourself, go for it and save yourself some money. No reason a trailer at 35K should be wore out, I don't buy his comments? It's just steel, are the welds cracked or the platform tweaked or rusted through? Is she ready for the scrap yard?? The rest is all maintenance that will have to be done on your next trailer as well.

Consider what your getting when all is said and done. If you go the new trailer route your out $2300 and the trailer isn't coated/rhino/linex/tuff coat, etc...

Or do the maintenance on your existing trailer...$1300, which sounds a bit high btw. Even at 1300, your getting new brakes, lights and it's rhino lined which makes it nicer than that "new trailer", which if you rhino line it is going to cost on top of the "2300", closer to 3K.

To me, it's easy...do the maintenance and have a nicer trailer.

Your trailer isn't wore out, just needs maint.

BIRDDOG

The wheels, tires, bearings, hubs and axles are in excellent shape. The master cylinder and the brake drum issues just started. The trailer came with regular lights and the still work, I just think it is time to update to LED's and the paint issues is from too many gravel roads. The costly part seems to be the master cylinder if I got a correct quote. I was told it is over $250 for the part plus 3-4 hours labor at $100 per hour. I may try a local auto mechanic as labor rates are only $60 per hour and I would think that the brake systems may be similar.

If I do buy a new trailer it will be galvanized. They seem to becoming popular in this part of the world.

Check on that price for the master cylinder. My Ranger trailer is apart at the moment, I need a new master cylinder. Removing it took 30 minutes. I called ranger, they would only sell me the entire brake coupler?? Makes no sense....it's just a master cylinder, I don't need the entire coupler.

I then researched and called champion trailer, they sold me the master cylinder...$89 shipped to my door. This is a low profile 7000lb master. It'll take another 30 minutes to install and the time to bleed the brakes...with a helper, another 30 minutes. It'll be here sat. or mon.

I looked at all sorts of master cylinders while searching for mine...didn't see one that cost over $100. Sounds like that mechanic is taking you for a ride...$650 to replace a master cylinder, what's he smoking??

BIRDDOG