Pricing? Is this a good deal? $5000 for a 21' Tail-Gator in good condition

[KinCA]

I have the opportunity to purchase a 21' Tail-Gator year 2003. It is in fair/good condition considering its age. Everything works, no damage or leaks. Will need new tires as current tires are old (I don't trust old tires not matter how much tread they have). Seller is asking $5k. I think this sounds like a steal but I've never bought a trailer before. I go to look at it this weekend. Any critical questions to ask, things to look at?

 

[sanda]

I would think a trailer like that in this market would be a bargain IF you verified everything worked, no leaks, and it tows well.

 

[Jireh Financial]

Good morning. I looked this up in NADA. The only model close to that length in that model year is called M-210 RR. The length overall is about 24 ft. Remember, that means OVER ALL. If that is the model (sticker by the door), the Used Retail is $7,450. The average Trade-IN number is $5,950. Remember, the NADA for RV does not allow for any condition or geographical adjustments. Hope this helps.
Let us know how we can help.
Thank you,
Ken

 

[KinCA]

I would think a trailer like that in this market would be a bargain IF you verified everything worked, no leaks, and it tows well.

Is it reasonable to ask to test tow a trailer when buying from a private party? What about bringing a tank of propane to test appliances? I'm a first time buyer and don't know what is reasonable or what might be considered rude.

I will be going to see it in person on Sunday. I know to check for water damage, soft spots in the floor overall condition obvious damage. I do know the generator will not start sometimes.

 

[Jim]

Is it reasonable to ask to test tow a trailer when buying from a private party? What about bringing a tank of propane to test appliances? I'm a first time buyer and don't know what is reasonable or what might be considered rude.

I can't imagine that asking to "test tow" it would be any different that taking a "test drive" in a car you are thinking about buying. Any problems that the trailer may have will become your problems after you buy it. Best to know what those are going to be before you hand him the money.

 

[KinCA]

Update: I went to see the trailer.

It is a 2005, not a 2003 as previously thought. Sellers are the original owners, trailer is in great shape overall but does have a roof leak in the front above the bathroom, minor water damage inside said bathroom, hence the reduced price. The rest of the trailer is spotless, generator only has 7hrs of use, registration is current through the end of the month, tires are 3 years old. I plan to purchase and make the needed repairs to the roof.

All that said I'll be posting more specific questions in other categories here (charging options for the batteries, and repair tips for the roof).

 

[Jireh Financial]

Sounds even better than you thought with being 2 model years newer. Registration does not do you any good. That needs to be changed over to you at your state office. Depending on your state, that is when you will pay sales tax and the title and registration fees. Just so you know, bring along your signed original Bill of Sale between you and the former owner. You should also have the sellers original ownership papers (title and registration) signed off based on what is standard for the sellers state.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Ken

 

[KinCA]

Thank you Ken. I'm just relieved there won't be back due registration.

I'm currently searching to see if I can find out what exactly the roof is made of so I can start moving forward with planning the repair, figuring out which solar charger will be strong enough to keep the batteries charged without the need of the generator until we can get that fixed. This will be used more as a guest house than for travel purposes.

 

[Jim]

Update: I went to see the trailer.

It is a 2005, not a 2003 as previously thought. Sellers are the original owners, trailer is in great shape overall but does have a roof leak in the front above the bathroom, minor water damage inside said bathroom, hence the reduced price. The rest of the trailer is spotless, generator only has 7hrs of use, registration is current through the end of the month, tires are 3 years old. I plan to purchase and make the needed repairs to the roof.

All that said I'll be posting more specific questions in other categories here (charging options for the batteries, and repair tips for the roof).

Congratulations! Sounds like you did OK!

 

[KinCA]

Congratulations! Sounds like you did OK!

Time will tell, but I sure hope so! She comes home next weekend and then the real fun will begin.