Where have all the stolen trailers gone?

[North Coast Cab]

So I've been looking on and off for the past 6 months for a basic open trailer for the 911. I see them all over the place in use and I hear about them being stolen all the time. The problem is I almost never see them for sale and when I do they're gone in an instant. Do have to buy new or are they hiding somewhere I haven't looked?

JOhn

[copper]

Let me get this straight...

You're looking to buy a hot trailer?

[Drdogface]

Yeah, I'll second that question...

[strokher racing]

Pretty sure he means that if so many get stolen why are there not more for sale

[KevinP73]

Thats kinda how I took North Coast Cab's question also. I've been watching at police auctions and insurance auctions and you would think that these stolen units would surface occasionaly. But they never seem to reappear kinda like that lost sock in the dryer??

[TimT]

I sold my open trailer word of mouth. No Advertising.. It sold quick also. I mentioned my trailer was for sale at a DE, I had money in pocket later that day. The fellow came to my house the following monday evening, helped me unload my car, and drove off with the trailer.

[Plavan]

We sold ours today

[Joe Bob]

The worst thing about trailers is safe storage.....

[89911]

How soon do you need one. Depending on my next car of choice (The new M5 looks nice), I might be out a tow vehicle if I trade the X5. Isn't going to happen soon, but if your interested, let me know.

[JimJa43]

I've got an open trailer I'd like to sell that I have used to haul my Carrera. Details:

- 14' 7,500lb gross, wt. ~ 1000 lbs trailer wt.
- Tandum axles
- Electric brakes on both axles
- upgraded, waterproof lights
- All wiring encased in ribbed plastic
- brake controller included
- 2002 model, ~2500 miles on it
- Steel construction w/wood flooring, bolted down
- 5' Steel ramps w/built in storage under bed
- I live in SoCal, but trailer is located in WY
- tows excellent
- $950. I can w/bring part way with arrangements

Jim

[North Coast Cab]

Yes I'm lookinh to buy a used trailer. In Ohio there are no titles for trailers below 4,000lb GVW so you'd think the "hot" ones would be for sale all over. Anyway, I'm not looking to buy a "hot" one, just a used one.

89 - we may be able to work a deal, though the nice aluminum Trailex may be out of my budget.

Jim - I'd buy your trailer today if you ere close. At 15MPH in my Tahoe the gas would cost more then a new one.

There must be a burial ground out in the desert somewhere, you know a spot like where all those Cadillacs are standing up.

John

[Grady Clay]

John,

I don’t think you are angling for a stolen trailer. You bring up a good question. When buying a used trailer, just like a 911, research and track its provenance. Call the manufacturer and ask who the original owner was. You should be able to trace the ownership through the registration forward from the MSO and backwards from the current title and registration. If not, walk away. As many have said “If the deal is too good to be true, it probably is.”

If you buy a trailer (or a 911 for that matter) that is stolen, your money may be out the window. Prudence dictates careful investigation and it is very easy these days.

Just prior to my going into the Porsche business almost four decades ago, there was an “enterprise” selling Porsches, BMWs, and MBs that were mostly stolen. The Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court even bought a stolen 911. He had to pay for it a second time.

Anyone selling something legitimate will understand your caution. Most jurisdictions will dispatch a Deputy to provide a serial number inspection. Many manufacturers put the S/N in more than one place on the trailer. Porsche does also.

Most of us will either order up a new trailer (no risk) or buy a first or second-generation trailer with all the documentation (easy to check.)

Best,
Grady

[I’ll add this to my trailer document.]

[JimJa43]

Grady, W/out too much detail -- my '86 Carrera I bought new (14,500 miles actual) was stolen in Aug '02. We were visiting my wife's aunt/uncle in Boulder, CO. I heard a noise, got up and watched it go at 0300. Cops were there in a second. Never found it. Settled w/insurance company in Dec.

In May I get a call from Boulder Police - they found the car, complete. It hadn't even been started. ...but the thief scraped the VIN from the door jam and removed the one from the A pillar. I bought it back at auction in Littleton, CO Feb 02, 04 with a good title and a new VIN.

They arrested the not-so-bright thief when he no longer paid rent on his U-store it place and the owner opened the shed. The address the thief left with U-store it was his downfall.

A few small dents, some light scuffs (removed with PDR by my detail guy), and a broken driver's window. A "could be bad" story ends well. It's why I bought my new trailer. The original one the car was on was and is, gone forever.

Jim

[TXScott]

I have a buddy that is selling one...not hot, he is the second owner, a guy bought it new....his check bounced, the trailer company repo'ed it and my buddy bought it for his Harleys, he now has a covered.
what I know: It's a stock car trailer, 20 feet, tandom w/brakes.
I think he wants $1400 for it.
It's in central Texas, a little closer than Calif.
Scott