Trailer Value?

A friend of mine wants to sell this trailer. It's been in his family since the 50's. He doesn't know anything about it so I told him I'd post some pics and get a little feedback from the Forum. Looks like he has the pintle, but it's been removed and a standard hitch installed. He has some interested buyers, but has no idea what to ask for it. Any info any of you can provide would be great.

 

Here's a link to some good info on those trailers: http://wwiijeepparts.com/Archives/JeepTrailer.html

The lunette hitch, hand brake on the front and 4 tie down hooks on the sides tell me it looks like either an MBT or T3 military trailer instead of a civilian, T3-C, trailer.

It looks like the tailgate has been cut out, has it? If so that generally reduces the price of the military trailers. Still, it looks solid. Also, does he have the original landing leg that goes with the lunette? Any rust through anywhere?

Are the original data plates under that paint on the top front left corner? If so, carefully remove the paint to reveal the info on them.

Price? I know a guy who specializes in selling military vehicles and trailers. He's currently asking about $2,000.00 for a trailer he has that's in very good, complete and original condition.

 

Depending on what all was done to remove the factory hitch and install a tailgate, that trailer is in the $500 plus or minus range and needs probably close to $500 in parts and materials to make it a good, complete, and original trailer. (Plus tires) One very nice thing going for it is that it has a pair of combat rims. Those can sell for up to 200 apiece, and might be better sold separately if the seller is looking for top dollar. Any old CJ rim will work to replace them.

 

That's either a very early TC-3 (civvy) or a WWII model with the tailgate cut into it. My instinct says it's the latter. No original landing leg hurts it a bit but, they can be found. Combat rims are a huge plus. Support bars at the rear at the tail lights versus the stamped tail light panels tell us it's an older model, late '45 civvy or military. 4 tie downs per side, e brake handle all point to older model. Cut in tailgate hurts it a lot but, again, that can be fixed. I would think 5 bills would be something close to a steal. I think 2k is a price more proper for an unrestored original, good condition WWII unit. Data plates and title also weigh in here, at least where I live. I may be a cheap skate but, I can't see more than a grand, tops, for this trailer if it has paper work and plates, and a good floor. Somebody else might pay more. I wouldn't.

 

This should give some perspective. To me, this is a really, really nice trailer to have/start with. Wish I could have it.


http://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/e1101...50677963244&ssPageName=ADME:B:WNA:MOTORS:1123

 

Thanks for all the info guys. If the person who is interested in this trailer buys it, it won't be for a resto. It'll be used as a trail trailer. Pulled behind a totally built CJ2A. I hear what you are saying about the tailgate and not being original. If you are going to use one for trail duty a tailgate wouldn't be optional for me. I think the owner will probably let it go for around $500 and everyone will be happy.

 

If I was still out there; for $500 that would be in my garage! If the floor and frame are solid, that's a great deal.