The used-anything market has been booming for the better part of the past decade. With used cars, thrifted clothes, and second-hand appliances, everyone seems to be looking for a great deal. But what if you are looking for a great deal in the portable restroom trailer market? You have come to the right place.
Shopping pre-owned can be overwhelming. There are many things to look out for and deals that seem too good to be true. And you must keep a few things in mind when shopping. For example, having a previous owner or owners, units may not be in the best condition, or they may no longer be under warranty.
You must be focused and vigilant when shopping in a second-hand market to ensure that the deal you find is right for you and your business. Below are the top questions to keep in mind when considering used portable restroom trailers for sale so you can feel confident in your purchase and find the best bargain for you.
1. Is the Used Portable Restroom Trailer a Discontinued Model?
Much like a car, portable restroom trailers will need new parts from time to time. It is important to know whether or not the model you are looking at is still in production because that can help determine maintenance costs. Trailers that are still being manufactured will have parts readily available when the need arises, so you don’t need to worry as much if your trailer has a leaky roof or a broken door. With available parts, you can make repairs more quickly and often for less money.
If you are considering a trailer that is no longer in production, spare parts for out-of-date models may be difficult to find, or other parts will have to be retrofitted to your model. This situation can potentially increase maintenance costs or make proper maintenance impossible. While the trailer you are looking at may boast a lower price tag than other models, the long-term maintenance costs may not balance out, and you could end up paying more over time.
2. Is the Trailer in Good Condition?
Buying used is a great way to save money when you are trying to strengthen your fleet. However, not all used trailers are the same. Some trailers will come off the lot in better working conditions than others. While you can inspect a trailer yourself and get maintenance records, you may miss something costly unless you’re an expert. Any open repairs may end up costing more than buying a more expensive trailer.
Consider where you are buying the used trailer. Going to a reputable portable restroom manufacturer or dealer is beneficial, as they will have a system to inspect and certify pre-owned trailers (Look for ones that certify their trailers with a 20-point inspection). You may pay slightly more than what’s advertised on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, but they’ll be the closest to new trailers you can find. You’ll be thankful when you’re saving much more than that initial “great deal” by not paying for many repairs over the lifetime of your used portable restroom trailer.
Additionally, some used trailer dealers may charge additional freight charges while others may include that in their listed price. Be sure to ask before committing to a good deal or discounting something that looks overpriced initially.
Remember, the price tag on a bathroom trailer does not always reflect the actual cost of owning it. This is especially true for used portable restroom trailers. If repairs or updates are needed immediately, always check the cost does not outweigh the deal price.
3. Does the Model Fit Your Business Needs?
As with any bargain purchase, it is easy to get distracted by the deal and lose track of what you actually need. Before you begin searching through all the used restroom trailers for sale, make sure you are clear about what your business needs and what you are looking for in a trailer. The non-negotiable features that can’t live without should not be sacrificed for a used trailer, which is a great deal but doesn’t fit the bill.
In the long run, buying a trailer at a great price but not one that is filling a gap in your fleet can end up costing you more. After you purchase a cheap but not entirely practical used trailer, that gap will still be there, and eventually, you will need to fill it. That leads you to buy two trailers to fit the gap of one.
To identify your trailer needs, consider these questions:
- How many people does this trailer need to serve?
- Is your fleet in need of any ADA restroom trailers?
- Who is this trailer serving, and what other facilities do they need? (There are used combination trailers as well.)
- What tank emptying method is easiest for your company?
- What is your budget?
Buying a used restroom trailer doesn’t have to be a scary or overwhelming experience. When you consider maintenance costs, both long and short-term, and the needs of your business, you are more likely to find a unit that is perfect for you.
Start with the manufacturers if you don’t know where to start your used trailer search. They’ll have certified fleets of available used trailers that fit many different needs–from sanitation and laundry to events large and small. And you can always chat with us about your fleet needs. We’ll help make it happen.
