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Selling a Trailer? Private Sale vs Consignment Options

Jan. 27 2026 Consignment By Auto Nation Canada

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How to Sell Your Trailer: Private Sale vs Consignment vs Trade-In

Selling a trailer sounds simple—until you actually try to do it.

Whether you’re getting out of camping altogether or upgrading to something newer, bigger, or different, most trailer owners face the same question: what’s the best way to sell it?

I’m Don from AutoNation Canada, and in this guide I’ll walk you through the three main ways people sell trailers, along with the real-world pros and cons of each. The goal is simple: help you get the most money, with the least hassle, while keeping things safe and stress-free.

Why People Sell Trailers

Most sellers fall into one of two categories:

  • You’re no longer using the trailer and want it gone

  • You’re upgrading and need to sell your current trailer first

Each situation comes with different pressures—but the selling options are the same.

Option 1: Selling Your Trailer Privately

In a perfect world, a friend, coworker, or family member says:

“If you ever sell that trailer, let me know—I’ll buy it.”

You agree on a price, they have the money, and the deal is done.

Unfortunately, that scenario is rare.

More often, selling privately means listing it on Marketplace or Kijiji and dealing with the reality of private buyers.

Pros of a Private Sale

  • Potentially faster if priced aggressively

  • No dealer fees

  • Full control over the sale

Cons of a Private Sale

  • Strangers coming to your home

  • Endless texts, calls, and emails

  • Buyers who can’t afford it or aren’t serious

  • Time-consuming showings

  • Safety concerns

  • Missed appointments

  • Buyers trying to renegotiate heavily in person

In some cases, sellers even worry about people scoping out their home or storage location for the wrong reasons.

Private sales can work—but they’re often frustrating, risky, and exhausting.

Option 2: Selling to a Dealer Outright

Another option is calling dealerships and asking if they’ll buy your trailer directly.

This is usually:

  • Quick

  • Easy

  • Low stress

But it comes at a significant cost.

Why Dealer Buyouts Pay Less

When a dealer buys your trailer outright, they’re using their own cash. To protect themselves, they’ll offer well below market value so there’s room for profit, reconditioning, and risk.

Pros

  • Fast

  • Minimal effort

Cons

  • Significantly less money

  • No control over price

  • Poor value compared to other options

If convenience is your only priority, this can work—but financially, it’s rarely the best choice.

Option 3: Trailer Consignment (Best of Both Worlds)

Consignment combines the price control of a private sale with the convenience of a dealership.

Here’s how it works:

  • You set the price

  • The dealer handles marketing, calls, showings, and paperwork

  • The buyer can finance the purchase

  • You don’t deal with strangers or time-wasters

Why Financing Matters

Most buyers don’t have $20,000–$30,000+ sitting in the bank. A proper consignment dealer offers financing, which:

  • Increases buyer pool

  • Speeds up the sale

  • Helps you achieve a higher price

Key Benefits of Consignment

  • You control the selling price

  • No personal safety risk

  • No wasted time on showings

  • Financing available to buyers

  • Professional handling of the sale

For many sellers, this is the most balanced and practical option.

Selling a Trailer When You’re Buying a New One

If you’re upgrading, timing matters.

The Trade-In Trap

Trading your trailer in at a dealership is:

  • Fast

  • Convenient

But it comes with a hidden cost.

When you trade in:

  • You lose negotiating power on the new trailer

  • You pay full retail on the new unit

  • The dealer decides your trade value

You give up control on both sides of the deal.

How Consignment Helps You Buy Smarter

A better strategy is:

  1. Consign your current trailer

  2. Sell it at market value

  3. Use the cash as a down payment

  4. Negotiate harder on the new trailer (no trade involved)

This puts you in control:

  • You decide what your old trailer is worth

  • You negotiate the new one without trade pressure

  • You often end up thousands of dollars ahead

Many sellers come to consignment after being insulted by low trade-in offers—and want control back.

Why Timing Matters (Fall Is Ideal)

Fall and winter are excellent times to consign:

  • Trailers can sell over the winter

  • Cash is ready for spring buying season

  • You walk into spring with negotiating power

It’s a strategy that works exceptionally well for people planning ahead.


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