What is your trailer loaning policy, if you even loan them?
I ask because I have several trailers, 27' flat bed GN , 14' dump TA, 20' flat bed TA, and others. When asked I will loan them to anyone I know and think will take care of them, for personal use, with a you-break-it-you-bought-it policy. If you are going to use it to make a buck, I want a cut (rental).

My quandary today is a guy i know, good guy that takes care of my trailers and even pressure washed the deck of the 20' TA, borrowed the 20' TA and texted me a while ago that the tire blew up on it. He is replacing it at a cost 115.00. I do not know the circumstances of the blow out, but he said he was moving stuff for his mom, so I doubt it was overloaded.
He is actually using the trailer more than I am, this being the fourth time in 3 months that he's borrowed it. I have used it once and replaced a tire on it myself in that period.
He has not yet asked me to pay for the tire, but if he does, do you think I should, or split it with him?
Another note, he asked me to borrow my dump trailer two weeks ago for commercial use and I told him since it was not personal use I wanted 100.00 rental. He did not rent that trailer.

As an owner, what do you expect?
As a borrower, what do you expect?

I'm thinking that he should eat the cost, myself.

Thanks,
Chris

 

Chris,

I don't borrow or lend if I can help it because it can lead to issues like this, however if the tire blew when I was using your trailer I would replace feeling it was MY responsibility.

 

I'd pay for the tire and tell him no more borrowing.
I'd just get him out of my hair.

It's putting milage on wear and tear parts without any income or personal use by you.

 

Your policy sounds fair, and similar to mine. As a borrower, I would feel compelled to replace the tire on my own dime. No way I would make your generosity cost you any money, nor would I return something in worse shape than when I got it.

 

I don't tend to lend stuff out, and prefer not to borrow anything. I also have a policy whereby if I have to rent or borrow something twice,I buy one.

When I do rent or borrow, I always return whatever it is, in better shape than when I picked it up. This can be as simple as washing something, or fixing a couple of lights, up to tearing the bucket off a mini ex and replacing the bushings in the end of the stick. That last one being a " I wouldn't run one in that condition, and why should anyone else" moment.

Trailers are relatively cheap to buy and maintain, as long as you don't beat them to death. Maybe time to sell one of yours and upgrade??

 

He blew it, he bought it would be my opinion...I always fill up anything I borrow with fuel upon return, regardless of tank level when picked up.

Just my .02

 

Don't misunderstand, he has not asked me to pay for it, and I don't know that he will. I just wanted to float it out here with other people who have had these experiences so I can decide how I will handle it if he does ask.

Thanks,
Chris

 

Our situation is a bit different, we all have different equipment, and all share. If something breaks, we fix it (within reason). If levels are low, we top off and always fill the tank. Many a time I have come home to a empty slot in the equipment yard. For big equipment, like a back hoe or excavator, I pay the guy what he thinks is fair or I rent it and do it my self (lots of holes have been dug and filled on the ranch - SSS) Only borrowing, is a bit disrespectful if there is no other trade in the deal. Money, labor, food, or even ph00.

If this were my friend or neighbor, I would let him replace the tire, and not let him borrow it again without some kind of barter that HE offers (cleaning, packing bearings, paint, tire rotation, something), I don't think YOU should have to suggest a barter. If he does not, he is a taker, plain and simple.

Just my .02.

 

I never loan out anything if I can help it (occasionally to a family member if I have to) and never borrow. Personally I would rent or buy whatever I have a need for.

 

I usually will loan my stuff out to my friends who I know well. It is with the understanding they break it they fix it. If somebody brings back something in poor shape I'll do what ever I can to never loan to them again.

 

I like wyo's position. ..2 way street..

 

If he asks for the money, pay him and don't lend him the trailer again.

If he was just keeping you informed and returns the trailer in "as good or better condition" than when he got it with nothing more said about the tire, he's the kind of guy you don't mind lending stuff to as it is taken care of...



edit: did he ever ask for the tire money?