Used Flatbed Trailers: Smart Choice

Browse Our Used Flatbed Inventory ➜

Whether you’re hauling loads cross-country, doing local deliveries, working in construction, or managing ranch equipment, a flatbed trailer is one of the most essential tools in your hauling arsenal. When it comes time to invest in one, buying a used flatbed trailer can be a great way to maximize value without compromising on performance.

At Happy Trailers, we work with all types of haulers (CDL and non-CDL drivers, hotshotters, and business owners) to find the right used trailer for their needs. From saving money to faster availability, the benefits of buying a used flatbed trailer can make a huge difference in your operation.

Save Thousands Without Sacrificing Quality

One of the biggest reasons people choose used flatbed trailers is the price difference. A new trailer can cost anywhere from $15,000 to over $40,000, depending on specs and features. A used trailer with similar capabilities might cost 20%–50% less, depending on age and condition.

Why spend tens of thousands of dollars upfront when you can get a proven, road-ready trailer for a fraction of the cost?

For example, on our used inventory page, you’ll often find name-brand trailers—like PJ, Load Trail, and MAXX-D—that are only a few years old, have upgraded options, and still deliver top-notch performance.

For small businesses, new hotshot drivers, or anyone hauling part-time, this lower capital investment can mean more flexibility, faster returns, and less financial risk.

Non-CDL? No Problem. We’ve Got Options.

Not everyone has a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), but that doesn’t mean you can’t legally or effectively haul a decent-sized load. Many of the used flatbed trailers in our inventory are designed to stay within the CDL-exempt range typically meaning:

• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) under 26,001 lbs

• Combined truck and trailer weight below 26,000 lbs

• Tandem axle setups without going over weight limits

If you’re pulling with a ¾-ton or 1-ton pickup and want to avoid CDL requirements, we’ll help you find a lightweight but strong used flatbed trailer that can legally carry your loads.

This is ideal for farmers, contractors, small business owners, or DIYers who need a trailer that’s tough but manageable.

CDL Drivers: Max Out Your Hauling Power

If you have a CDL, buying used opens up even more possibilities. You’re probably looking for a higher-capacity flatbed trailer, often a gooseneck or deckover, with a GVWR over 26,000 lbs to handle:

• Equipment like skid steers, lifts, or tractors

• Palletized freight

• Construction materials

• Vehicles or machinery

For CDL drivers running full-time, buying a used trailer can help you get more value upfront, especially if you’re scaling your business or adding to your fleet. Many used flatbed trailers already have ramps, winch systems, tie-downs, and toolboxes installed, saving you from having to add those later.

Hotshot Haulers: Get Started Faster & Cheaper

Hotshot trucking is one of the fastest-growing hauling niches, and flatbed trailers are the bread and butter of the industry. Whether you’re running a dually pickup or a medium-duty truck, you need a trailer that’s long, strong, and ready to work, but you don’t need to buy brand-new to get it.

Used flatbeds are ideal for hotshotters, especially when:

• You’re just starting out and want to lower overhead

• You need a second or third trailer for overflow work

• You’re testing new routes or types of freight

Many of the used trailers we carry are already spec’d for hotshot use, including 30'–40' deck lengths, multiple axles, electric brakes, flip-over ramps, dovetails, and winch rails.

Starting hotshotting with a used flatbed trailer means you can focus on building clients and routes. Not paying off a massive equipment loan.

Upgrades Already Included

A major bonus of buying used is that many trailers come with aftermarket upgrades already installed. These might include:

• Heavy-duty steel or wood decks

• Winches, spare tire mounts, or toolboxes

• Upgraded axles, jacks, and LED lighting

• Tie-downs, ratchets, and stake pockets

These are all add-ons that would cost you hundreds or thousands more if purchased separately on a new trailer. Instead, you get them already installed and tested by the previous owner, real-world improvements made by people who used the trailer on the job.

Get On the Road Faster

Unlike new trailers that might require factory ordering or long wait times, used flatbeds are ready to go. That means you can be hooked up and hauling in a day or two, not weeks or months.

If you’ve got a last-minute job lined up or your old trailer broke down unexpectedly, a used trailer offers a quick solution that doesn’t leave money on the table.

Flexible Trade-In and Financing Options

Have a trailer you’ve outgrown? Want to swap bumper pull for gooseneck? We offer trade-in options that make it easy to upgrade.

Plus, our experts can help you find affordable financing for used trailers, so you can spread out your investment while still getting the equipment you need today.

Reliable Brands, Real Experience

At Happy Trailers, we carry brands you know and trust: PJ, Load Trail, MAXX-D, and more. These manufacturers build flatbed trailers that are made to last, and our used options are no exception.

We thoroughly inspect and verify the condition of each trailer before listing it. Many of them are trade-ins from local owners, meaning they’ve seen moderate use, not abuse.

Buying from Happy Trailers = Peace of Mind

When you buy from us, you’re not just getting a trailer, you’re getting an expert that knows trailers, knows hauling, and knows how important it is to have equipment you can count on.

Here’s what you get with us:

• Knowledgeable, friendly support

• Wide variety of CDL and non-CDL trailers

• No-pressure sales process

• On-site service and parts support

• Honest information about each trailer’s history

Start Hauling Today

Whether you’re a CDL pro, a hotshot rookie, or a hard-working rancher, we’ve got a used flatbed trailer that fits your rig, your job, and your budget.