Need advice scrapping trailers! New to scrapping!

**Instaed** · 01-04-2011, 09:35 PM

Hello everyone! I must say this is a very lively community going here!

Here is my situation: I have moved to the North Georgia mountains onto some land with family.

There are about 6 old trailers (10X50?) on the property that are of scrap quality. They all have big wooden porches and little appliances in them.

I have offered to remove them for the scrap metal value because no-one else wants to do anything with them and I can't find work yet in town.

I have all the time in the world, a Yukon suv and some hand tools. I have started separating the wood porches and taking the window frames apart and removing the glass.

Can anyone offer me a rough estimate on how much I can make scrapping them after my fuel costs and dump runs (For carpet, insulation, toilets, ect.) are paid for?

I don't mind putting in the labor, I just hope I don't break even after 40+ hours per trailer.

Someone on the property told me that the last crew to come out made $500 after 2 days work with several crew-members and a bobcat on the job. They went on to say that the money wasn't enough, hence they wouldn't return.

I stepped up and volunteered at that point b/c $500 is plenty to me in this economy even if it takes me 2 weeks per trailer.

Does $500 sound about right? How can I get the most for my trouble?

Thanks in advance!

**Mick** · 01-04-2011, 09:55 PM

I think they were right. You're going to find it isn't worth it. Remember, they had a team of guys and a Bobcat. Too much nonmetal stuff to deal with.

**Instaed** · 01-04-2011, 10:25 PM

Kris Kringle;3174: I would need more information to even guess at a answer to this question some of the Info I would need is.

1. How much is your scrap yard paying for Steel ? Calling around tomorrow (Live in North Georgia)

2. How far is the scrap yard from where the Trailers are ? Probably about 30 miles one way

3. How far is the dump from where the trailers are ? 4 miles

4. Whats your MPG for your Truck ? 10 MPG under load

5. How much does the Dump charge you to dump the wood and other debris ? I will burn the wood on the property. Other stuff I'm guessing $50 per trailer? (Will get better idea after first one)

6. Do you plan on Cutting the trailer into sections and If so What do you plan on using a Torch,Sawzall,Grinder ? I plan to cut into sections. I don't have a sawzall. I was thinking about putting a steel cutting blade on a skill saw, but I'm guessing. (Rent something heavy at Home Depot as last resort)

Also I plan to borrow a trailer from a neighbor, but will rent one if not available.

There is at least 1 cast iron tub.

Thanks for tackling my question.

**Instaed** · 01-04-2011, 11:04 PM

I know the siding, doors and window frames are all aluminum. Wife said .91c per pound she found on line. We'll have to call locally and find out for sure.

I was thinking about taking pictures as I go and posting. Would that be something the forum would care to follow? (You could at least have a good laugh at my idiocy I suppose! lol.)

I'll find out more and update. Also there is an old C-Band dish on the property. I think aluminum.

**IdahoScrapper** · 01-05-2011, 12:53 AM

I'd be inclined to post an ad to have someone dismantle the wood if all you're doing is burning it. Weigh if that's worth it to you and whether you want the potential liability if someone gets injured.

I am not sure I understand, the last crew made $500 from one trailer? Sounds decent, but I have no idea what your other costs will be in getting rid of junk.

You might look into what it would cost to have a 20/30 yard dumpster on site, instead of filling a trailer and running back and forth.

A steel cutting blade should work. I've used one on tin siding, so with aluminum I'd think it'd work well.

I would think that 6 frames that are 10x50 would be more than 5,000 lbs. (for all). Been awhile since I've looked at one, but from what I recall those are some pretty stout and heavy I beams.

Might keep your siding separate from the window/door frames as they likely will consider it sheet/extrusion.

And then of course the obvious...strip all of the copper, wire, plumbing, etc out of it.

Toilets, cabinets, carpet, etc put on craiglsit for free. You'd be amazed at what people will take if it's free.

Take pictures and update us on how it's going.

**Instaed** · 01-05-2011, 10:36 AM

Okay, Moving thread to a day in the life of a scrapper and adding pics.

**HGWells** · 01-08-2011, 10:51 PM

Weight of I-beams: I looked at the dry weight of my enclosed trailer, much less substantial than the ones you are working with (7x14ft), and it weighs 2,000lbs. That might help you guess the weights.

**appliancedude** · 01-11-2011, 09:59 AM

I'm sure alot of the waste material could be ofloaded on craigslist, either for sale or free The appliances if their in good condition for sure could be sold. If not, list them free. Its winter so I'm sure someone would come get the wood for firewood. Be creative. Scrap what you can and list the rest. Save one trailer to keep everything in till its gone while you scrap out the other 5. Its hard to reset free stuff.