4 tips to consider when purchasing a used trailer
If you are looking at purchasing a used trailer for your truck you are also purchasing a money making asset. If that asset is ineffective, your business won’t make money. In this article we expand on a few things to consider when purchasing a used trailer.
There are a variety of trailers on offer for the commercial sector, some of these include dry van, flatbed, reefer, or dump trailer, all of which have different uses. Once you have identified which trailer you need for your business as well as your budget you should consider the following to ensure that you acquire a quality asset for your needs.
1. General condition
When viewing the trailer take note of the general condition. One will be able to tell if it has been abused or maintained correctly. Most importantly, keep an eye out for rust. Rust weakens metal and can be troublesome if found near joints, wheel wells, axles, or other areas. If a trailer has a wooden floor, then you’ll want to not only look out for rust in the metal frame, but also mould and rot in the wooden slats. Check the conditions of the cross members carefully as well, because they can ultimately decide the integrity of the trailer bed.
2. The tyres
One of, if not the most important feature on any vehicle is its tyres. That said, before checking the tyres on the trailer that you wish to purchase, inspect the rims, bearings, hubcaps, axles, and other components for damage that may cause the trailer to break down during operation. If possible, put the trailer up on a jack and see if the tires wobble when you push them or rotate in an uneven pattern, which could be an indication that the axle is bent or there is an alignment issue. Don’t forget to check the tread depth as a worn tyre will need replacement.
3. Inspect other component
When inspecting the trailer, check components such as the coupling mechanism. Ensure that you know the requirements of your truck so as to acquire a trailer with the correct connections. Perhaps taking your truck with will enable you to test the connections and ensure that they are a tight fit with very little give. At the same time, hook up the trailer’s lights to your vehicle and check to see if they engage properly when braking or using your turn indicator. Make sure that there isn’t any damage to welded joints that may cause the trailer to break away from the hitch. Look at the condition of tailgates, side guards, tie down rings, and other features designed to keep cargo in or on the trailer.
4. Know the seller
Many of the listings have website links or phone numbers that you can use to find out more information about the seller. If this is the first time you’re working with a seller, investigate them thoroughly before committing to the purchase of a used trailer, and don’t be influenced by an extreme sense of urgency, remember, the trailer is an asset which needs to make money for your business. You can’t risk purchasing a defect product as that will result in a potential loss.