Buying A Used Trailer - Shopping
Check List!
Here
are a few reasons why you should shop carefully when purchasing a
used trailer. Use this check list to help you while shopping for a
used trailer for sale!
______ Break
System |
Worn or faulty brake systems! This is a very time consuming mechanical repair that will require troubleshooting and replacement of the defective system. Not to mention this can be very pricey. Often it can be hard to tell how worn a brake system may be so be careful! |
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______ Roof |
Leaking
roof! When you buy a used trailer, unless it is raining while
you are inspecting it, will be nearly impossible to discover
hidden leaks in the roof and seams. Having an enclosed trailer
to keep your cargo safe from the elements is only going to
become a disaster when you find out the used trailer you just
bought leaks. |
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______ Tow
Coupler |
Worn
out tow coupler! Due to age, misuse and improper care, worn
tow couplers is a repairable problem that comes at a big
expense. |
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Structure |
Structure cracks due to over-loading or prolong usage! Trailers are used for hauling heavy loads. Unfortunately, some owners over load their trailers and cause hidden structure damage that may never be noticeable unless you are trained to look in the right places. |
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Suspension
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Worn
or broken suspension will cause component failure and
premature tire wearing! Extremely hard to detect unless the
used trailer is put on a lift and properly inspected.
Premature tire wearing is guaranteed with this issue and could
prove even more costly than tires in some cases. |
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______ Axles |
Bent
axle(s) due to misuse! Buying a used trailer is more than just buying a piece of equipment. Did the trailer previous owner purchase it new and if not, did the previous owners also take care of the trailer and what purpose did they use the trailer? Misuse can lead to bent structures and/or axles leading to a major repair bill. |
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Electrical |
Defective
electrical system for lights and electrical brakes! Worn and
aged electrical systems that have been repaired by a handyman
can lead to a disastrous problem trying to locate and also
solve. |
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______ Deck
Boards |
Rotten or damaged deck boards! Finding a weak or damaged deck board can be easy. In some cases, wooden deck boards are covered with aluminum tread plate (ATP) which can cause moisture build up underneath eventually leading to rot and permanent damage that will require replacement. |
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Wheels/Rims |
Cracked
rims! Unless you remove each rim and thoroughly inspect each
one, finding a tracked rim may be extremely difficult. Using a
cracked rim can prove fatal for your trailer if a cracked rim
fails under pressure while in tow. |
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______ Jack |
Damaged and/or worn trailer jack! Trailer jacks are used each time a trailer is used and can go through extensive wear and misuse such as being backed into by the tow-vehicle. Depending on how the trailer jack is installed, it may require cutting, welding and paying a hefty repair bill. |
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Corrosion
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Excessive corrosion! There is not much you can do to repair a trailer that has excessive corrosion. You can take it to the scrap metal yard; however, don't expect to get more than pennies on the dollar. Depending on where your trailer was stored, and the previous
owner(s) lives - your trailer can be prone to excessive corrosion (beaches/heavy salted roads in snow prone areas, etc). |
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