advice on buying second hand trailer please!

[Daphnelia]

In the new year I'm looking to get my first trailer. My dad will be towing it, so won't need worry about towing test for a while. Budget will be limited so am looking at getting an old Rice or equivalent, does anybody have any advice on problems to look for etc? Where to buy from? Thanks!

xx

 

[conniegirl]

look at the floor! if you can get underneath the trailer and check the supporting struts for rust and the floor for rot. SOme you cant get uder unless you jack it up though.
Lift any matting/bedding and check the floor for rot from the top, particularly round the sides and in the center where pee tends to accumulate!

 

[PennyJ]

As above, but also check that the electrics are working as they should and also the ramp both that the hinges are sound and also the ramp floor.

 

[cavalo branco]

If you look at ifor williams trailers, try finding one with an aluminium floor. The older ones have wood and it can rot after a few years. You can have them replaced but they are ?? about £300-400. Check that it has been serviced regularly and they are better if they have been used regularly as well. The brakes can lock otherwise. Also if you write down the chassis number you can do a security check (with ifor williams I think?) to make sure its not stolen. Good luck with your search!

 

[Daphnelia]

Fab thanks everyone! Ooh all excited now

 

[ajones]

depends on how much your looking to spend but you can save on a new trailer if you wait till jan we got a new 510 for the same price as a 505 !!!!

 

[Cop-Pop]

I got a very old Rice on eBay for £90 - it was basically a shell and I've spent about £350 on doing it up. Made a great project for my Dad

 

[Hemirjtm]

When we bought our trailer, the woman who was selling it said that it was better than her brand new trailer, but she had to sell, as her horse would not unload backwards. My dad is very happy with it, we are repainting it next year, and possibly putting in some new rubber matting on the floor, but thats it - all cosometic!! But the only downside to our trailer is that mum/dad sometimes forget they are towing it...