Buying my first lorry - advice?

[MissSBird]

Hi guys

I'm looking to buy my first lorry, and have found an advert that sounds suitable and in a close enough location.

I was going to give them a call. Any suggestions as to what sort of questions I want to ask?

Thanks!

 

[MilosDad]

Hi guys

I'm looking to buy my first lorry, and have found an advert that sounds suitable and in a close enough location.

I was going to give them a call. Any suggestions as to what sort of questions I want to ask?

Thanks!

Where to start?
OK check the paperwork and ensure that the VOSA plating certs are all present and you should look for a full service history. Check the weight and the payload capability.
Now the grubby bit: crawl under the lorry with a screwdriver. Look for corrosion in the cross members especially above the wheel arches, check the joint tween floor and wall, check the floor and the state of the wood under the rubber mats for corrosin from horse urine. Rear ramp should be easy to open, check the failsafe spring is there (its an MOT fail without). Check the wood lining especially under the windows. Water ingress may add to your weight and cause rotting. Check the roof for leaks.
In the lorry bit check the prop shaft is not loose, check the brakes and their pressures, there should be no oil in the system if you bleed the air tanks. Check the suspension king pins for play. Look at the tyres, you are allowed remoulds on the rear but never on the front. Check the batteries are up to scratch.

Take a friend/mechanic with you is the best advice of all

 

[charlimouse]

After seeing this last week

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=378530&highlight=horrific+horsebox+accident

Please take a knowledgeable mechanic with you, who has experiance of working with horseboxes, to make sure it is structurally sound. So many lorries are death traps............

 

[perfect11s]

Hi guys

I'm looking to buy my first lorry, and have found an advert that sounds suitable and in a close enough location.

I was going to give them a call. Any suggestions as to what sort of questions I want to ask?

Thanks!

Ditto what others have said... and very important
be sure to see a weighbridge ticket or better see it on one so you are sure how
much it can legaly carry... there are alot that are very heavy...
the vosa brake test sheet will give you a rough guide as to the weight so ask to see that
first ....