Numpty question about buying a trailer - what to ask.......

Zirach

Zirach

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23 March 2010
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As a very non mechanical person, I was wondering if you could give me some tips on what to ask, look for when looking at potential trailers.
I need a big trailer that will take up to 2 17h as my girl although only 16.1h likes alot of headroom but we have a low budget (under £1500) therefore dont have the luxury of getting a newer trailer from a dealer.

I appreciate the flooring must be checked and the age etc. taken into account. I am ok with weight etc. as I have a 2.5 Mitsubishi shogun and have checked the weight limitations etc but it was more questions to ask when I phone up, things to look for when I go and see as I really do not have a clue and whilst I dont expect the earth for our budget I do want something that is safe!
 
A trailer that has a service history would be good for you. Ask how long they have had it, is it stored outside, is it used regularly. Do they have any bills to show the brakes have been checked ? Trailer tyres perish over time, and the proper trailer tyres are a little expensive, so the fact that they have plenty of tread, doesn't matter, have a good look at the walls of the tyres, if you see hairline cracks, they ought to be replaced - think of £40 a tyre. If it has a wooden floor, lift the rubber mats and see if the floor looks wet, stamp on it, take a screwdriver and poke it into the corners, if the wood is soft - go home. Take a torch and look underneath the trailer too. Get them to plug the electrics in, and check all the lights work.

Take the serial # and check it hasn't been nicked too.

Stand back and have a look to see if it is straight - take care that it hasn't been accident repaired. Someone bought my old Rice and said their original purchase had been two old trailer badly welded together - they had not looked underneath it !
 
Check the ramp(s) closely too, look for broken weld on the angle iron frame and check under the matting if possible for soft spots!

I'm not really sure what else you can ask on first enquiry other than above, just don't take what you are told as gospel and do your own safety checks.
 
Do you have a local trailer service place? Best thing is to ask a trailer mechanic to check it over for you if not too expensive. You can never be too carefull as chasis faults are difficult to spot!
 
Thanks for all of your advice, now I wont look like a total fool when I call and go and see!! I guess its like buying a car, if they think they can see you coming lol!
:)
 
Crikey! Will definately check the jockey wheel! If anyone knows of any trailers suit up to 17h budget iro 1000 In Suffolk, Essex, East Anglia area let me know. Not fussed cosmetically but must be sound.
 
Crikey! Will definately check the jockey wheel! If anyone knows of any trailers suit up to 17h budget iro 1000 In Suffolk, Essex, East Anglia area let me know. Not fussed cosmetically but must be sound.
 
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