A used trailer is a significant investment. A good inspection can distinguish between a safe and reliable purchase and a costly mistake. A thorough visual inspection includes the following items. Make sure the hitch is in working order. Check that the wheels and tires are in good condition, free from signs of wear or damage, and the bearings are lubricated.
Size and Vehicle Compatibility
Trailas en venta come in all shapes and sizes, including box trailers, end dump trailers, flatbeds, and utility trailers. It may seem obvious to check if the trailer you’re looking at is the right size for your needs, but it’s essential to ensure that the trailer can safely carry and haul the load you plan on hauling. Look at the overall condition of the trailer to see how well it’s been maintained. Rust, scratches, and dents are all signs that the trailer wasn’t cared for properly. Also, pay attention to the kingpin area — indentations in the kingpin might indicate damaged cross members. During your inspection, ensure the trailer is hooked up to a tow vehicle to ensure it has a heavy-duty hitch and safety chains or cables that will control the trailer in case the brakes fail. If a trailer doesn’t have these chains, you must budget additional costs to install them before you can use them. Also, check the battery that powers the breakaway brakes to ensure it has a charge and is charged correctly.
Previous Ownership
Shopping at trailer dealerships for a used trailer is a good idea. Not only do they often sell their used trailers as new, but the trailers have been inspected by their technicians before being offered for sale. Buying a trailer that has already been inspected can save you time and money on repair costs. Other essential features to check include the kingpin and fifth wheel plate, whether they have rust or damage, and whether the shackle is bent. Also, if the trailer has been loaded over its capacity, look for bump marks on the axle beam. Finally, ensure adequate ventilation through windows and roof vents if the trailer is enclosed. In addition, the flooring must be rot-free and re-sealed to prevent water intrusion. The wiring on a trailer can be damaged by mice or worn out. Before purchasing, it’s a brilliant idea to test the lights, parking lights, interior lighting, and all other electrical components. Getting caught off guard by a bad wiring problem isn’t only expensive. It can be dangerous for you and your passengers.
Floor
A used trailer’s floor can tell you much about how it was treated. Check for dry rot or other signs of abuse. If the floors feel squishy, it’s a sign that they should have been cleaned or re-packed annually. A leaking roof or other problems may also cause a squishy feeling. If you can’t see the floor, ask the seller to lift and inspect the mats. A trailer’s frame holds everything together; checking for damage and rust is critical. Rust can weaken the metal and make the trailer unsafe to use. Look for bump marks on the axle beam and stress fractures in the frame. If the trailer was overloaded, it could have caused these problems. If the trailer has slides, test how they extend and retract to ensure they are in working order. Also, make sure the windows latch and shut properly. Finally, the trailer coupler should be able to lock and unlatch easily. It should also be lubricated regularly with light oil. This prevents the coupler from becoming disconnected on the highway.
Overall Condition
The outside of the trailer is a good indicator of its overall condition. Rust, scrapes, and poorly painted areas usually indicate the trailer needs to be better maintained. Look carefully under the trailer with a flashlight to check for any signs of structural damage or stress. Look for rust on the kingpin area where it attaches to the trailer and indentations in the frame cross members that could indicate cracking or excessive bending. Also, examine the lug nuts, wheel bearings, and tires to ensure they are matched in size and good shape. Uneven tire wear can signal a problem with axle alignment or faulty bearings. Finally, test out the electrical components. Ensure moisture-free connector-plug prongs, receptacles, light bulb sockets, and wire splices. If not, they may short and blow fuses. If you are still determining what to look for, take the trailer to a professional to inspect it. It is worth ensuring you get the most value when buying a used trailer.
Electrical
The last thing you want is a trailer that’s unsafe to use. This includes everything from rust to electrical issues. A poorly maintained trailer could be more expensive than a newer one. The first place to check is the hitch, whether a gooseneck or bumper-pull model. Look for rust, especially on the coupler connecting to your vehicle. If it’s rusted, it could fall off or break. The same goes for the kingpin area, where indentations indicate damage or neglect. Next, inspect the tires and wheel bearings. Trailer tires must be inflated properly, or they can suffer from dry rot. The same goes for the wheel bearings, which should be lubricated. Finally, test the brakes to make sure they work correctly. The brakes also need to be properly grounded. If they aren’t, the frame could become energized and electrocute you or anyone else who touches it. If you’re uncomfortable performing these tests, consider having a professional mechanic or friend look at it.