Used Trailers Buyers Guide

So, you’ve decided that you might be interested in buying a trailer. You are in absolutely the right place! Whether you need a trailer for work or leisure, this Buyer’s Guide is designed with you in mind –and to provide a complete guide to buying a used trailer.

Of course, everybody appreciates value for money and that is why looking for second hand trailers is such a smart move. Buying a used trailer offers considerable savings when compared to buying a brand new model. And whatever you plan to use your trailer for (be it for domestic or commercial purposes), there are a few guiding principles and simple rules to follow. Do so and you can be confident about your purchase.

It is important to check the condition of the flooring of second hand trailers. If a used trailer has wooden floorboards and hasn’t been properly maintained then the wood can be susceptible to decay and rot. Similarly, aluminium flooring can have its own set of problems too. Rust and decay can occur and should be checked for.

Finally, in terms of the flooring, make sure you check the cross members under the flooring. The condition of these is of paramount importance. Ultimately, the cross members under the floor are vital to the structural integrity of a trailer, so any signs of corrosion or damage should be a concern.

Obviously, when it comes to buying second hand trailers it is natural to focus on the intended use and how the features and size of a trailer will be suitable for this. However, don’t forget to check the condition of the tyres. This should definitely not be overlooked. Tyres obviously need to be roadworthy, but their condition can also provide some useful clues about the general overall condition of the trailer itself.

This is because uneven tyre wear can be an indicator of a bent axle, which presents a serious problem. It’s also vital that the trailer is fitted with correct tyres, as incorrectly fitted tyres will affect the handling and overall safety of a trailer.

Check the wiring of the brakes and always hook the trailer up to a vehicle, so you can see the brake light and indicators to ensure that everything is working and in order. For obvious reasons, it’s ideal if you can connect the trailer to the actual vehicle that will be towing the trailer.

General wear and tear is to be expected with second hand trailers, especially with older models. The odd dint and dent is not normally a problem, but these should be investigated closely. Anything that resembles a crack should cause concern. Other things to look out for with second hand trailers are crumbling powder to the outside of the body and/or small pinholes – these could be a sign of corrosion.

Similarly, check carefully for cracks and rust. The good news is that this is fairly easy to spot. The hitching mechanism needs to be examined to ensure that it is in working order too.

The above are the most obvious basic checks that should be carried out on any trailer.Now, let’s look in a bit more detail at things to look out for.

Wheels and tyres for trailers come in a variety of sizes and, as previously mentioned, it is important to ensure that a trailer is fitted with the correct-sized tyres. 5.00 x 10 and 5.20 x 10 are the most common. At the other end of the scale, some trailers are fitted with low profile and extra load tyres. As with conventional vehicle tyres, trailer tyres range considerably in price, from as little as £50 to over £150. All tyres should be checked for splits and bulges – and the usual checks should also be carried out on the tread of the tyres.

Trailer wheels are prone to damage. Firstly, if it is has been overloaded but also through kerbing, or if wheels have been over-tightened or under-tightened at some point. Rust is a tell-tale sign of problems, as is cracks in paintwork.

If at all possible, it is always wise to lift the trailer up by a jack to check the bearings. You are looking for any that are loose (or noisy). The cheapest to replace are taper roller bearings. These should be kept greased and correctly adjusted, but these are easy to replace when worn and damaged.

Other types of trailer bearings can be more problematic. If pressed-in sealed bearings are fitted these will probably need a hydraulic press to remove them.

You cannot underestimate the importance of the tow hitch, for the very simple reason that it is the tow hitch that keeps the trailer and towing vehicle attached and together. If the trailer comes with built-in hitch locks check that everything appears to be as it should. If it appears to have been smashed out, it’s an indicator that the trailer has been stolen at some point.

Another test that can be conducted is to shake the coupling. Only do this if the trailer is braked, of course. Shaking up and down and from side to side should be done to ascertain the extent to which the coupling moves. If there is a good deal of movement it suggests that the bushes are worn or the draw tube is damaged. If this is the case, a significant expense will be necessary. This should only really be an issue with a trailer that has covered a very high mileage towing particularly heavy loads. If the coupling is badly worn, the trailer is likely to snatch and bang virtually all the time.

For braked coupling hitches it is also vital to check the condition of the rubber gaiter. This keeps the grease in and the dirt out so it is essential. If the rubber gaiter is split or missing then the draw tube will very quickly become worn or seize up. This runs the risk of the potentially jamming the brakes.

Check the brakes (if they are fitted). Parts for trailer brakes can be expensive. If there is grease leaking from the hubs this probably suggests that the brakes have been left on at some point, or that they are sticking. Other checks to carry out are to discover if the handbrake holds and works. Seized or broken cables can be an issue. Pivot points should be well-lubricated and free.

As mentioned earlier, the odd mark and dint is probably to be expected on a second hand trailer. These shouldn’t cause any concern. However, examine features such as lights and lenses, because these will definitely need to be replaced if they are damaged.

Overloading can be an issue. If a trailer has been overloaded and misused previously it can twist and bend the chassis. It is a good idea to kneel beneath the trailer to check that the chassis looks straight.

The chassis number of the trailer is important. It is often needed if you require spare parts. It is also necessary for insurance. Alarm bells should ring if the chassis number is either missing or ground out – a likely sign that the trailer has been stolen.

Unless you have plenty of experience of using trailers for work or leisure, the sheer number of different types of trailer that are available can appear a little bewildering at first.

Regardless of the intended use of the trailer, whenever you consider the purchase of a second hand trailer you should check the general condition of it. This is why the focus of this Buyer’s Guide is very much on the basic checks that should be carried out.

However, it is of course very important that you buy a used trailer that will be compatible with the uses you have planned for it. And trailers can be used for a wide range of purposes, from transporting a boat, motorbike or cars, to being used to house camping equipment – or for tipping.

The specific features to look for in each type of trailer are covered in more detail in the guides on this website, but some of the main points are worth discussing in this guide too.

It is really important that you buy a trailer that is ideal for its intended use. Motorcycle trailers, for example, contain features that make them perfect for the task in hand. However, they are specific, so many bike trailers aren’t particularly versatile. They can only really be used for one purpose. Now, if you are happy with this and are only buying a second hand trailer with the express purpose of transporting your motorbike then this isn’t a problem at all.

But, if you were thinking of using a trailer for other purposes, there are more adaptable and versatile types of second hand trailers that you could choose to buy instead that would be more sensible and practical.

For example, box van trailers are a great option if you are looking for a multi-purpose trailer. They are adaptable, offer great capacity and are available in both single axle and double axle versions – to give you extra stability on the road.

Of course, size does matter too. Although there is little point in buying a trailer with very large capacity if you have no intention of ever using it, remember that circumstances can and do change. A larger capacity trailer gives you more options and more versatility. For a tipping trailer it means less trips back and to.

Similarly, if you are in the market for a camping trailer, you obviously need to buy one that is big enough for your needs right now – but if your camping equipment grows you want the peace of mind that your trailer will have enough capacity to cope.

You need to ensure you are clear in your mind about your personal ‘red lines’ as you embark on your search for a second hand trailer. These are the ‘must-have’ features that you believe you cannot do without in a trailer.

Buying second hand obviously means you will save money, but as with anything, it’s sometimes hard to find absolute perfection. You often need to be prepared to compromise.

For example, if you have decided to buy a box van to transport a motorbike, you might consider a ramped tailgate as an essential. You might also like the idea of a side door, but is this essential? Can you do with one but not the other?

These are the types of questions that you should be asking yourself.

Buying second hand trailers can save you a considerable amount of money. This frees up more money for you to spend on any accessories that you might need to use with your trailer.

It's worth remembering that there is absolutely no need to buy a brand new trailer. Even you need a trailer for work use – and especially if you need it for occasional leisure use – a second hand trailer will always fit the bill.

If you follow the guidance given in this Buyer's Guide you will be well on the way to finding the perfect second hand trailer for your needs. Remember to do your research beforehand so that you know exactly what type of trailer to look for. Doing a bit of homework before you start and reading reviews of particular models will not only mean that you can narrow down your search. It also gives you an idea of prices.

The best way to start is to think carefully about how you intend to use the trailer. You might want versatility or you might need specific features that are suited for a particular use. Either way, being totally clear about exactly what the intended use of the trailer is will always be the best starting point.

Use this Buyer’s Guide as a checklist when you are considering buying a second hand trailer. The points in the guide are relevant to all types of trailer.

If you want more specific information about the types of trailer that are available, you can take a look at the guides on the other pages of the website.

We wish you all the best in your search for the perfect second hand trailer for your needs!