Finding the Perfect Used Trailer

Utility trailers are extremely versatile and can be used to transport a wide variety of cargo. You might want a utility trailer to haul your weekend toys, like motorbikes, snowmobiles, and four-wheelers around the country or you may require one for your landscaping or construction business. Whatever the reason, a utility trailer can be a great asset. A new trailer, however, might be out of your price range but don’t fret, there are plenty of good, reliable used trailers for sale if you know what you want and where to look.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

When you start your search for a used trailer for sale, you need to know what you need and what it is going to cost you. The type and size of the trailer that you are looking for will be determined by what you intend to do with it. Before you rush out and buy the first trailer you see, you should do some research and check the prices of both new and used trailers online. This will give you an idea of what you should expect to pay. The type, brand, size of the trailer, the age, the make, the features, and any unique design details will all play a role in determining the value of a used trailer.

The whole idea behind finding a good used trailer for sale is to save money or get more value for your money. Before you buy a trailer, you need to give it a thorough inspection and make sure that there are no mechanical problems that will cost you a lot of money to fix. You don’t want to end up paying more for a used utility trailer than you would for a new one.

START AT THE BOTTOM AND WORK YOUR WAY UP

Always begin your trailer inspection at the bottom and be thorough. Unfortunately, this requires getting down and dirty and crawling around under the trailer, but it is worth it.

• Check the trailer floor and frame and ensure that it is stable and not showing signs of rusting through. Remember to check that there is no rust on the pillars and that the suspension, leaf springs, and spring hangers aren’t broken, cracked or showing visible signs of repair work. Damage to the suspension could be an indication that the trailer was overloaded or involved in an accident.
• The brakes, shoes, drums, and magnets need to be inspected closely to make sure the brakes are working properly, without proper functioning brakes you could find yourself in all sorts of trouble on the road.
• Inspect the tires for any problems. Check that there are no cracks, plugged holes, dry rot, uneven wear or bulges. Make sure the bearings are properly lubricated and sealed.
• Take a close look at the hitch. Test it to make sure that it latches and unlatches correctly and is mounted properly, this is an important safety issue.
• Check that all the electrical items are working.
• Check the paperwork of the trailer. The responsibility is on you to make sure that the title is clear. This will not be a problem if you are buying your used trailer through a dealer with a good reputation. A dealer should have done their due diligence but if you are doing a private deal, you need to contact any previous owners to make sure the trailer is legit and not stolen.

Buying a new or used trailer is a big investment and you want to make sure that you get what you pay for. Finding a used trailer that is for sale from a reputable dealership will help you protect your interests; a dealer does not want to risk their reputation by selling you a dud. At McFarlane’s, we have a wide variety of new and used trailers for sale.