Helpful Tips to Consider Before Buying A Used Enclosed Trailer

Enclosed trailers are useful for a wide range of business and personal reasons but not everyone can afford to purchase a brand-new trailer. The price of a used enclosed trailer for sale in Ontario can be as much as half that of a new one and therefore, if you choose wisely, you can save a lot of money and be happy with your purchase, but you need to do your homework. If you fail to do proper research or make a rash decision, you could end up having to invest more money than you bargained for on repairs and upgrades, and at the end of the day, this could make your used trailer more expensive than a new one.

The first thing you need to do before you even start searching for a used enclosed trailer for sale in Ontario is to set your budget. Once you know what you can spend make a list of all the features you require, like the number of axles, wheel size, removable ramps or drop-down ramps and then make a list of the features that you would like but are not necessarily essential, like interior lights or built-in storage.

The next step is to find a trailer that meets your needs. There are many places that offer used enclosed trailers for sale in Ontario and you can begin your search by looking at message boards, online classifieds, and various publications. It won’t take you long to find something.
Here are some important tips that you need to follow when buying a used enclosed trailer.

Inspect the entire trailer

Stand back and take a good look at the entire trailer to see if everything looks good at first glance. After that take your time to do a closer inspection.

Wheels and tires – The tires should be in good condition and the right size to carry the load you intend to haul. Make sure there are no cracks, plugged holes, uneven wear patterns or bulges. Don’t forget to check that the wheel bearings are well lubricated and properly seated.

Brakes and Suspension – Check that the brakes on the axle are working. Get under the trailer and inspect the pads, shoes, drums, rotors, and magnets. Then check the leaf springs and spring hangers for cracks. If there are any cracks or signs of repair these can be an indication that the axles have shifted due to impact or carrying an excessively heavy load. While you are under the trailer make sure that there are no rusted pillars.

Trailer floor – This is usually where most problems start for the chassis of a trailer, so inspect the floor closely to ensure that it is in a good condition and that there are no signs of rust. Also, examine the frame and electrical components.

Hitch – The hitch should latch and unlatch easily and there should be no missing parts.

Make Sure the Enclosed Trailer has a Clear Title

Investigate the previous owner of the enclosed trailer and make sure that all the paperwork is in order and that the trailer has not been stolen. If you have the contact details of previous owners’ phone them and ask questions about when and where they sold the trailer. You do not want to be accused of buying stolen goods.

Size matters

A new or used enclosed trailer is a big investment and size matters. Make sure that the trailer is big enough for your needs and able to haul the loads you bought it for. If you are unsure about the size of the trailer that will best suit your requirements, buy one that is a foot or two larger than you think you need.

If you have never purchased an enclosed trailer before, or are unsure about your needs, it is best to consult a professional and trusted dealer like McFarlane’s who can give you good advice and help you make the right choice.