Is your truck bed not enough to haul your stuff? Or maybe you want to upgrade from your current trailer. However, with upgrading comes cost and new trailers can be expensive! Yet, we find out renting frequently can be costly along with the burden of filling out paperwork, dealing with trailers in poor condition, and then returning equipment on time to avoid penalties. There is a better way to get what you need within your price range and avoid the pitfalls of renting. Buy used! The question then becomes, what should I look for when buying a used utility trailer? We have compiled some great tips to make you a pro at picking.
Picking Used Utility Trailers
We’ve written an article about how to choose a good utility trailer and we’ve included some of those points here. You need to have a solid idea of what you need your trailer to do before picking one out. In addition, when buying used, the condition is key to getting both value and reliability. Keep these factors in mind when shopping around, and that will keep your decision making balanced between what you want and getting what you need.
Trailer Age
The number one factor with any used trailer is age. Even if the trailer is well kept, time, wear and tear will take its toll, especially if it’s been stored uncovered outside. However, most well-built trailers are known to have a life expectancy of 15 years or longer. Keep that in mind when making your final choice on your used utility trailer.
Frame and Structure
Steel is cheaper and stronger than aluminum, however, it is also heavier and rusts. Extensive wear could be found on steel trailers along coastal cities or places where roads are salted during the winter. Aluminum may be a better option for that reason if your climate encounters a lot of salt and water. However, if properly cared for and coated, steel can endure for long time as well.
Single vs. Tandem Axle
Single axle trailers are good for some furniture or yard equipment. However, if you think you’ll be doing some heavier lifting with large equipment or dense building materials, go with the tandem axle trailer, which significantly increases your payload capacity.
GVWR
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum weight that your trailer can hold. This also includes the weight of the trailer itself. If you’re looking to increase payload capacities, search trailers with tandem axles.
Used Utility Trailer Buyer’s Checklist
This checklist is comprised for used utility trailers in mind, however, it could apply to buying new or used trailers of any type. Trailers are a big investment, so it’s wise to take whatever precautions you can to get the best value from your purchase.
Tires
See that the trailer tires are the right size and check tire condition, check hubs, brakes, tread wear, and wheel bearings. Along with checking the tires, look at the axles to ensure they are in good condition. Tires are expensive and the need to replace tires needs to be factored into your cost. If you would like to learn more on tires, read our article Picking, Maintaining & Replacing Trailer Tires.
Floor & Frame
Inspect everything you can see on the unit including the bottom, floor and floorboards, loose or missing screws/rivets/bolts, cracks, ramp quality and corrosion. Steel rusts, but aluminum can become corrosive over time as well. Inspect the hitches for wear and tear as well. Make sure that the key components have not be replaced with incompatible parts like weaker hitches or axles.
Electrical
Finally inspect the lights and wiring to verify that electrical is in working order. Hitch up the trailer to a vehicle and ensure the lights, brake lights and turn signals are not missing and are in working order. If your utility trailer has any motorized parts like a lift or jack, operate those components to ensure they are functioning as expected.
Test Drive
If you can test drive the trailer, do it! Listen for any high-pitched humming. That could be from the bearing not being properly sealed or lubricated. You can also get a feel for how the trailer rides and know if it turns properly, vibrates usually, and alignment and brakes (if any) are good.
Mechanical Inspection
If you are not a mechanic and you are able to, drive the trailer to a trusted mechanic to give their opinion or point out any flaws you may be missing. This could be part of your test drive as well!
Purchasing and Financing
After evaluating the used utility trailer of interest, make a checklist of any potential fixes needed. If you don’t know the cost for repairs, call around and get some quotes, then see if the dealer can either take care of it or adjust price for work that needs to be done. You can also ask about warranties or quality guarantees the dealer provides for peace of mind. If cost is keeping you from your potential purchase, also ask about trailer financing.
Used Trailer Dealership vs. Direct Seller
Buying from a dealer has advantages like producing a bill of sale and passing over the existing title. To properly register your trailer and ensure that it’s not stolen or free of liens, you legally need these things. And if you don’t like the model you came to see on the lot, trailer dealers usually carry a variety of other models to browse. You don’t always have these options when shopping from a direct seller on a classified. In addition, trailer dealers may provide warranties or incentivized trailer maintenance plans, along with discounts for onsite service. Many dealers will also take trailer trade-ins, where direct sellers are strictly looking to sell only.
Country Blacksmith Trailers is a trailer dealership you can trust. Country Blacksmith carries dozens of quality used utility trailers from brands like Aluma, PJ Trailers, Diamond C, FLOE, Load Trail, and Top Hat. We also provide our own brand of utility trailers called “eConoBody” which is exclusively offered through us. We pride ourselves in both our quality selection and excellence in customer service. We don’t just sell you a trailer. We are here to answer your questions and assist you from searching to purchasing. And from accessories to service, we’ll help keep you and your trailer rolling on the road!