| Trailers cost a lot of money, and often a | | | | look underneath is there any sign of rust on |
| used trailer seems like the best choice. | | | | the braces or frame? What condition is the |
| With so many trailers on the market, there is | | | | ramp in? The doors? The dividers? While |
| something for everyone somewhere out there. | | | | rust can be fixed, if the frame is rotting |
| But what should you look for when checking | | | | out, it will cost more to fix than the |
| out used trailers? | | | | trailer is worth. Problems with the tongue |
| | | | or hitch can be dangerous, especially if it |
| Like any vehicle, a recent certification is | | | | fails while on the road. |
| ideal. While the certification should not be | | | | |
| considered a green light, it does help with | | | | Now check the floor. If there are floor |
| the paperwork, and show that at least some | | | | mats, pull them up. In what condition are |
| aspects of the trailer have been looked over. | | | | the boards under the mats? Rotted boards |
| Unfortunately, with honesty going out the | | | | will need to be replaced. It would be |
| window for some sellers, a certification | | | | horrifying to discover upon arrival at your |
| paper can't be fully trusted. Instead, | | | | destination that your horse has stepped |
| prepare to get down and dirty and check | | | | through the boards. |
| things out for yourself. | | | | |
| | | | Any padding on the sides, the panels and the |
| First of all, consider if the trailer has | | | | chest bars should be checked. While it can |
| what you need. As a used trailer, there is | | | | be repaired, you will need to keep that in |
| not a lot you can do to improve it once | | | | mind when negotiating the price. Are the hay |
| you've gotten it. A new trailer can be | | | | rings secure? The tie rings? Do the chest |
| customized before purchase, but unless you | | | | bars and butt chains move freely and easily? |
| own a body shop, you should not plan on | | | | Do the catches work? Try lifting the ramp. |
| making any big changes to the trailer once | | | | Does it lift easily? Do the pins fasten |
| you buy it. | | | | without difficulty? |
| | | | |
| How big is the trailer? Does it have enough | | | | After you have checked the trailer |
| head room for your horses? Is it wide | | | | thoroughly, discuss what you have found with |
| enough? Are you happy with the ramp or step | | | | the owner. If it is certified, don't be |
| up? Can the partitions be moved or removed? | | | | afraid to ask for permission to have your own |
| Is there a tack room? A changing room? Is | | | | mechanic take a look at it before you buy. |
| it gooseneck or bumper pull? These are | | | | Your mechanic will be able to check the |
| things that are mostly based on personal | | | | wiring and make sure that the lights work |
| preference, but are hard to change after the | | | | properly. He will also be able to check the |
| fact. If the trailer does not meet your | | | | brakes. While it may cost a bit to have it |
| needs, keep on looking. | | | | checked over, it is far better to sink some |
| | | | money into the check than to pay the full |
| Now you need to look for safety. Most used | | | | amount only to find out that the trailer |
| trailers are steel trailers. Even if it is | | | | needs major work. |
| not a steel trailer, there may be steel | | | | |
| parts. Some aluminum trailers still have | | | | A horse trailer is the only thing keeping |
| steel frames underneath, so they have the | | | | your horse safe as your travel. Do not |
| potential of rotting out. | | | | sacrifice safety for price when buying a used |
| | | | trailer. The cost of a trailer mishap is far |
| Thoroughly check the trailer for rust. Are | | | | greater than the few dollars it takes to buy |
| there any holes in the sides? Is the tongue | | | | a trailer than is roadworthy. |
| or gooseneck solid and undamaged? When you | | | | |