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