Posted 2006-02-16 9:41 PM (#37373) Subject: Looking at an older trailer-would like opinions
Member
Posts: 45 Location: Florida
I am going to go look at an 93 featherlite aluminum tailer. I think the price is good at $7500 This is the ad
1993 FEATHERLITE 4H SLANT LOAD GOOSENECK. ALL ALUMINUM, DROP DOWN WINDOWNS ON HEAD SIDE & BUS WINDOWS ON REAR, MATS THROUGH OUT, STAINLESS STELL NOSE, LARGE DRESSING ROOM W/CLOTHES RACK, CABINETS, & QUEEN BED IN THE NOSE, BRUSH DRAWERS. SADDLE RACK IS REMOVEABLE, YOU CAN USE IT UP FRONT OR IN THE BACK. FOLDING REAR TACK, LOTS OF BRIDAL RACKS IN REAR. BRAND NEW 10 PLY TIRES ALL THE WAY AROUND. IN EXCELLENT SHAPE. PICS AVAILABLE. IT ONLY HAS ONE DING IN BACK DOOR.
What should I look for when going to look at it? Anyone have an opinions?
Posted 2006-02-16 10:46 PM (#37374 - in reply to #37373) Subject: RE: Looking at an older trailer-would like opinions
Expert
Posts: 2958 Location: North Carolina
Condition...Condition...Condition...
Look at floor... pull all the mats out. It's a pain, but better than after you've given much cash to someone. Look under the trailer at floor and tires, axles. Look around the neck-over for cracks or other signs of stress. Look inside for signs of water or leaks.
Posted 2006-02-17 7:17 AM (#37378 - in reply to #37373) Subject: RE: Looking at an older trailer-would like opinions
Expert
Posts: 1723 Location: michigan
yes, check the over condition and then you have to figure what imperfections you can live with. The trailer is 13 years old so there will be some signs of wear and tear. Some wear might be more cosmetic than others. Some things, like latches, might be broken. You might be able to fix somethings yourself. Depending on the overall condition, you might be able negoitate on the price..
I'd hook it up to a truck making sure brakes are good and lights. I have known plenty of folks who bought older used trailers and did well. Just give a real going over.....
Posted 2006-02-17 7:42 AM (#37380 - in reply to #37373) Subject: RE: Looking at an older trailer-would like opinions
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 565 Location: Michigan
Electrical, moving parts of the gooseneck jack, wheel bearings(in need of being replaced ?), ANY type of water damage inside the trailer, and especially look over the floor of the trailer. Being an all aluminum trailer, check for any corrosion or white rust problems or pitting in the aluminum. Sounds silly but jump up and down on the floor to check for any give or weakness. If there is I'de pass on this trailer and keep looking. Make sure the new tires they have on this trailer are rated for the trailer's weight, something some might overlook. Take someone knowledgeable about mechanics with you!
Posted 2006-02-17 9:20 AM (#37385 - in reply to #37373) Subject: RE: Looking at an older trailer-would like opinions
Expert
Posts: 1723 Location: michigan
Look for white spots or pitting on aluminum floors. If the mats are in, remove them and like the other posters said, jump on it and really look for cracks on sides or seams. If the rest of the trailer looks well maintained, then my guess the floor is probably ok too but you should look anyway.Kinda important to have a solid floor. There aren't many mechanical things on a trailer compaired to a car- no transmission,fuel pumps,radiator,drive trains etc. You can easily check the eletrical, hook it up and listen for squeeks, check the brakes, flick on the lights. If you're not sure about the price, try searching for Featherlights in your year and price range. To me, its sounds pretty good.
Posted 2006-02-17 10:32 AM (#37387 - in reply to #37373) Subject: RE: Looking at an older trailer-would like opinions
Expert
Posts: 2958 Location: North Carolina
In a horse trailer, the floor is the most important because it gets the wear in use. If the floor isn't cleaned after use, the horse "products" will damage the floor in a short time. (Less than a year & you're looking at a 13 year old trailer) The repair of a damaged aluminum floor is very difficult and expensive.
The point made earlier about proper rated replacement tires is a good one.
Posted 2006-02-17 12:29 PM (#37391 - in reply to #37373) Subject: RE: Looking at an older trailer-would like opinions
Veteran
Posts: 274 Location: MO in woods
My sister has freatherlite and her windows seem really weak/cheaply made.Her floor pitted bad also.She was always cleaning it too.She ended trading in on another one(her mistake I think).So just really look it over everwhere.
Posted 2006-02-17 12:41 PM (#37392 - in reply to #37373) Subject: RE: Looking at an older trailer-would like opinions
Member
Posts: 45 Location: Florida
You guys have all been great. Thanks for all the info. The pictures that have been sent look good but I have been down the road of, once getting there, it is a piece of junk. So we will see. Thank you again!
Posted 2006-02-21 3:56 PM (#37638 - in reply to #37392) Subject: RE: Looking at an older trailer-would like opinions
Member
Posts: 13
Location: Morrilton, AR
If you can get me the model # of the trailer I can tell you what it books out for. One more thing on the floor though. If you do end up getting a trailer used or new without protection on the floor such as a liner. Make sure you at least once a year pull the mats and clean it exstensively and then sprinkle baking soda all over it. This will help nuetralize the acid and keep the floor from oxidizing on you.
Posted 2006-02-21 5:47 PM (#37646 - in reply to #37643) Subject: RE: Looking at an older trailer-would like opinions
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 362 Location: Allegan, Michigan
Reg..I am feeling for those poor Brides! lol.. although facing my wedding day I felt like I was on a rack!!! lol.. I think the original posting was meant to say bridle racks..lol.. you never know.. we could be heading back to medeivel times..