Posted 2006-03-24 8:02 AM (#39432) Subject: Need pointers for buying trailer
New User
Posts: 3
Location: CHARLOTTE NC
I am looking at two used trailers today and have no clue what to look for. I am needing a two horse bumper pull that my ford f150 can pull.Can someone tell me what I should watch out for when I go inspect these trailers such as what is better stock or enclosed, where is rust really bad and is aluminum better then steel and is a 1983 two horse enclosed worth $1750. And what else is important. .... Thank you in advance.
Posted 2006-03-24 8:13 AM (#39434 - in reply to #39432) Subject: RE: Need pointers for buying trailer
Elite Veteran
Posts: 634 Location: Tipton, IN
Gail T, welcome to this little corner of the world. First, trailer shopping is subjective. Second, if you go up to that little search icon and punch something like "want new trailer", "buying a new trailer" you'll come up with dozens of threads that will answer you question. Or, if you want to be completely happy with horses, SELL THEM, everything that has to do with them, and spend the money on something that doesn't eat every penny you make, yet craps it back out for you to clean up. Ok, maybe I'm having a bad morning, sorry.
Posted 2006-03-24 10:50 AM (#39447 - in reply to #39432) Subject: RE: Need pointers for buying trailer
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 500 Location: West TN
I would look at the floor to make sure the lumber is in good shape. I would look under the floor to see if the frame is still in good shape as well. With a trailer that age, it is the rust you don't see at first that will be an issue to you. I would climb under it and inspect it before I made any decisions. Your price sounds a little high for what they are bringing down here. Of course it all depends on the age of the floor, tires, and how good the paint job is on it. One last thing is to make sure all the lights and signals work as well. Sometimes, it can be a pain to rewire a trailer if the wires are starting to corrode. Unless you can do the task yourself, this will be an added cost to the trailer as well.
Posted 2006-03-24 7:07 PM (#39476 - in reply to #39432) Subject: RE: Need pointers for buying trailer
Veteran
Posts: 246 Location: Northern IN.
that old of a trailer will still have the leaf spring set up on the axles. You need to pay close attention to the equilizer and shackle links. The nylon bushings will wear out fairly quickly, but if the steel itself is nearly worn through...look out a big problem waiting to happen!! And don't have any doubts that it will happen with a fully loaded trailer as far from home as possible, in the dark, on the coldest night of the year, just when your cell phone battery died and you forgot your charger, and..... well, you get the idea.May want to ask about any brake work, if nothing has ever been done to them they will probabaly need some attn., and that can get a bit pricey.
Posted 2006-03-30 7:37 AM (#39766 - in reply to #39476) Subject: RE: Need pointers for buying trailer
New User
Posts: 3
Location: CHARLOTTE NC
Thank you for the pointers, I think I will keep looking for a newer model. Around here good used 2 horse trailers are scarce but I will just be patient.
Need pointers for buying trailer
May want to ask about any brake work, if nothing has ever been done to them they will probabaly need some attn., and that can get a bit pricey.