I found a 1970-something 2 horse bumper pull trailer that I would like to purchase, but there are a few things I'm concerned about. I am a first time buyer, so any help would be GREATLY appreciated. First off, I know that new tires are needed, but the old ones are so old, they are sized all funky. What would be the equivilent of a 7.75-15 load range B? I've been browsing the internet trying to figure it out, and I keep seeing bias and radial thrown around, but I don't know what either means. Also, my mom suggested getting the bearings checked. I called a tire company and asked them for a quote, and they said $200, so it's a little steep. Is the check necessary? Can I tell without bringing the trailer in? Third (yeah... I have lots of concerns - haha), it's got a little rust on it. Not bad. Actually pretty darn good for such an old trailer. What would I need to do to get it fixed/under control. Cosmetically, I'm not all that concerned. I just want it to be safe and comfortable for my horse. My final issue is the floor. It looks like it's very solid aside from one board in the left stall towards the inside. Are there some checks I can do to make sure that the floor is sound? Thanks so much for any input. I'm so excited to finally be able to transport my horse!

To answer one question, when purchasing a used trailer of any age, having the bearings packed by hand (which will enable a physical visual inspection, and replacement of any needed parts) is a must in my opinion.........I would purchase assuming all the bearings need replacing, and figure that into my budgeting of the purchase.......and if they are fine and you just have to pay for repacking, you would be money ahead....

Floor, bearings, wiring, brakes, and strength/integrity of walls and doors, hinges, etc are major issues for horse safety... good luck and a friend with mechanical help to inspect would be super

The first thing I would check is the frame, flooring (top and bottom), the axles and the hitch. The frame should be checked for rust and integrity at every joint. The wood flooring can be checked with the point of a screwdriver; any soft areas is a reason for replacement. The axles should be straight, the wheels vertical, and the mounting areas secure.

As others have said, figure on all new bearings, brakes, the cost of new tires, as well as new lights and wiring to restore the trailer to a mechanically sound vehicle. You will want nothing less in which to entrust your prized possessions.

The parts alone can cost about $900. There are available, a multitude of trailers similar to the one you are considering. Some are rough and neglected, and not really apropos for the first timer owner. There are others that are used continuously and are mechanically sound. They may cost only a few hundred more, but in the long run, they will be less expensive and safer to get on the road. I would recommend you look additionally, before making any final decisions based solely on price.

Gard

the tires are probably a 215/75r-15.

The metric sizes that you had part of the numbers are all radials. Which isn't nessassary as long as all tires are the same, either radial or bias ply. In the bias I believe it's an G-15 but it's been so many yrs since I sold tires. Take a screw driver like someone else mentioned and stab the floor and make sure it isn't soft anywhere. Probably will also need wiring of somesort for thar age.