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 Iron Stomach
Posts: 2
Location: Wherever the short bus takes me.... | Hey all, I'm new here on the HTW. I'm just going to be honest and say I'm going to look at a trailer tomorrow and as far as some things go, I have no idea what I'm looking at. When I'm looking underneath the trailer at the support beams, what am I looking at and what am I looking for? ANY advice, any rule of thumb, any and all of it will be greatly appreciated! Please don't turn this into a flame post. 50 |
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Veteran
Posts: 243
 
Location: Maine | Assuming you are looking at a used trailer - you're looking for: 1) rot and rust-through on the frame. 2) welds that are intact 3) signs the moving parts have been kept lubricated 4) wiring, including lights and brakes, is intact and functioning, not frayed or broken 5) tires have good tread left and the sidewalls are not dry or cracked. 6) shackles that hold the trailer to the frame- make sure they are not worn. 7) Floor and ramp (if any) is solid, not "punky" or rotted. Do you have anyone who can help you? They don't necessarily have to be familiar with horse trailers, though it helps. Anyone who hauls trailers, a welder, or even a mechanic, would probably know what questions to ask and what to look for. Be very thorough in your inspection. Good luck.
Edited by barstow 2007-07-16 6:23 AM
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Expert
Posts: 1205
Location: Arkansas | What was stated above. Check welds also around the hitch area, hinges on doors, check for any sharp or rough edges on the interior. Make sure you can get a bill of sale and a title...... |
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Regular
Posts: 95
Location: East Central Kansas | Along with the list above, if you are looking at an aluminum trailer I would pull the matts up in the horse area and look at the aluminum for pitting and corrosion. |
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Veteran
Posts: 243
Location: Maine | Without a doubt, aluminimun or steel or galvaneal -pull up the mats and inspect the floor, especially along the edges where manure,urine and wet bedding can collect. |
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Iron Stomach
Posts: 2
Location: Wherever the short bus takes me.... | Thank you so much for the info! Yes, it is used and it is aluminum. Thanks again everyone!! |
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Member
Posts: 23
Location: Clewiston, Florida | another bigger to check for, see how the wear is in the tires, if they are wearing to the insides, or even the outsides, have someone check the axles, they could be bent. This sint all bad, but needs to be fixed before you put your horses in it. I recently picked up a little 2 horse stock BP just to use to haul to local ropings and practice. The tires on one side were completely wore in...almost bald and leaning. The axle was bent all to heck. So I kinda BS'd the guy, told him I knew it would cost a bunch to fix that, so what was his bottom line on the trailer...I got it for $400, cost me $130 to replace that side ...Is so fun palyin the helpless female at times. And yes, I knew what it actually cost for the axles per side before I even looked at the trailer. I had replaced them in another trailer I had. |
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Going to look at a trailer tomorrow.....
