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New User
Posts: 2
Location: Missouri | I am going to be in the market for a used trailer soon. I know lots of tricks to check used cars and trucks to see if there is potential problems, but this will be my first time buying a used trailer. I bought new ones before, but don't have the $$ to shell out for a new one in what I want. I hear horror stories about bad axles, barrings, and such on used ones. How do I check? What red flags should I look for? I know that the way the tires are worn is one indicator, but I don't know if I would trust a used trailer dealer not to have switched out the tires to mask a problem.
I have looked online, but all the suggestions seem to be pretty basic and not really addressing what I am after. Thanks in advance! |
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Veteran
Posts: 146
Location: Harrisburg, OR | Here's a couple things we do prior to taking in trades: Roll under the trailer and look at the cross members. Check for any noticeable dents, scratches, etc. Look at the axles to see if it appears they are straight or have been hit at all. Pull mats check the floor. Axle alignments and new bearings are fairly inexpensive. Check seals for any voids on roof and seams. Also check seams and joints for any black marks that would indicate movement in the structure. If you're looking at an LQ trailer make sure and fire off all the big ticket items: furnace, fridge, water heater, AC etc. Look for any water stains, moisture etc. The other option is go to a reputable dealer. In Missouri you've got Jim's Motors and Dixie in Alabama. Both are standup guys. |
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Member
Posts: 7
| Clear that the auto is on level ground before looking at it. This is to guarantee that you will have the capacity to obviously check the tires and to check whether there is anything listing on the car.Check the paint employment of the auto, observing any rust spots and scratches. Take a gander along the edges of the auto from end-on for waviness; that demonstrates paint work. Run your finger along the edges of the joints between boards; harshness demonstrates deposit left from veiling tape. Deliberately check the paint occupation of the auto, observing any rust spots, marks or scratches. Take a gander along the edges of the auto from end-on for waviness; that shows paint work. |
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New User
Posts: 2
Location: Missouri | Thanks akinstrailers! That is helpful and I am pretty close to Jim' Motors so will be looking there, too.
Originally written by lunaa65 on 2015-04-10 10:04 PM
Clear that the auto is on level ground before looking at it. This is to guarantee that you will have the capacity to obviously check the tires and to check whether there is anything listing on the car.Check the paint employment of the auto, observing any rust spots and scratches. Take a gander along the edges of the auto from end-on for waviness; that demonstrates paint work. Run your finger along the edges of the joints between boards; harshness demonstrates deposit left from veiling tape. Deliberately check the paint occupation of the auto, observing any rust spots, marks or scratches. Take a gander along the edges of the auto from end-on for waviness; that shows paint work.
Sorry Lunaa65 but I have not clue what you are saying here. I am asking about trailers not an auto. |
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New User
Posts: 1
Location: dcsd | I painted a bright color stripe down the center of the truck bed, I can see the stripe out the rear window of the truck but not the ball. I installed a convex mirror on the front of the trailer so I can see the ball. Works for me. |
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