How to Find the Best Pre-Owned Trailers

If you have decided that your business needs another trailer you will be interested to know that there are some pre-owned trailers that will serve you well and save you big money. If you do not already know, you will want to do a little research and find out ahead of time what to expect to pay for what you want. You could also look over different types of trailers and see what may be new to you. Find out what trailers are compatible with your truck and which ones will work with the kind of hitch that you have.

Trailer Size

Was the last trailer you had long enough? Was it too long, leaving space that you never utilized? Was it perfect for your work? If you can downsize you will decrease weight and fuel expense. A shorter trailer is also easier to maneuver.

When considering the appropriate size of a trailer, it's crucial to account for the specific purpose for which the trailer is being used. For instance, the type of items being transported significantly influences the size requirement. If you're carrying large, bulky equipment, a larger trailer might be necessary, whereas a shorter trailer may suffice for smaller, compact items. Additionally, for specialized uses such as a mobile command center, the size and layout of the trailer must accommodate various operational needs, including space for equipment, workstations, and communication systems. This ensures the command center is functional and efficient in its designated role.

Some Things To Look At

When you are looking at a trailer, ask if it has been through a safety inspection in the last year. Check the tires carefully looking for treadwear and notice the condition of the wheels. Be sure that all of the wires are operable for the lights and blinkers and that all of the lights are in working order. A trailer should be checked for rust, structure reliability, doors in relation to which way they open and, if you are looking at a reefer trailer, how well they seal. Also in a reefer trailer, you will want to check for damaged panels within the unit. See if you can get at least an estimate of its hours of use. Average reefer trailers log between 3,000 and 4,000 hours per year. If a trailer was made four years ago expect it to have about 12,000 to 16,000 hours on it. There is no known number for "too many" hours, but many professionals believe 20,000 hours to be putting the unit at age and 30,000 hours would be considered a risk. Find out what company produced the compressor and how they are rated at staying functional. Some are better than others. If you are focusing on a used reefer trailer for sale you may have to do some research to find one suitable in your area.

The Floor

In most trailers, a wood floor is preferred. For some types of loads, a steel floor must be utilized. In reefer trailers, wood and steel usually are too much weight. Wood floors would probably have to be replaced at least a couple of boards at a time because of moisture. Aluminum would probably be the best option for a reefer trailer.

Refrigeration Unit

The health of the refrigeration unit will be estimated by the number of hours it is used. Most of the time the person selling the trailer will be able to provide that number for you. The average reefer trailer will have 1,200 to 1,500 hours per year. See how often the refrigeration unit was inspected. It should never go more than a year between inspections.

Get Under The Trailer And Have A Look

Take a look at the kingpin and the area around it. The kingpin is probably made of carbon steel. They can rust and it may be covered in grease and difficult to see. Look for nicks and dings or bends in the kingpin. you can probably google pictures so that you can know how everything should look. If any part is not shaped correctly because of damage you will want to be able to recognize that. Enjoy the journey and be patient, refuse to be rushed, and take all the time you need to choose the best-used trailer for you.