If you own livestock or horses, you will need to purchase a specifically designed trailer to transport them from one place to another. Many people are afraid to buy a used trailer, primarily because the chances of fraud are so high in the market. You don’t want to pay a large sum of money for a trailer that is severely damaged or one where the description of the trailer is misrepresented. If this is your first time buying a trailer, there are several tips that you should follow in order to save money on your purchase. Here are a few tips on buying a new trailer for carrying your livestock or horses.
Used or New
First of all, you will need to decide whether you should buy a used trailer or a new one. A new trailer will obviously cost more money, but there will be no risk associated with the purchase. New trailers come with a warranty as well, so in case you discover an issue with the trailer within the warranty period, you can easily have it repaired or replaced. However, this guide is designed for people who want to purchase a used livestock trailer. Follow the tips given below to protect yourself from potential frauds in the market.
A Legal Title
The first thing that you should check is whether the owner of the trailer has a legal title to it or not. Do not buy the trailer if the owner is the lienholder, as that will simply hold you responsible for the debt of the previous owner. If you have to travel a long way just to view the trailer, it would be wise if you ask for a copy of the owner’s documents. Ask them to email you a copy, and if they refuse to do so, you need to think carefully whether it is worth going all the way to check the trailer or not. In most cases, refusal to show ownership documents is a pretty big red flag.
Check the Floor
One of the first things that you should check before buying a used trailer is the floor. Most trailers generally have aluminium flooring, which is susceptible to wear and tear over a period of time. Check the floor to see if there is any pitting on it, or if you can spot any holes under the carpeting. If the floor is made of wood, check to make sure that there is no warped or missing boards underneath.
Check the Axles
Most people don’t really have any knowledge about axle articulation, so if you are one of those, it is best to let the tires serve as your guide. The tires of the trailer will tell you about how much the trailer has been driven, as well as where it has been driven. If the tires are in a poor condition, you need to negotiate the price of the trailer and factor in the costs of replacement as well. Also, be sure to check the vin plate to ensure that the tires are of an appropriate size.
