Advise on buying used trailer

No experience buying trailers. But, if I were to buy a trailer and had a picking this is what I would do.

1. Pull the handle and see if pins release easily and tandems slide easily
2. Test drive trailer and see how it tracks
3. Check the drums and pads
4. Find out what you can on the bearings/inspect
5. Underside condition for corrosion and interior condition

I'd also retrofit all lights to LED. You are less likely to drain the battery or have one burn out and get a violation. Try truck paper, you may have to go outside of your area to find a good one. Just compare prices. It shouldn't be too hard. Trailers seem to be a bulk item and prices are usually firm, unlike trucks.

 

Don't for get to check the nose of the trailer. There are some important structural strengths that should be confirmed at the corners, top and bottom. Check the air bellows for the air ride suspension and the airlines for the brakes. Also, the swing door hinges if you go with swing doors.

I would write down everything Freightlinerman listed above and add in the other stuff here... and anything else others may post after me. Then you have a good check list to go down and mark things off.

You should feel pretty good about your purchase then.

 

I was coming up 81 in virginia..saw a place called martin and martin autioneers..they had a reefer and some other trailers on the lot...maybe they got a wbsite you can see them...worth a look..but I know nothing of the company or prices...just saw them today.reefer looked cherry..

 

Also...dont throw stones at me or burn me at the stake but the jonestown swift yard has about 50 reefer trailers for sale if you want me to inquire about a price...you would of course want to get it repainted or buffed out for obvious reasons...lol.

 

Is it better just to flip the bill for a new trailer? Seems like there are so many issues with used trailers and I would say that they are not maintained as well as fleet trucks. The difference in about double between a good used and a new trailer from what I can see.