Questions to ask before buying a used trailer?

Good luck, hope you find what you need.











lol j/k

 

well heck I'll answer. look at it look at the apron plate make sure its in good shape look at the kingpin and make sure its in good shape not beat to crap look at the frame and crossmembers look for damage look at the axles make sure they are straight and not bent look at the brakes shoes and drums no grease or oil no cracks in the drum the shoes should have a quarter inch or better check the brake system for leaks and are adjusted check the doors and hingles and all the lights and all the tires for at least 2/32 tread depth check for the hubs for oil and is it clean oil no metal shavings. is the level up to where it should be. pretty much do a pretrip inpection on it and you will know if its in good shape or not

 

nevermind.....

 

Download any one of these for reminders as to what to inspect.

http://www.n8fan.net/item/semi-trailer-inspection-check-list/

Mikeeee

 

Was the trailer used by any large training company?

 

Ask about how many sets of brakes it's had, ever changed wheel bearings,check for rust(holes), wiring condition, air line condition, king pin condition, door condition, frame condition, just about it. If it checks good for all I listed, buy that bad boy.

 

The best scenario for those not so skilled with inspections, take it to a "skilled" mechanic (taken with a grain of salt). I think TA charges $60 for a tractor inspection and you get an inspection certification. I am not sure what they charge for trailer inspections, or if they do them...

Mikeeee

 

Ok do not take this as a plug for Penske--just some info--first off--if it has been a Penske truck--they should have(in most cases)all the service records--they do however lease vehicle to companies who keep up the maintence etc...Sp first find out WHO had the trailer--personally i would shy away from any trailer that wasn't maintained by penske--if only because they WILL have all the service records for the life of the wagon...Also shy away from any wagon that was part of their RENTAL fleet--that may have been used by hundreds of people for a day or two--Try to stick with an off lease from a reputable company with a good safety--vehicle maintence record--and find out what they did with it--heavy or light--ltl--or line haul--preferably you would like to find one that was use long haul with lighter loads,,,,I could go on and on but I think you get my drift
Good Luck