Tips for buying a used semi trailer

Tips for buying a used semi-trailer

Buying a used trailer can save you money, but there are a number of things you should consider before signing on the dotted line.

If you find yourself in need of a trailer, buying used can save you a significant amount of money or get you a trailer that’s larger and/or more feature-packed than new trailers in your price range. That being said, there are a handful of things to consider before you pull the trigger on a pre-owned unit. The following tips and recommendations can help ensure your new (to you) trailer doesn’t slow you down.

Know your needs

The first step in buying a used semi-trailer is figuring out exactly what you need. It’s a good idea to find out if the truck is compatible with certain kinds of trailers or if there are any special considerations you need to keep in mind while conducting your search.

Budget

Another big part is determining your budget. Visit the Trailers section of Truckworld.com.au to browse the trailer listings, paying particular attention to prices and ages of the trailers. From there you can start to build your short list of must-have features. There are features that many consider optional, but we want to caution you against automatically disregarding trailers that have pricey features. For instance, trailers equipped with air-ride suspension may cost more, but they’re generally more stable at speed and easier on tyres over time. Spring suspension-equipped trailers may be less expensive to maintain and offer plenty of ride stability; however, this is dependent on the state of the trailer. If you plan to take jobs hauling freight from a third party, keep in mind that some require air-ride trailers.

Choose between five to ten trailers to compare and use these to determine how much you’re willing to spend for a unit that meets your preferred model year, feature and size requirements. Keep in mind that there’s a big difference between a lightly used or refurbished older trailer and a heavily used newer trailer, so examine the listing photos closely for clues that tell the whole story.

Length

Trailer length should be another primary consideration. If you’re replacing a trailer of a given length, did that trailer meet your needs, or would something a little longer be ideal? If you frequently left large portions of the trailer empty, you may benefit from downsizing to reduce weight and increase fuel efficiency as well as maneuverability.

Get to know the trailer

The next step is to begin narrowing down your options. This is the ideal time to reach out to the dealer or seller for specific information not covered by the listing description or photos. Inspecting the trailer in person is always the best option, but not always viable. If you can’t perform a personal inspection, start a dialog with the seller and get specific. Don’t be afraid to request additional photos, short video clips, or the service history.

Safety

Ensure your trailer has passed a recent safety inspection and been cleared for the road. If not, does the price reflect this? For every trailer you’re interested in, do your best to determine the state of the tyres, including tread wear and wheel condition. Also, check or inquire about the brakes, electronics systems, lighting (brake lights, turn signals, running lights, etc.), and auxiliary electrical capabilities where available. Determine the status of the suspension, frame integrity, and whether the trailer is weather tight and how tightly the doors seal.

Flooring

Flooring is another important consideration. Aluminum flooring tends to result in a trailer that’s lighter, but wood flooring lets you secure loads to the planks and eventually replace the boards when they become worn. Aluminum flooring is also adequate for hauling sand, soft dirt, and gravel, but concrete blocks and debris will require steel flooring, which can increase the cost and weight of the trailer considerably.

Reefer unit

If you’re looking for a reefer trailer, pay particular attention to the age of the refrigeration components. Typically, sellers will be able to tell you the number of hours the refrigeration unit has been active. An average trailer of this type can rack up between 1,200 and 1,500 hours per year.

Red flags

If the trailer has any potential signs of trouble, such as a worn-out suspension, cracks in the frame, rust on the sidewalls, a reefer unit that has gone more than a year between inspections or tyres that are badly in need of replacement, these things should be reflected in the price. If any of these items crop up during an inspection, the fact that you weren’t informed about them up front can be another red flag.

Know the seller

At truckworld.com.au, many of the listings have website links or phone numbers that you can use to find out more information about the seller. If this is the first time you’re working with a seller, investigate him or her thoroughly before committing to the purchase of a used trailer, and don’t be influenced by an extreme sense of urgency by the other party.

Even when everything appears above board, you should still be wary regarding a handful of payment methods, such as money orders. We strongly recommend use of an escrow service such as PaySAFE, our preferred provider for large purchases. An escrow service provides peace of mind by holding your funds until the terms of the sale have been executed to the satisfaction of both parties.