Going to look at a used trailer, what to check / look for

[kernal]

Going to look at a 2004 20' trailer tonite. I'm sure the tires are probably original and will need to be replaced. What else should I be looking for? I'll test the brakes, check for crack in rims, welds, deck board condition. Check axles and the springs. I've read thru a bunch of threads already but wanted to be sure I check everything.

Thanks, Scott

 

[Soundguy]

look for loose hubs. check brakes / wireing / lighting.

all things you will need to account for in price.

check coupler condition as well.

look for bowing / overload signs..e tc..

 

[aczlan]

Check what the price of a new trailer is as well as new parts (ie, if the brakes, axles, coupler, etc need to be replaced, how much will that run) and make sure you don't pay as much as a new trailer in buying a used one and bringing it back up to "roadworthy" condition.
The tires are probably due to be replaced just due to age no matter how good they look.

Aaron Z

 

[kernal]

new around here is 3500, asking price is 1300.

 

[aczlan]

new around here is 3500, asking price is 1300.

You can buy a lot of parts for $2200...

Aaron Z

 

[kernal]

Well, trailer was in decent shape, so it came home with me. It is a Quality brand trailer, 20' deck, 5" channel with 3" cross members, 4" frame to coupler. Looks like they call it their skid steer trailer. Tires date code says 03, so they will need to be replaced. Brakes are weak but I could hear them working. Fenders have a couple small rust holes, nothing major. No d-rings will have to see about adding those, or just using the stake pockets. Axles are 4000 lbs, and the title lists the weight at 2600, so plenty of capacity for my 2320. It is a little longer than what I was looking for originally.

 

[deezler]

Hmmm. Sounds ok for your uses, but pretty bunk for a "skid steer" trailer. 2x 4000 lb axles = 8000 lbs - weight of 2600 = just 5400 lbs of load capacity? For a 20' trailer? Yikes, that would be awful easy to overload by driving a big machine onto. Most skid steers are going to be over that, especially with attachments.

Nonetheless, good price, so congrats. I'd like a trailer like that also (but with 5k or 7k axles).

 

[aczlan]

Hmmm. Sounds ok for your uses, but pretty bunk for a "skid steer" trailer. 2x 4000 lb axles = 8000 lbs - weight of 2600 = just 5400 lbs of load capacity? For a 20' trailer? Yikes, that would be awful easy to overload by driving a big machine onto. Most skid steers are going to be over that, especially with attachments.
Nonetheless, good price, so congrats. I'd like a trailer like that also (but with 5k or 7k axles).

Looks like this is the mfg: Dealer Brand Equipment Trailers, Car Hauler Trailers, Landscape Trailers, and Gooseneck Trailers they rate it as being able to carry 6800# with 1200# on the hitch (that's a lot of tongue weight).

Aaron Z

 

[kernal]

I'm wondering if the axles are really 5K's that they list as 4's. They "look" like every other 5 K, 6 bolt axle. Anyone know how I can tell for sure?

 

[aczlan]

Should be a tag on the axle listing the manufacturer model, serial, and possible weight rating.
It appears that the 10k version weighs 300# more than the 8k version, so there are some differences between the two.

Aaron Z