Used Horse Trailer Buying Guide

Buying a used horse trailer offers many advantages. You’ll save a significant amount of money since you’re using depreciation in your favor. First-time buyers who aren’t as knowledgeable about what they need can make a lower financial investment and upgrade later. You’ll have a wealth of reviews from users to guide your purchasing decision. Getting a used trailer is a smart move! To help you through the buying process, we created the following used horse trailer buying guide. When you are ready to look at options, visit True Value Trailers & Power Equipment. We are located in Penrose and Florence, Colorado. We also proudly serve those in Pueblo and Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Budget

Your first step is to figure out how much you can spend. After all, there’s no point in looking at horse trailers that you can’t afford anyway. Keep in mind that most used trailers won’t be under warranty anymore, so any repairs will likely come out of pocket. You’ll also want to consider how long you plan to use this horse trailer. If it’s only a few years, you’ll likely budget less money. If this purchase is supposed to last you twenty years, you’ll want to build a bigger budget so you can afford a longer-lasting model. 

Your Horse

The next most important factor is ensuring the trailer works for your horse’s size and weight. Too large and your horse may shift around too much during travel. Too tight and your horse may suffer an uncomfortable ride. Figure out your horse’s measurements and find a trailer that matches them.

The Seller

You have two options to get your used horse trailer: go through a dealership or buy from a private seller. A dealership is advantageous for a few reasons. First, you’ll be able to scope out many choices in one visit. Second, a dealership puts a used horse trailer through a thorough inspection process as part of its process to assign a price. This lets them catch many issues the average Joe seller might miss. Third, a dealership has incentive to give you a fair deal. If they don’t, you could leave them negative online reviews and scare away potential customers! 

Condition of the Trailer

A used horse trailer will have seen some wear and tear on the road. It won’t be in brand-new condition, but it shouldn’t be falling apart, either! Take the time to inspect the horse trailer to ensure you aren’t getting a “steal of a deal” that will end up costing you a fortune to fix up.

Start by looking at the appearance of the trailer. If it looks visibly run-down, it’s likely there are also other problems you aren’t noticing. A poor appearance suggests a lack of maintenance and possible problems that can cost you down the road.

Next, check the tires. You rely on good tires for safe travel, so they need to be in good condition. Check that the wear pattern is even and that they are less than seven years old. If they are in poor condition, you’ll need to factor buying new tires into your horse trailer budget.

Then move onto the floors. Moisture can damage them, which can compromise the stability of the trailer and your horse’s safety. If the floor is wooden, be on the lookout for any discoloration, holes, or soft spots. If the floor is metal, look for rust or corrosion.

Finally, you’ll want to inspect the electrical system. Make sure that the taillights and running lights work. Test the brake lights and any interior lighting. Electrical repairs can get expensive, so you’ll want to ensure everything is in good working order.

Test Drive

If the horse trailer passes the inspection, the next step is to take it for a test ride. Hook it up to your tow vehicle to ensure it connects properly, then hit the road! Make sure it can safely accelerate and decelerate at different speeds. It should also easily handle lane changes, turns, and coming to a complete stop. If it meets all your needs and tows well, you may have just found your trailer!

For all your horse trailer needs, visit True Value Trailers & Power Equipment. Our friendly staff is happy to chat with you and help you find the perfect model for your needs. We’re proud to serve those in Pueblo and Colorado Springs, Colorado.