Used Trailer Buying Guide

Buying a used trailer is a great strategic move if you want to save some money. You’ll be able to use depreciation in your favor to get the rig you love without spending a fortune. But when you start exploring used trailers for sale, it's easy to get overwhelmed. There are many options on the market that it can be hard to know where to even start.

Here at True Value Trailers & Power Equipment, we strive to make your life easier. We've made the following used trailer buying guide to help you find the perfect model for your family. If you want more information or want to explore used trailers for sale, head over to our dealership in Penrose and Florence, Colorado.

Decide What You Want

Before you look at any used trailers, you will want an idea of what you are looking for. It helps to determine what features and specs you need so that you can narrow your search to a few options. Start by figuring out your tow vehicle's restrictions. Make sure you know what kind of hitch it uses and how much weight it can handle. You don't want to purchase a pre-owned trailer that weighs more than your vehicle can tow.

Next, think about whether you want an open or closed used trailer. A closed model will provide your cargo protection from the elements during transportation and storage. It will also protect your cargo from thieves. But it will cost more money and can be harder to load. An open model won't offer as great of protection, but it will usually be more affordable.

Finally, do some research. The benefit of shopping used trailers is that these models have already been in use for some time. Current owners will share their experience in online customer reviews. Which models do people rave about? Which ones do people give low ratings? Use the experiences of current owners to guide your search and help you make an informed purchasing decision.

Inspect the Used Trailer

Once you find a trailer you are interested in, the next step is to thoroughly inspect the model. Some used trailers may look great at first glance but are riddled with issues underneath the surface. Give the rig a thorough inspection to uncover any red flags.

A great place to begin is with the trailer floor. See if you can spot any signs of damage such as rust. Don't forget to look under the trailer floor too. Next, look over the tires. Check that there aren’t any cracks, uneven wear, dry rot, or bulges. Ensure the wheel bearings have proper lubrication and tightness. Check that the hitch can latch and unlatch with ease.

Then move onto the used trailer's electrical systems. Brakes and lights are also important to check. The brakes should be in good condition and any obvious damage to the pads should be noted as a red flag. Trailer suspension is often one of the first things to be damaged in a used unit, so check the leaf springs and hangers for cracks or breaks. This is also a great way to see if the suspension has seen repair or replacement, which could mean a history of impact. If the used trailer passes inspection and fits your budget, then you are good to go!

We hope you found this guide helpful! If you have questions or want to explore used trailers for sale, head over to True Value Trailers & Power Equipment in Penrose and Florence, CO. Our expert staff can help you find the perfect model for your budget and needs, so stop by today. We proudly serve those in Pueblo and Colorado Springs.