Thread: Buying a trailer....secondhand vs. new and galvanised vs. painted

I just built a 8x5 single axle with aliminum checker plate floor, sides and tail gate etc (that cost $600), main fraime is 75 x 50. Cost a bit over $2500, so in my view the cheaper trailers must have had lots of corners cut
cheers
blaze
ps I have seen some of the cheaper trailers with non compliant tow hitches

How quick do you want one?
Keep your eye on the auctions.
Truck and Machinery auctions

Here's a nice one:
Custom box Trailer 6X4 Trailer (Box/domestic) For Auction in Altona North, Melbourne, Victoria - Manheim Auctions

I sold my trailers for general work like this but I’m lucky enough to be able to grab one from work any time I like. If you’re only using one a few times a year, hiring as needed saves both space and money. I know a bloke that can get you a good deal when you need one...

Originally Posted by gromit

Not sure about galvanised, probably only an issue if you want to weld to it in the future. As it will live outside it could be an option.
Seems that some come in from China, not sure at this stage if that is a concern or not but would prefer locally made.

The way that I see most box trailers made these days is from pre formed side panels attached to the floor plate via a piece of angle. If the one you're looking at is like that, galvanizing is the best option given that a painted finish offers no protection for the "black" steel that's shielded from paint cover on the overlap where both the side panel and the floor plate meet that piece of angle as opposed to gal which is a hot dip process with a fairly solid degree of penetration right way around the trailer.

I normally need a trailer at short notice hence a rental isn't always convenient. It also gets used for the occasional weekend away.
The one that I'm using now was a simple/cheap one that I fixed up and with some minor repairs has held up for another 15 years.

I've looked at some online so maybe a trip to a few dealers next week to look at build quality.


Colin

Originally Posted by gromit

I normally need a trailer at short notice hence a rental isn't always convenient. It also gets used for the occasional weekend away.
The one that I'm using now was a simple/cheap one that I fixed up and with some minor repairs has held up for another 15 years.

I've looked at some online so maybe a trip to a few dealers next week to look at build quality.


Colin

A word of warning be very wary as now the worlds largest photo copier is importing trailers and parts to our shore`s exp one mob Opposite Sth Gippy Hwy .

I know you would know what to look for but the build quality of trailers and suspension and other major components has taken a major dive with the influx of crap imported into oz

I've been reading manufacturers websites and looking for Australian made.
Some say Australian assembled others talk of 'an office in China'.
Time to physically visit a few......

Colin

having had two trailers rot out on me in 30yrs, I would get a new one fully gal dipped.....you can prime and paint it yourself cheaply if you want it a pretty colour.

I've had to cut out , rustproof , refloor and repaint both of mine and had the first one been gal dipped , the false economy of the cheaper buy would have been fully realised by now.