Thread: When buying a second hand trailer what should be checked?

wheel bearings, brakes, recently painted chassis maybe hiding good/bad repairs would be some of the main things. The usual lights and simple/cheap things to repair.

Paul

Any rust hidden up underneath?
Is it watertight? Are the seals OK? Suggest you get a hose and blast it when closed, then open it up and blast it again and then inspect for water entry.
What kind of brakes? Are they OK?
Does it track straight when towed?
Are the frame, suspension etc strong enough for rough roads?
Is the weight OK for towing with your vehicle?
Who made it? Are parts available?

In addition to the above - look at a couple of examples of the trailer to check what they look like - take photos to help the memory. Check what the trailer looks like connected to your car - should be level - both front to back and side to side. When you do this it will be easier to check for a bent drawbar.
I would also recommend that for any second hand trailer you buy that you repack the bearings and fully check the brakes before going anywhere. Check the age of the tyres (should be printed on the tyre these days) - trailer tyres are ususally second hand and negelected. A mate bought an off road caravan travelled 60 km and burst 2 tyres as they were 10 years old.
Get underneath and look around - collections of dirt (rust), that all the brake parts work and do not intefere with anything and that things look straight. Spings should have reasonable clearance and the axle should be straight.
If there are any fittings eg anderson plugs, gas etc, make sure that they work.
Hope that helps