uk-trailer-parts

We regularly get phone calls that start I brought have just brought a second hand trailer usually this is a purchase made from Ebay where the customer has not seen the trailer first. This can be a call that can cause the trailer to be scrapped or re sold. A trailer usually holds it value and there is no such thing as a cheap trailer. Usually if a trailer is being sold it has had its life there are a lot of trailers that are not fit or the road or are very tired these are regularly sold for a good high price and some second hand trailers can sell for a similar price to a new trailer. We do take part exchange trailers and we do see some trailers that we cannot accept. We do have a reputation to withhold and we have to be careful then we check the trailers and make sure that they are fully operational and legal before they are sold on, we do have the facilities to take on most work and we do understand the laws. Below I have listed items to check and do recommend that any one buying a trailer does view the trailer before buying and makes sure they are not buying work that is going to cost them large amounts of money or even a stolen trailer.

Please remember that currently anybody can make trailer it does not need to be inspected in any way before it is towed on the road and there is no MOT to check the state of the trailer at any time.
Trailer can kill if not properly designed, loaded or maintained and the person towing the trailer i responsible for it

The most important part of any trailer is its identity. All trailers must have an ID plate on this plate there must be the following information. Manufacturer and serial No. Number of axles, Maximum gross weight, weight per axle, nose weight and date of manufacture. Without this the trailer can be confiscated by the police.

Brakes.

Not all trailers need brakes, trailers designed for none road use or trailers under 750kg gross weight do not need brakes. Make sure that the brakes are all operational as this can cause a lot of expense

Couplings

Unbraked couplings are not usually a problem this as the only problem you can have is that it has play on a towball. This can only be rectified by replacing the coupling this will cost between £12 and £60. If i is a braked coupling there are many parts that can cost a lot of money and a full coupling can cost between £130 and £260.

Wheels and tyres

Always make sure the tyres are not damaged they are all the same size and rated for the weight rating for the gross weight of the trailer as we have seen 2600kg trailers running on 4 ply tyres that only gives the trailer a weight of under 2000kg. This can cause tyres to be overloaded and blowout this will cause stability problems and other tyres to blow out. Remember that some commercial tyres can cost in excess of £100 each.

Suspension

It is hard to see faults on suspension but things to look for are as follows.
The trailer leaning this means that the suspension has been overloaded or is worn out causing the arm to spin this can only be rectified by buying new units or axle unless the trailer has leaf springs which can be replaced but this can cost a lot of money if the springs are available to buy.
A wheel leaning at an angle this is due to a drop arm or stub axle being bent this also needs the suspension to be replaced
Corrosion, An axle or suspension units are made with a box section or with alko a triangular shaped tube check this for corrosion as these can rust through and then will fail when you least want it. Also drop arms on some smaller suspension can be made from a hollow box this can corrode and will also cause the suspension to fail.

Chassis

When inspecting the trailer try and only buy trailers with a galvanised chassis as this will stop corrosion of the trailer. Inspect the whole body and look for welding that has been carried out on the chassis as if there are repairs that have been carried out this usually means that the trailer has been over loaded and or had a hard life this can give away a lot about the general condition of the trailer.

Lights.

Lights are not a major problem as they do no cost a lot of money to replace but there are legal requirements for trailer lights so d check that the lights are legal and work as this can be a reason for you to get pulled over by the police and even get a fine.

We find that a lot of commercial trailers that are been sold second hand are not in a road worthy condition and cost a lot of money to put right. Whereas the small commercially made trailers such as Erde, Daxara, Maypole, Franc, Noval and Camel trailers are a lot easier to look find fault with and repair but due to the cost of the trailers to buy new and the demand for the second hand trailers a second hand trailer will cost almost as much as a new trailer and a couple of problems can mean you can end up paying more than a new trailer.

For more information about trailer parts and laws please read my other articles.