5 Tips For Buying Used Horse Trailers Online
Most people just beginning a trailer shopping adventure have the same thought in mind - Finding a late model, barely used, low priced, used trailer is exactly what they'd love to purchase, but they aren't sure how to find them or if once they do purchase, it will serve all of their needs. While locating a trailer gems like this is harder and harder to find, they are out there and can be purchased easily online if you play your cards right.
Buying your next trailer online is an option everyone should consider. The equestrian business world is no different from any other business in the fact that anything can be bought online. Horses can now be auctioned off live via the internet, tack can be shipping to your door overnight, and trailers can be bought with just a click of the mouse. This type can cause a bit of frustration from time to time, so we've taken the liberty to write 5 tips for making this process as smooth as possible.
1. Separate the homework from the shopping - Do your research online and begin to decide what style of trailer you are looking for and also take note of the price ranges for the used trailers that interest you. There are dozens of trailer styles to choose from and you'll find by calling around asking is anyone has a used "two horse", you won't get you very far. Consider if a gooseneck or a bumper pull trailer will suit you better. Learn if a straight load or a slant load is what you'd prefer, what dressing room size, and so on. The internet will provide a wealth of information when you are conducting this research, but if you are still in the "homework" mode, don't expect to find any of these trailers still available once you are ready to buy. More than 50% of the customers that show up to look at a used trailer are discouraged to find that it has been sold out from under them. The used trailer market is fast paced and many trailers sell within a matter of hours, or even minutes, even if you've just recently confirmed it to be in stock with a salesperson. Once you determine the style of trailer you need, and have found the perfect used trailer online, be prepared to put a deposit on it....but not until you've read these last 4 tips!
2. Photos are your best friend - Any trailer professional worth their salt has a digital camera close by and can take photos of any trailer on request. Don't be afraid to ask for detailed photos of specific areas. A few good photos sent to your email can save you from being unpleasantly surprised once you see the trailer in person. Ask for large photos - 650 pixels wide or larger will usually do. What do you request photos of, exactly?
Start by getting exterior photos from all angles. This should allow you to see clearly if there is any obvious damage on the exterior from an accident. If there is anything major visible it could also be a sign of other damage such as broken welds or bent axles.
Request close up photos of the tires. This will let you know if the trailer has enough rubber on the ground to even get you home. If the trailer is 5 years old or older, you might as well budget in a few extra dollars to put good tires on it soon. More then likely you'll want to start with a fresh set of reliable tires on your new trailer purchase.
Ask for photos of the floor with the rubber mats pulled out. Wood and aluminum floors should not show any signs of rot or decay. If the floor is damaged in any way, it would be wise to have that repaired before you ever attempt to load your horses or livestock. Aluminum floors are also vulnerable to corrosion. Horse urine, if allowed to set on an aluminum floor for an extended amount of time, can cause corrosion all the way through the floor. Good photos will usually show signs of this kind of wear and let you know if the trailer is safe.
3. Double check your dimensions - The number one reason people sell or trade their trailers in the first place is because the trailers size no longer fits their needs. They buy a 2 horse and need another horse stall. They buy a 6 foot tall trailer and need a 7 foot tall, and so on. Investing in a trailer and having to replace it soon after making your purchase will only cause you to lose money. It's always better to purchase a trailer that has plenty of size size for your needs now and in the near future. Any trailer professional will be able to give exact height, width, length, and stall measurements to let you know if the trailer will fit your horses comfortably.
For example - If you have two horses that you need to transport now, it would make a lot of sense to look for at least a 3 horse. You may add another horse to the family, or perhaps invite a friend to travel with you. Buying something that is a little larger than you need is better than settling for something that barely works for you to begin with.
4. Transfer the Warranty - If you've found a good trailer that would normally still be under warranty, don't assume that it will be honored when you bring it in for service. Many manufacturers only honor the warranty if it has been transfered into the second owners name. This process may cost between $100 to $200 in some cases, but it could cost you much more if you find out the trailer needs some repair and haven't put the warranty into your name.
5. Don't sweat the logistics - When you find the perfect trailer online, you never know where it might be located. Internet shopping has sure made the world a smaller place. Many dealership offer a delivery service at a reasonable rate. This takes the worry out of making travel plans to pick the trailer up yourself.
Buying your next trailer online is an option everyone should consider. The equestrian business world is no different from any other business in the fact that anything can be bought online. Horses can now be auctioned off live via the internet, tack can be shipping to your door overnight, and trailers can be bought with just a click of the mouse. This type can cause a bit of frustration from time to time, so we've taken the liberty to write 5 tips for making this process as smooth as possible.
1. Separate the homework from the shopping - Do your research online and begin to decide what style of trailer you are looking for and also take note of the price ranges for the used trailers that interest you. There are dozens of trailer styles to choose from and you'll find by calling around asking is anyone has a used "two horse", you won't get you very far. Consider if a gooseneck or a bumper pull trailer will suit you better. Learn if a straight load or a slant load is what you'd prefer, what dressing room size, and so on. The internet will provide a wealth of information when you are conducting this research, but if you are still in the "homework" mode, don't expect to find any of these trailers still available once you are ready to buy. More than 50% of the customers that show up to look at a used trailer are discouraged to find that it has been sold out from under them. The used trailer market is fast paced and many trailers sell within a matter of hours, or even minutes, even if you've just recently confirmed it to be in stock with a salesperson. Once you determine the style of trailer you need, and have found the perfect used trailer online, be prepared to put a deposit on it....but not until you've read these last 4 tips!
2. Photos are your best friend - Any trailer professional worth their salt has a digital camera close by and can take photos of any trailer on request. Don't be afraid to ask for detailed photos of specific areas. A few good photos sent to your email can save you from being unpleasantly surprised once you see the trailer in person. Ask for large photos - 650 pixels wide or larger will usually do. What do you request photos of, exactly?
Start by getting exterior photos from all angles. This should allow you to see clearly if there is any obvious damage on the exterior from an accident. If there is anything major visible it could also be a sign of other damage such as broken welds or bent axles.
Request close up photos of the tires. This will let you know if the trailer has enough rubber on the ground to even get you home. If the trailer is 5 years old or older, you might as well budget in a few extra dollars to put good tires on it soon. More then likely you'll want to start with a fresh set of reliable tires on your new trailer purchase.
Ask for photos of the floor with the rubber mats pulled out. Wood and aluminum floors should not show any signs of rot or decay. If the floor is damaged in any way, it would be wise to have that repaired before you ever attempt to load your horses or livestock. Aluminum floors are also vulnerable to corrosion. Horse urine, if allowed to set on an aluminum floor for an extended amount of time, can cause corrosion all the way through the floor. Good photos will usually show signs of this kind of wear and let you know if the trailer is safe.
3. Double check your dimensions - The number one reason people sell or trade their trailers in the first place is because the trailers size no longer fits their needs. They buy a 2 horse and need another horse stall. They buy a 6 foot tall trailer and need a 7 foot tall, and so on. Investing in a trailer and having to replace it soon after making your purchase will only cause you to lose money. It's always better to purchase a trailer that has plenty of size size for your needs now and in the near future. Any trailer professional will be able to give exact height, width, length, and stall measurements to let you know if the trailer will fit your horses comfortably.
For example - If you have two horses that you need to transport now, it would make a lot of sense to look for at least a 3 horse. You may add another horse to the family, or perhaps invite a friend to travel with you. Buying something that is a little larger than you need is better than settling for something that barely works for you to begin with.
4. Transfer the Warranty - If you've found a good trailer that would normally still be under warranty, don't assume that it will be honored when you bring it in for service. Many manufacturers only honor the warranty if it has been transfered into the second owners name. This process may cost between $100 to $200 in some cases, but it could cost you much more if you find out the trailer needs some repair and haven't put the warranty into your name.
5. Don't sweat the logistics - When you find the perfect trailer online, you never know where it might be located. Internet shopping has sure made the world a smaller place. Many dealership offer a delivery service at a reasonable rate. This takes the worry out of making travel plans to pick the trailer up yourself.
