Questions You Must Ask Before Purchasing a Trailer

So – you’ve decided to buy a trailer.  If you’re confident enough to go ahead and make the investment, that’s great news!  However, there are likely to be plenty of questions you need and want to ask in the meantime.

As buying a trailer for home or business is such a big investment – there are always a few things we think you should keep in mind.  Here are a few questions you should always ask before signing on the dotted line.

How Long Can I Expect My Trailer to Last?

There are a few things you can look for to understand longevity in trailers.  However, it’s simply worth asking a dealer outright. A good trailer should be one that weathers the years to come.  

Look at weld quality, suspension, axles and finishing.  Ask your trader their honest opinion – and where possible, look at a trailer for yourself.

Is My Trailer Galvanised?

Not all trailers benefit from galvanisation.  It’s a shame because to withstand changes in weather, spillages and more; it’s a necessary process.  If you’re going to be using your trailer in all weathers, you have to consider this option.

If you’re expecting to pay a fair amount for a trailer and galvanisation isn’t even on the table, consider your options.  You want to buy a trailer which will pay for itself pretty quickly.

Do I Have a Guarantee?

It’s always worth checking the warranty and guarantee paperwork before you make any firm decisions.  The reasons for this should be obvious.

Reputable companies and traders should be upfront with you on what to expect from a guarantee.  If anything goes wrong, the last thing you’ll need to do is have to pay out for repairs yourself.  This, doubly so, when it’s not your fault.

Can I Customise My Trailer?

A great question to ask before you buy relates to flexibility.  You shouldn’t have to settle for a base model or option! Therefore, make sure to ask for clear support and guidance on a bespoke build.

A great trailer trader will be open to changing a few things around.  Most trailer models, particularly flatbeds, will let you tweak and fine-tune the look and build with ease.

In some cases, you may even be able to build your trailer before you get a quote.  This is always a positive!

What Can’t I Use My Trailer For?

Most heavy duty trailers should be pretty flexible.  What’s more, it might even be pretty apparent as to how you can and can’t use a trailer.  Then again, it’s always worth asking about.

A good trailer trader will be a font of knowledge on all fronts.  Therefore, don’t be afraid to ask questions relating to use. Again, all trailer traders will be honest with you – and it’s not wrong for you to expect that!

Take Your Time

You’ll find that there are plenty of resources online to help influence your decision.  However, you’ll also want to take care of looking through our online guide – where we aim to answer as many of your burning questions as possible!