Top Tips For Buying a Used Utility TRAILER

[@chrishoward8187]

New one would definitely be the better choice 👍 And at least you can prevent failures before they become catastrophic.

[@oldowl4290]

Last year I bought a 2020 Carry-On brand 14 x 8 , 7000lb GVWR dual axle toy-hauler for $2300. I'm the second owner. It was bought new for $3900. I think I got a good deal as the paint still looks great but the tires are all worn bad so I'm replacing them with 8-ply D rated (stock ones are cheap 6-ply C-rated). I'm also adding in a 5,000lb wench to the front of the bed, reinforcing the rear gate, and welding on beefy D-rings to each side of the back end so that when needed I can hook on a strap to pull it from the back to better position it for hook up. I really need to build or buy a battery powered trailer dolly ..which I don't have yet but plan to get something in the spring. The only issue I've encountered is with the electric brakes. I bought a controller and even on the lowest setting it seems to lock up the trailer tires easily. I'm not sure what's going on or what I need to investigate / adjust. Thoughts anyone?

[@johndias6614]

Good info. I've bought a few used trailers. I'm a maintenence mechanic so knew about a lot of this. Your talk on the brakes was spot on and stuff i didn't know. Bought a 7ft utility trailer from an elderly lady who needed the money, so i probably overpaid a bit. Got it home, pulled the wheels and dove into the bearings. Took the parts to the trailer supply and the owner had to come out and identify the parts. He said it was 1950 or earlier and don't lose the special machined washers as these are the grease seals. He got the parts I needed but suggested a new axle. That was 6 years ago. I just do annual bearing maintenance and don't go through deep water. I also found out it was home built from popular mechanic plans with a solid steel floor. It's frighin' solid. Can't wait for your cargo and dump trailer videos. I bought a new 6x10 dump because every single used one was beat. 5 had bent axles.

[@slalomking]

Well do you like your buy?

[@paulanderson6610]

You help us not so smart guys get smarter, thanks!

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Glad it was helpful, and thanks for watching!

[@jaybrooks2502]

I’m glad you hit on the serial number and I.D. Information! Lots of trailers get stolen!

[@TheTrailerSmith]

It’s a huge problem here where I’m at. Thanks for watching!

[@dansevern3291]

Excellent points, pointing out stuff that I learned the hard way over the last 35 or 40 years, including that thing about "obsolete" parts, (it can be somewhat challenging to replace tires on split rims nowdays, unless you know how, to do it yourself and have good health insurance). But if someone won't let you "inspect" the trailer, including copying down the license plate and VIN, I'd suggest giving it a "pass". (I once knew of a man who found out his trailer had been stolen by seeing "a trailer just like it" listed for sale online, and then going out to his shop and noticing his trailer was gone, that one turned out good, since it got recovered before someone else bought it, but many of them don't end that well.) I looked at your company website, and since you're only a couple of hours from us, I may give y'all a visit next spring.

[@wesmccarley9845]

Love your channel. I show a lot of your videos to my students when we build trailers at school.

[@LukeLong-oi4uc]

Great channel full of really interesting content. I have larger goosenecks stock and equipment trailers and I’ve learned quite a bit watching your videos. Thanks for sharing

[@TheTrailerSmith]

I’m glad you’re finding the videos helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@braxtonliebe3561]

I know this video is about used trailers but I work on semi trailers and have watched all your videos on how breaks work and how to adjust and it has helped a lot! I will say two of the four breaks don’t work and need to be replaced the other two work but won’t stop the drum even though I have adjusted them. I know the magnets work is there another reason this may happen?

[@KosherFinance]

Some good öl sauce here😊. Thank you sir!

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Any time! Thanks for watching!

[@deepskywishingwell2602]

Yes , I bought a used cargo trailer about three years ago. Looked at all the wrong things( new to this) and bought it on what was told to me by owner. Owner was a nice honest guy, but knew nothing about trailers or what he used as his tool shed and casual hauler. I had bad roof leaks fixed with roofing tar, tires not up to spec, quick fixes of minor issues. All still a good basic trailer, that I have used for motorcycles since. But, this video would have been sage advice had I seen this prior. I added about $500 to the price, by not seeing the obvious signs of neglect. So even good guys, may not know what’s an issue. Doing homework is key

[@zjtr10since80]

Thanks for sharing your experience

[@TheTrailerSmith]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@danphillips4590]

Bought used dual axle trailer, looking underneath, just noticed both axles are bowed, lowest point being in center of axle. What causes this? Problem? Guessing tires will wear on insides.

[@GibsonCRG]

Yes in Texas, the title challenge he's referring to is getting a "bonded title." Having lived through that twice, I strongly recommend you back away from any trailer where you can't get a clean title up front. It's not for the faint hearted nor the impatient. The anti-theft inspection is just the beginning of a challenging process.

[@F239141]

Every used trailer the seller always says the lights work and they never do and you need a complete rework. Like it happens instantly as soon as the money exchanges hands the lights break. 😂

[@TheTrailerSmith]

It so true! 🤣

[@donaldcampbell5277]

Just looked at a 20' tilt, super good price and they will deliver. Problem is they wanted gas money sent to them. Red flag, not interested.

[@wynncull9415]

You do some very good videos. Thanks for your knowledge.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching!

[@jon117killer]

So you mean, my 5-5.5 14.5 wheel on a 5k axle with 12in brakes is odd? also lug bolts instead of lug nuts. yeah its a nightmare.

[@chevyon37s]

My best tip for buying a used utility trailer and it saves a bunch of time and hassle… just go buy a new one! That way you’re not wasting your time looking at junk and dealing with idiots, only to end up with somebody else’s problem.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

You make a very good point!

[@panchovilla5767]

YOU NEEDED OR NOT. OR GO AND BUY A NEW. I WILL CHECK IF THE TRAILER IS LEGAL WITH TITLE.OR HOME MADE.OR STOLEN.THATS WHERE THE SCAMMERS MAKE BUSINESS.

[@deepskywishingwell2602]

Yes , I bought a used cargo trailer about three years ago. Looked at all the wrong things( new to this) and bought it on what was told to me by owner. Owner was a nice honest guy, but knew nothing about trailers or what he used as his tool shed and casual hauler. I had bad roof leaks fixed with roofing tar, tires not up to spec, quick fixes of minor issues. All still a good basic trailer, that I have used for motorcycles since. But, this video would have been sage advice had I seen this prior. I added about $500 to the price, by not seeing the obvious signs of neglect. So even good guys, may not know what’s an issue. Doing homework is key