No matter what type of used horse trailer you are getting, it is imperative that you know the basics on how to evaluate it. Since it is already used, there will be imperfections. You must know which imperfections are tolerable and fixable, and which are to be avoided at any cost.

If you go to the sellers place you will immediately know if the used horse trailer you are buying is in good condition. If you see that the sellers barn, fences and pastures are well taken cared of, the trailer is most likely in good condition. If not, you should inspect the trailer thoroughly or find another one.

Ask the seller if the used horse trailer has been used recently and how often it is used. If it is used often, then it is good news. If not, the trailer must be rotting. Moisture caused by parking the trail for a long time hastens the rotting of the wood and rusting of the steel.

1. Check the most important part, the framework. Inspect every part of the framework, even the parts underneath. You might see rust on a steel framework, which is tolerable, but make sure it doesnt crumble or give when it is poked or hit. Aluminum framework does not rust but is oxidizes. Ask the seller if it has been treated with acid.

2. Inspect the floor of the trailer and see if there are weak areas. Check if theres any part that is rotting. If its a wooden floor and looks too spongy, it will definitely need replacement. Check the welded area for rust. If its too rusty, it will not be strong enough to hold the parts together.

3. Inspect the fiberglass coating. See if the sidewalls have cracks, holes and splits because it could be weakened. Check the interior walls for water damage, like streaks or stains, that could weaken it. If there are leaks, they must be fixed.

4. Examine the roof. If its a fiberglass roof, check the gel coat if its stringy, fuzzy or worn away. If it is, the roof is not in good condition. If there are thinner areas, it is also not good. Inspect the seams if the roof is pieced.

5. Check the suspensions of the trailer. Trailer suspensions are either leaf spring, suspended by spring hangers from the trailer, or rubber torsion. Look at these trailer suspensions for corrosion. Hangers that are not in good condition can cause the axle to come out from under the trailer.

6. Make sure that the brakes are working well. Trailer brakes could be difficult to handle as this is either a 2 or 4 wheel electric system. Check the power from the vehicle getting to the trailer is engaging the brakes. Stand near the trailer wheels and listen for a faint hum. See how the brakes grab by applying the brake controller manually.

7. Make sure that the coupler and safety chains are in good condition. A coupler attaches the trailer to the truck, while the safety chains keep the trailer behind the vehicle in case the trailer becomes unhitched. Check the coupler if it can be hooked or unhooked easily, and check if it is straight and cranks up smoothly. Make sure that the safety chains are in good repair.

8. Check the ramp as well as the doors or windows. See if the ramp is solid so that horses can walk up with confidence. Be sure the hinges and latches work freely and easily but does not require a great deal of strength to operate. Make sure that the doors or windows open and close easily and smoothly.

9. Make sure that the trailer is comfortable and safe for your horse. The trailer should have escape doors that work properly and sized adequately for you to maneuver. These should allow you to get to every horse during emergencies. The trailer must have sufficient ventilation, and the stall dividers, butt bars and chest bars should be easy to use and safe.

10. Make sure that the trailer has a valid title. The trailer must have a valid title as it may be required when crossing state lines. Do not forget to check if the vehicle identification number matches the title when you buy the trailer. You must also have a bill of sale and a notarized letter of transfer from the seller.

Posted under Horses