Regardless of the kind of used horse trailer you are buying, you must know the basics on how to evaluate it. You will see imperfections as the trail is already used. But what is important is that you know which ones are tolerable and which ones are not. Know if the imperfections are fixable or unsafe.

When looking for a used horse trailer, know whether the seller knows how to take care of his properties. By looking at the sellers barn, fences and pastures alone, you can tell if the trailer you are buying is in good condition. If the sellers place is pristine, the seller probably knows how to take care of the trailer. If not, then, it is likely the horse trailer is not good too.

Know if the trailer has been recently used and how often it is used. This is important because unused trailers have dry rotted tires. If these tires get moist due to being parked for a long time, rotting will be fast. This is because moisture hastens the rotting of the wood and rusting of the steel.

1. Inspect the most important part, the trailers framework. You should check all parts of the framework and check underneath. If the frame is made of steel, you might see rust on it. But a few rust can be tolerable just as long as it doesnt give or crumble when poked or hit. If its an aluminum frame, it wont have rust but aluminums oxidize, so ask if the frame has had acid treatment.

2. Examine the trailers floor for weak areas. Check if the floor has signs of rotting. A rotting wooden floor will look spongy and it might need replacement. Check if the welded area is too rusty because if it is, it will not be strong enough.

3. Check the fiberglass coating. Check the sidewalls for cracks, holes and splits. If there are, the sidewalls may be weakened. See the interior walls if there are streaks or stains, which are water damage that causes it to weaken. Know if there are leaks that must be fixed.

4. Inspect the roof. If it is not made of one solid piece, look at the condition of the seams. If it is made of fiber glass, check if the gel coat is worn away or if there are thinner areas. Make sure that it is not fuzzy or stringy looking.

5. Examine the trailer suspensions. Trailer suspensions can be leaf spring or rubber torsion. Make sure that these are strong enough. Corrosion can weaken them, which can cause for 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. Inspect the doors and windows as well as the ramp. Make sure the doors and windows open and close easily and smoothly. Check if the ramp is strong enough for the horse to walk on. The hinges and latches should not require a great deal of strength to operate.

9. Check the overall condition of the trailer for comfort and safety. Make sure that the ventilation is sufficient. See to it that the stall dividers, butt bars and chest bars are easy to use and safe. Escape doors should enable you to get to every horse in case of an emergency.

10. Know if the trailer has a valid title. This is important in an inspection when crossing state lines with animals. Check if the vehicle identification number matches the title. Make sure to get the trailer in your name. Also, get a bill of sale and a notarized letter of transfer from the seller.

Tags: Horses