Used horse trailers and horseboxes V's new...things to consider.

Trailer manufacturers are now designing much larger trailers with space for a living area and many features that people like about wagons. As with a lorry, you may feel that only a specific trailer matches your needs and as such there may be few second hand ones around. Most trailer manufacturers however, now produce a huge range of accessories so that you can add the ‘extras’ as you can afford them. I have actually done exactly that. I bought a second hand Ifor Williams trailer and then bought sliding windows to update it (rather than spend the extra money on the latest model)! Second hand trailers can be found quite readily in classified adverts and for a real bargain, find out when the trailer dealer of your choice is changing to a new model. Dealers will often have large discounts on new, but last season’s models, especially early in the year! It’s definitely worth a phone call.

Crucially, if you decide to buy a used horse trailer or horsebox, make sure that you check it isn’t stolen and that it is safe. Check all of the paperwork to make sure that the vehicle is genuine. Always take an ‘expert’ with you to check the mechanics, electrics and bodywork (especially the floors) and test everything works correctly as well, of course, as taking it on a test drive (or tow). Even the most basic faults can cost a lot of money to repair and in the case of lorries, can cause them to fail an MOT (plate certificate). This may include faulty windscreen wipers, a minor crack in the windscreen, a horn that doesn’t work or tyres that seem ok, but are actually below the required minimum tread. All these little faults add up and so try not to get carried away when you’re buying! If you find faults, (which you always will on a used vehicle) but you still want to buy, then as long as it’s safe, you can always offer the seller less money on account of the work you will have to pay for.