Equipment inspection tips: trailers – dump, reefer, flatbed and more

Truck tractors are the impressive muscle we rely on to haul goods, but when it comes to the transport of equipment, construction material, natural resources or consumer goods, it’s the combination of both truck and trailer that gets the job done.

If you want to buy a trailer or plan to expand your hauling capabilities to include heavy equipment, perishable goods, aggregate or even logs, look at all the trailers for sale at Ritchie Bros. Once you’ve found trailers that will work for you, read these trailer inspection tips to help you narrow your options.

1. Match your truck to your trailer

If you know the maximum weight of the payload you intend to transport, check the trailer’s Gross Axle Weight Rating for each axle. Make sure you will be operating within your trailer’s capacity and that your combined trailer and payload weight falls within your truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. Familiarize yourself with your operating area’s trailer and capacity rules and regulations before you begin your search for a trailer to buy.

2. Electrical controls, brakes and refrigeration units

Starting at the front of the trailer, begin your inspection with a look at the electrical system. Ensure all wires are in good condition and clipped into place. If you’re inspecting reefer trailers, take a look inside the refrigeration unit and check fluid levels, the hours of operation recorded on the meter, the condition of belts and for any signs of oil leaks. As you make your way around the trailer, check the braking system, including air hoses and tubing for cracks or leaks. Stop to check brake plates and spiders for any signs of wear or for loose bolts or anchor pins.

3. Kingpin, landing gear, chassis and suspension

Circle the trailer once again, paying attention to the underside of the trailer. Evaluate the condition of the Kingpin located at the front of the trailer and check the landing gear and landing gear mounting plate for any cracks or bends. As you inspect the trailer undercarriage, check for any bends or signs of corrosion, which can weaken the frame. If the trailer has spring suspension, check for any cracked or broken springs and loose or missing bolts, particularly in the spring torque arms.

4. Tires, rims and hubs

Most trailer tires should last between three to five years. If the tires are getting close to five years old, take into the account tire replacement costs when determining what you will pay for the trailer. Inspect all tires for any cuts, bulges or punctures. As you inspect each tire, check rims for rust, cracks, loose or missing nuts or incorrectly matched rim parts. Also check all hub seals for leaks.

Equipment for saleSponsored2018 Freightliner Cascadia 113 S/A Day Cab Truck TractorNorth East, MD 31 daysView listing

5. Deck, walls, ceilings and doors

If inspecting a used enclosed trailer, take your time inspecting the outside side walls and roof for any holes or cracks. Move into the inside of the trailer and continue inspecting the floor and ceilings, noting any damage. For reefer truck trailers, ensure that floor drains are clean, that the air chute is intact and that the door seals are air tight. For all trailers, check both the exterior and interior for protruding screws or bolts.

If you’re inspecting flat deck trailers to buy, check the condition of the deck and confirm deck length, width, height, and weight capacities. Next check load securement devices on the flatbed trailer for damage or wear, including tie-down points.

Want to buy a used dump trailer? Pay close attention to the tailgate during your inspection, checking the hinge pin and dump shoes for damage. If possible, check all dump trailer pivot points as well. When inspecting forestry trailers, check the integrity of all vertical stakes by looking for cracks, bends or other signs of damage.

To make sure you purchase the best available trailer for the job, have a qualified mechanic, operator or inspector carry out a full trailer inspection on your behalf.

Buy trailers at Ritchie Bros. unreserved public auctions

Ritchie Bros. is the world’s largest seller of used equipment and trucks. We sell billions of dollars of equipment at hundreds of auctions around the world each year, including a wide variety of used trailers from Wabash, Great Dane, Fruehauf, Lode King and more.

See all trailers for sale.

Equipment for saleSponsored2024 KM International KM8000TEDD Hot Box TrailerPhoenix, AZ 3 daysView listing

See also

What is hotshot trucking? Requirements, trucks and costs