Trailer buying advice?

[RustyBucket]

I'm looking at buying a car hauler and the local U-haul is selling off a couple of their old auto transports (both '97). I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to trailers, so I'm looking for NICO's input on things to check.

The major thing I want to know is how to go about checking operation of a surge brake system. The lines look good, no leaks or anything and the master cylinder is up to the correct level and the fluid is clean and clear. Can I test the emergency brake by giving the chain a good tug? If so, how hard would I have to pull on the chain to get it to move? How else can I check that the brakes are working properly?

One of the trailers I'm going to pass up on, as the rear step plates have rusted through in areas and there is a bald spot on one of the tires. The other one doesn't seem so bad, although there are some concerns. They told me that their trailers are sold fully safe with lights and brakes in good working order, however when checking the wheel bearings, I found one of the brake pads stuck to the rotor . They told me they would fix that before letting it off the lot, but I'm not taking it until I've had the wheels off now that I've seen this.

Other than the brakes which they say they will fix (and I'll verify), the trailer looks structurally sound. The bearings are good and the suspension looks good too. If I can get it for a good price, would it be worth it?

[nissangirl74]

Buying a trailer from a rental company is no different than buying a car from a rental company. Typically, a VERY bad idea. People don't respect or take care of things that aren't theirs. I would bet that most of what UHaul has is shagged out beyond belief. The stuck pad also indicates that they don't inspect the trailers as well as they should when they have been returned. I would advise against it.

[Bubba1]

Buying a trailer from a rental company is no different than buying a car from a rental company. Typically, a VERY bad idea. People don't respect or take care of things that aren't theirs. I would bet that most of what UHaul has is shagged out beyond belief. The stuck pad also indicates that they don't inspect the trailers as well as they should when they have been returned. I would advise against it.

100% agree. A good source for car trailers are guys who track their cars. There are always ads for car trailers from guys who are getting out of racing (racing=$$) or upgrading. And in most cases, not only are they already equipped with the options you would want (like tire tacks, cabinets, tie downs, etc), they've likely been maintained better (and lived easier lives) than Uhaul rentals.

I found my carrier (truck/trailer all-in-one) on E-bay and purchased it off a retiring sprint car racer (original owner).

[themadscientist]

It would be like marrying a crackwhore. Heavily-used, loose, and corroded.

[sx moneypit]

It would be like marrying a crackwhore. Heavily-used, loose, and corroded.

[RustyBucket]

It would be like marrying a crackwhore. Heavily-used, loose, and corroded.

Excellent summary.

Another thing I forgot to mention in my original post: I only need this thing to last me 2 weeks and 5000KM (~3000 mi) and be in saleable condition when I'm done. Does that change things?

I know you're probably asking "why not rent?", but Uhaul is the only rental company around that does car haulers and they only give you 10 days to rent. They also won't rent me one because The Computer tells them that my 1-ton van is not heavy enough to haul a 6000 lb trailer. Their trucks, of course, can do it fine according to The Computer. I'm not renting one of their trucks because it's actually cheaper to buy a used van than it is to rent one of their trucks for this distance.

[Urabus GodofTraction]

I wouldn't wish surge brakes on nala.

[Bubba1]

It would be like marrying a crackwhore. Heavily-used, loose, and corroded.

Excellent summary.

Another thing I forgot to mention in my original post: I only need this thing to last me 2 weeks and 5000KM (~3000 mi) and be in saleable condition when I'm done. Does that change things?

I know you're probably asking "why not rent?", but Uhaul is the only rental company around that does car haulers and they only give you 10 days to rent. They also won't rent me one because The Computer tells them that my 1-ton van is not heavy enough to haul a 6000 lb trailer. Their trucks, of course, can do it fine according to The Computer. I'm not renting one of their trucks because it's actually cheaper to buy a used van than it is to rent one of their trucks for this distance.

Yes the mileage/duration is a factor. 6000 lbs is a lot and 2 weeks is a short time. You might want to check your owners manual to see what the hitch is rated for. My guess it would be under 6K. IF that's the case, U-Haul might be saving you from damaging your hitch. If you ignore their advice and buy a cheap heavy steel trailer and damage your hitch, then it's your problem.

Other problems with buying and reselling trucks/trailers for a short term need is the hassle. You have to title,register, get plates, insure, possibly get inspected, etc what you buy. And If you go cheap, you might have to repair it before or during the trip (stuff you don't have to think about if renting). Then when you're done after 2 weeks. you get the new hassle of selling it (for anything close to what you paid), cancelling the insurance, and finding a place to store until its sold. So whatever advantage you think you have by buying/flipping could easily become a true pain in butt if things don't fall into place nicely.

I'd recommend going with the rental truck/trailer combo even though it costs more.
If you're doing a major move, the less hassles the better.

[nissangirl74]

Another thing I forgot to mention in my original post: I only need this thing to last me 2 weeks and 5000KM (~3000 mi) and be in saleable condition when I'm done. Does that change things?

If you just need to get your car to an event, or relocating, why not just pay to have it transported? Sounds like it might be less hassle and quite possibly cheaper in the long run.