Picking up a 2nd hand trailer...

[Diesel]

If you had just bought a trailer (like a mate of mine), and had to go pick it up - what would be some things to check before you towed it home?


You don't know how it tows, what condition it will be in when you tow etc - what would you check?


Cheers, Diesel

[Streak]

Tyre Pressure

Tyre Condition

Electrics

give the wheels a shake just check the bearings

have a good check over of the Tow Hitch

make sure there are pins in the tail gate as well (i may have done this one)

thats what i can think of for towing a trailer i had not towed before

[ST2UP]

That it is actually registered and your bike is covered on your insurance policy if towing a trailer.......plus everything above.......if it is an older unkept trailer a spanner check is not a bad idea......

[saaz]

Like any trailer, car or bike, the basics as mentioned.  All the legal stuff just has to be right, no arguments there unless you like them on the side of the road.  Hitch, electrics, safety chain, same as a car trailer.  An unloaded trailer should be no problems to tow initially, as most who tow with a well loaded trailer don't notice it much at all.

[Brock]

Look for rust in the Chassis, especialy where the body and chassis meet. The under side, suspension components axle. Remove bearing caps and check the grease, if time and tools permit, pull the hubs and re-grease.

Is this a trailer for a bike or car.If a bike, take it for a run around the block and make sure it tows straight and handles well, and is properly balanced. A bike trailer will run better with a bit of load in it..