Sales - I am considering buying a second-hand trailer. Do you have any advice on the subject?

FAQs

F.A.Q: Sales

Frequently Asked Questions regarding sales.

3. I am considering buying a second-hand trailer. Do you have any advice on the subject?

Good second-hand trailers are difficult to find. They tend to change hands privately rather than being part-exchanged. However, you will find a list of distributors on our web site. We would suggest contacting those in your area:

You should also be aware that trailer theft is currently a serious problem.When buying second-hand it is worth considering the following:

1. If you are offered a trailer other than by an Ifor Williams distributor, make sure that the seller has proof of ownership and that the trailer has its manufacturer's plate on the side of the drawbar containing the model number, serial number etc.

If you phone our Customer Care Department on 01490 412626 with the serial number and seller details before proceeding with the purchase, a check will be made that the trailer is not registered as stolen on the database, that the serial number matches the trailer type and that the seller matches the registered owner. This service is free of charge. It will tell you if the trailer is definitely stolen but not always if it is definitely genuine as not all stolen trailers are reported. For this reason we would recommend purchasing only from an official distributor or from someone with clear proof of ownership.

2. Inspect the trailer carefully, paying particular attention to the condition of the floor. Check the underside for any signs of cracking and lift the mats to check for kicking damage. This also applies to the ramps.

3. Check the braking system for correct operation and for damaged parts.

4. Check the lighting system for correct operation and for damaged parts

It is worth checking with your local distributor for his best price on a new trailer. Obviously we will try to advise you to purchase a new one for commercial reasons, but the trailers do hold their prices very well due to their durability, and the benefits of buying new (or the disadvantages of buying second-hand) are not always obvious. There have been significant improvements made to the design over the past few years including the introduction of Datatag security marking in October 1999. This should also be taken into consideration. You will find details in the News section and the Product Catalogue section of our web site.

New trailers come with a 12 month warranty. The cost of servicing and repairs to a second-hand trailer can soon "eat into" the saving you have made by buying second-hand.
- Updated: August 15, 2001
[Back to the FAQ]
Frequently Asked Questions regarding sales.

3. I am considering buying a second-hand trailer. Do you have any advice on the subject?: Good second-hand trailers are difficult to find. They tend to change hands privately rather than being part-exchanged. However, you will find a list of distributors on our web site. We would suggest contacting those in your area:

You should also be aware that trailer theft is currently a serious problem.When buying second-hand it is worth considering the following:

1. If you are offered a trailer other than by an Ifor Williams distributor, make sure that the seller has proof of ownership and that the trailer has its manufacturer's plate on the side of the drawbar containing the model number, serial number etc.

If you phone our Customer Care Department on 01490 412626 with the serial number and seller details before proceeding with the purchase, a check will be made that the trailer is not registered as stolen on the database, that the serial number matches the trailer type and that the seller matches the registered owner. This service is free of charge. It will tell you if the trailer is definitely stolen but not always if it is definitely genuine as not all stolen trailers are reported. For this reason we would recommend purchasing only from an official distributor or from someone with clear proof of ownership.

2. Inspect the trailer carefully, paying particular attention to the condition of the floor. Check the underside for any signs of cracking and lift the mats to check for kicking damage. This also applies to the ramps.

3. Check the braking system for correct operation and for damaged parts.

4. Check the lighting system for correct operation and for damaged parts

It is worth checking with your local distributor for his best price on a new trailer. Obviously we will try to advise you to purchase a new one for commercial reasons, but the trailers do hold their prices very well due to their durability, and the benefits of buying new (or the disadvantages of buying second-hand) are not always obvious. There have been significant improvements made to the design over the past few years including the introduction of Datatag security marking in October 1999. This should also be taken into consideration. You will find details in the News section and the Product Catalogue section of our web site.

New trailers come with a 12 month warranty. The cost of servicing and repairs to a second-hand trailer can soon "eat into" the saving you have made by buying second-hand.
- Updated: August 15, 2001
[Back to the FAQ]