Guide To Purchasing A Trailer​

When you’re on the market for purchasing a trailer there are a couple of things to keep an eye out for while shopping around. Some of this advice applies regardless to wether or not the trailer is sold as new or pre-owned, from a reputable dealer or from a private seller.

Buying A Trailer Privately

When buying a trailer from a private vendor there are several things you can look out for to make sure, you are not buying a stolen trailer. Always be vigilant, and remember – if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Most of all, trust your instinct. If things seems a little strange or out of the ordinary remember, you don’t have to purchase anything you don’t feel comfortable with. Never place a deposit or hand over money without a paper trail.

  • A Trailer With No Rego

    Avoid buying a trailer that is unregistered, as it may have been stolen and had it's rego plates removed.

  • Ground Off Markings

    Check the trailers draw bar, chassis, mudguards and body for any areas that look like they have been ground back and repainted, This can be an indication that the seller is trying to cover up the original owners identifying markings.

  • Address Of Sale

    Be cautious of a vendor that is not willing to conduct the sale on their property, ie: in an empty paddock, or on the side of the road, or they come to you. This can be an indication of someone trying to conceal their identity.

Buying A Trailer From A Manufacturer

When you are having a trailer manufactured for you there are several precautions you can take to make your trailer more easily identified.

Most of all, trust your instinct. If things seems a little strange or out of the ordinary remember, you don’t have to purchase anything you don’t feel comfortable with. Never place a deposit or hand over money without a paper trail.

  • Hidden Secret Markings

    Have your name, initials or a codeword welded* or installed in various locations around the trailer, the best procedure is to have markings hidden under the body, and also on the drawbar.

  • Unique design

    When you are having your trailer design try and have the company include features they wouldn't normally include, ie: unique tail light surrounds, Different sized cross member, unique designed tailgate etc.

Example Of A Stolen Trailer

Below is an example of a trailer that has been stolen, modified, repainted with an attempt to be resold. Please be aware that purchasing stolen goods can put you at liability and you may be left out of pocket. It pays check before purchasing!

Stolen Trailer Before
How the trailer looked prior to being stolen
How the trailer looked after being stolen
How the trailer looked after being stolen