Buying a Used Live Bottom Trailer: Inspection Checklist This checklist is valid for any brand of live bottom trailer Questions to ask: 1: Reason for selling? 2: Does everything work? (does it need anything?) 3: What was it used for? (some materials wear more/ are more corrosive) 4: What maintenance/service has it had? (new parts, regular maintenance, repairs?) Research 1: Cost range for specific brand 2: Are parts easily available? 3: Mark down the VIN, some manufacturers may be able to provide information by phone Bring • • •
Flashlight to see darker areas This checklist Pen
Tub Inspection Little things can add up, and it is easy to spent thousands on things you didn’t expect to. This checklist covers many of these things, in hopes to save you money. Cracks (Corners have a lot of strain, as well as around the landing gear if improperly used) Seals (If seals are bad there is a higher chance of a bad conveyor, as well as the cost of replacing seals) Seal plates (Check for wear) Dents (Dents can be a good sign of what was hauled, and could mean conveyor damage, or cracks, this being said, some dents are normal in a used trailer) Repairs? (Check for new parts, or patches, and see if repairs were done properly)
Belt (Belt replacement can be pricey, check for rips or worn grooves, grooves generally wear by seals) Lights (Lights are generally cheap, but a light out could also mean faulty wiring) Truck to trailer Connections (Check for condition and compatibility, plugs and hydraulic connections may have to be changed for compatibility) 5th wheel pin (Over time the 5th wheel pin and plate can wear, check for wear)
Bogey Inspection Rust Cracks (Check welds, corners, where bogey is fastened to the tub, etc.) Bogey to tub fastening method (Welded or bolted?) Tires (Wear, cracks/cuts, re-treads?) Brakes (Disk or drum, condition?) What type of suspension? Axle configuration (Lift, steer, spread?) Air or spring Weight rating Brand Power System Inspections Electric: Wires (Check for breaks, cuts, general condition) All electrical features work? (Lights, tarp motor, etc.)
Corrosion Plugs (At the front for power supply) Air: Leaks? Line and tank condition Gauge condition All air features work? (Valves, tanks, cylinders, etc.)
Hydraulic: Steel lines Rubber lines Gauge condition Leaks (Motors, gearbox, valves, cylinders) Truck to trailer fitting type? (quick connect or screw type, quick connect reduces flow)
Conveyor: (Most of the following can be viewed through the inspection door)
Crossbars (Condition, easy replacement?, boltin/weld-in) Chain (Roller or drag chain, size, condition)
Roller condition (On a roller chain, rollers are a good indicator of chain age)
Well oiled? Clean? Oiler brush condition (If oiler brushes are out of adjustment, the chain likely hasn’t been oiled recently)
Trailer Options Some trailers have options that could cost thousands of dollars to add on afterwards, a list of some common options are listed below: Tarp (Manual or power, roll over or end to end)
Liner (Thickness, type, condition?)
Height Extensions
Reversing valve (To move belt in reverse)
Skins (Aluminum or stainless, condition?)
Tool box
Attachments (Available for some trailers)
Work lights
Remote control
Rims (Steel or aluminum?)
Fenders (Type, condition?)
Insulated tub
Tailgate (Air or hydraulic? , type?)
ABS (Brakes)
Air weigh scale
Flow control (To speed up or slow down unload rate)
Release agent tank
Other:
Notes:
The Trout River Parts Department can supply parts, small or large, for many different brands, call Dwayne at (902) 853 1614
Luke Hierlihy luke@troutriverindustries.ca