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Subject Topic: Trailer buying advice Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonAahwoogah
14/8/2014 at 2:24am
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We are off this weekend tent camping and have just realised that (now we have 2 little ones) there isn't enough space in our car for our kit. The car is already equip with a tow hitch and we are on a limited budget (£100). I have found a used Erde (quite old as the logo is not the current design Or the one before but the one before that!). We are only planing distances of 50-80 miles and it will not be rammed to full payload capacity. I have never bought or owned a trailer before although I've towed a few but would appreciate any advice you can offer. Any concerns based on its appearance? (Also do you think the price is fair?) and what should I check for if I go for a look at it?

box trailer
www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/box-trailer/1074653287

Thanks in advance

James


PersonRob and Tina
14/8/2014 at 9:41am
 Location: Royal Forest of Dean
 Outfit:  Swift Major 4SB View Rob and Tina's Profile View Profile   Reply to Rob and Tina Reply   Quote Rob and Tina Quote  
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Check the tyres carefully, they may have plenty of tread but they may have cracked and perished through old age. Tyres should be changed after 5-7 years so if they are older than that budget for new tyres immediately, a blow out is not a lot of fun and could be extremely dangerous. Check the lights and electrics are all ok. It looks like it has been lined with ply so check that the trailer hasn't rotted underneath the plywood. Check that the hitch works properly and that it has a safety chain fitted.

I think that covers everything, I'm sure somebody else will have spotted something I've missed and advise you.

Rob


PersonAahwoogah
14/8/2014 at 10:13am
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Thanks rob. I went to have a look this AM. It turns out he has it lined it with a tarp to temporarily store his goldfish in....
The tyres were craked lots and at the hitch end of the bed there were two pieces of 2x4 upright screwed in to the corners to keep it's shape (can be seen in the pictures) and the various screws and washers holding it together were in various stages of ancient rust. He dropped the price to £85 but I'm not feeling the love!

James


PersonGrampian91
14/8/2014 at 1:12pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram View Grampian91's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grampian91 Reply   Quote Grampian91 Quote  
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I paid £75 for a 3 month old erde trailer. Guy bought it to go camping and then after 1 trip he bought a trailer tent.

Spare wheel and light guards etc fitted. Bargains are there if your willing to wait and put the work around your after a trailer.

My dad bought an older one recently and spent time and money getting it right. Tyres were rubbish. Bearings were not in the best of shape. Lights were dodgy.

Sometimes its best to spend the money.


Personmillermicm
14/8/2014 at 1:22pm
 Location: west country
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depending on size these Erde trailers are about £300 new. If you can get a reasonable one for around £100 then it's a bargain.

Bought a 122 years back for £120, carried many tons of logs in it and sold it several years later for a profit.

Tyres are an obious watch out. Don't be fooled by tread. Check for cracks. The wheel bearings are also suspect although easily replaced. Lift up the side of the trailer & spin the wheel. It should spin silently and smoothly.

-------------
Steve


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PersonGrampian91
14/8/2014 at 5:48pm
 Location: Midlands
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As well as spinning the wheel try rocking it with your hands at the 3 and 9 and then at the 6 and 12 o'clock positions.

There should be no movement.


PersonPhil Ness
14/8/2014 at 11:51pm
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The front of a trailer like that will always take a beating as it will be constantly sprayed with debris off the back wheels of whatever is towing it. The 2x4 uprights look like a cheap attempt to strengthen a corroded front. Not ideal but not the end of the world. Tyres, wheel bearings and lights are the main consideration. If there are any concerns about them find out the cost of replacing them including any fitting if you cannot do it yourself and add this to the purchase price for the true cost to yourself. Ideally you would get the replacement cost knocked off the asking price but they may have reduced it some because of the faults. In the end you have to be happy with the price you will be paying for a roadworthy trailer.
I know with the sort of trailers I use a set of brakes will put £500 on the bill, tyres£60 each x4,chuck in a broken light or missing breakaway cable and a £1200 bargain is suddenly towards £2000. For that money a new one looks more attractive.
There will always be another one coming along.
Have you considered a roof box as an alternative?



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