When buying a used horse trailer, make sure you know how the basics on how to evaluate it. There may be features that you like or dislike and there will be imperfections as the trailer is already used. Check every imperfection and know if they are tolerable, fixable or unsafe.

When looking for a used horse trailer, know whether the seller knows how to take care of his properties. By looking at the sellers barn, fences and pastures alone, you can tell if the trailer you are buying is in good condition. If the sellers place is pristine, the seller probably knows how to take care of the trailer. If not, then, it is likely the horse trailer is not good too.

Also, it will be of an advantage if trailer has been in use. This is because unused trailers have dry rotted tires. If the trailer is parked for a period of time, especially on grass, the moisture will hasten the rotting of the wood and rusting of the steel. So, ask if the trailer has been used recently and how often.

1. Examine the framework, which is the most important part of the trailer. Check the parts of the framework and check underneath. If its a steel frame, its ok if it has rust as long as it does not give or crumble when you poke or hit it. If it is an aluminum frame, it wont have rust but aluminums oxidize. So ask if it has had acid treatment.

2. Check the trailer floor and look for areas of weakness. Look for signs of rotting and check the welded areas. If the floor is made of wood and its too spongy, it might need replacement. If the welded area is too rusty, it will not be strong enough.

3. Check the fiberglass coating. Check the sidewalls for cracks, holes and splits. If there are, the sidewalls may be weakened. See the interior walls if there are streaks or stains, which are water damage that causes it to weaken. Know if there are leaks that must be fixed.

4. Inspect the roof. If it is not made of one solid piece, look at the condition of the seams. If it is made of fiber glass, check if the gel coat is worn away or if there are thinner areas. Make sure that it is not fuzzy or stringy looking.

5. Check the suspensions of the trailer. Trailer suspensions are either leaf spring, suspended by spring hangers from the trailer, or rubber torsion. Look at these trailer suspensions for corrosion. Hangers that are not in good condition can cause the axle to come out from under the trailer.

6. Check the brakes if its working properly. Brakes are either a 2 or 4 wheel electric system, which are difficult to inspect. So, test drive the trailer or you can just check the brake by standing near the trailer wheels and listen if there is a faint hum. This means that power from the vehicle is getting to the trailer and engaging the brakes.

7. Check if the coupler and safety chains are in good condition. A coupler is the part that attaches the trailer to the truck. Test it for ease of hooking and unhooking and be sure it is straight and cranks up smoothly. Check if the safety chains, which keep the trailer behind the vehicle in case the trailer becomes unhitched, are in good repair.

8. Examine the ramp, doors and windows. The ramp must be strong enough for the horse to walk on. Its hinges and latches must be able to work freely and easily without requiring a great deal of strength to operate. Also, you should be able to open and close the doors and windows easily and smoothly.

9. Make sure that the trailer is comfortable and safe for your horse. The trailer should have escape doors that work properly and sized adequately for you to maneuver. These should allow you to get to every horse during emergencies. The trailer must have sufficient ventilation, and the stall dividers, butt bars and chest bars should be easy to use and safe.

10. Make sure that the trailer has a valid title. The trailer must have a valid title as it may be required when crossing state lines. Do not forget to check if the vehicle identification number matches the title when you buy the trailer. You must also have a bill of sale and a notarized letter of transfer from the seller.