bush pig trailer advice

[Jadranko]

trailer advert:
https://www.junkmail.co.za/caravans-cam ... e3142130bb

price can be seen here,so it should be legit.
https://www.jaracal.com/viewtopic.php?t=91927



ill be going to take a look only on 15th this month.
i did tell the guy if he sell it in meantime so be it.

this is the question:
as i haven't own any kind of trailer before,what are the things to look for/at?

[HenriSteyn]

Get underneath and look for rust. Scratch with a screwdriver if there is a flakey surface.
Check the U bolts and nuts, not corroded.
Jack up each wheel and turn the wheel, should turn freely. Pull the wheel from side to side, checking for wheel bearing play.
Check the axle is not bent.
Check the towbar is not bent. Do this by standing about 5 meters away and make like you going to pray.
Check if lights are working.
Obvious bangs and dings and paint condition.
Look if any poor mods have been carried out.
License and registration papers, license fees are up to date.
Check if he is the current owner.
Check that the nameplate is valid, i.e. if the gross is more than 750kg it must have a braked axle.
One of the trickiest issues is that the trailer is registered as a 750 kg gross, but so much has been added on, it ends up way over 750kg, and therefore illegal.

[Flipside]

Also check if the RTT base or matress is wet or base is deformed, indicating a possible leak of the tent or tent cover.
Check for bad or exposed wiring to lights of the trailer, but also for any lights or outlets in the side doors or tent.

[Jadranko]

thanks Henri and Flip
ill print out your posts and take it with me.

im not afraid of little repairs as rust at corner or wheel bearing replacement and some wiring.
bent axle,tent leak and registration paperwork will be my biggest worries.thanks for mentioning it.



on one of advert photos i can see that trailer have braked coupler.
if that was done afterwards because of added weight but trailer is still registered as 750kg
ill have to ask google can it be changed during re registration.

[Bugjuic]

Few quick notes:

See it has a towbar on the back? Was it used extensively and is that maybe why they put a brake on the trailer.

Look at the date stamps on the tires to ensure their age (Older than 5-7 year, think of replacing)@R2500 each... makes a difference.

Rust, as everyone has mentioned, seems harmless, but can give a headache. Then also stupid to motion, but have a look at the stamped Chassis number, whether it is "original". Had an issue a few years back, where a friend bought a very reputable brand camping trailer, and when taking it to the manufacturers for a service, the next thing got a call from the police, as the body was original, but the chassis was not, and found that the body was a stolen one, ending up in impounding the trailer... So not saying this is the instance, but just check.

Henri and flip covered the rest perfectly...

[jotto]

I see the trailer is in Centurion.

I can go have alook for your or with you if you'd like. Also, if you purchase it, i can do a service for you, or any repairs you may need.

The guys have provided great input and points to look at.

[jotto]

Went and had a look at the trailer.

Very nice little trailer, especially at the pricepoint. Galvanized chassis etc.
Needs new tyres.

License disk GVM and data plate GVM does not match. Someone did ugrade the trailer to a braked axle at some point. The coupler mounting plate needs to be rewelded properly, welding looks really bad and not to be trusted.
New data plate must be fitted to match the trailer specs (the VIN indicates UB, so Un-Braked, as well as 750Kg). Dataplate says GVM 1600.
What is interesting though is that the data plate is the manufacturers plate, not an after market one.

[Bugjuic]

Ahhhh good guy Jotto! What a man!

Jadranko just ensure all paperwork is sorted, don't want to go border crossing on something that might ruin a holiday completely.

I am sure there is a good easy explanation as to why the GVM's differ, but just make sure all that is sorted by the person selling it before buying, I would advise. This is just easier, as he is currently the 'owner' and will stay that way until registered in your name. Just better for everyone if it is sorted first.

Looks like a lekker trailer though! Keep us up to date

[Jadranko]

apologies for late reply but last few weeks were busy with lots of work and little bit of hobbies ....
special thanks to jotto for doing extra mile for me.
i managed to go and take a look at the trailer only late last week and to get it for R30K on Thursday evening.
for now it will sit inside the garage until i have time to go through it.
i did not open tent yet.

[jotto]

Congrats on the new trailer. Hope it works well for you.

[Jadranko]

this is 'roughly' how wheel adapter plates should look so that trailer axle can take mahindra rims

pcd goes from 139.7x6 to 160x5.