National VIN Check
Trailer

What to Check Before Buying a Used Trailer in Australia

6 min readBy Jez Smith
What to Check Before Buying a Used Trailer in Australia

What to Check Before Buying a Used Trailer in Australia

Whether you're buying a small box trailer for weekend use or a commercial semi-trailer for your transport business, the same fundamental risks apply: undisclosed finance, structural damage, and compliance issues can all turn a good deal into a costly mistake.

Watch: What to Check Before Buying a Used Trailer in Australia

What to Check Before Buying a Used Trailer in Australia

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Types of Trailers Covered

This guide covers:

  • Box trailers: (general purpose, enclosed, open)
  • Boat trailers:
  • Horse floats and stock trailers:
  • Car carriers and car transport trailers:
  • Semi-trailers and B-double trailers:
  • Flat top, curtainsider, and refrigerated trailers:
  • Tag trailers and dog trailers:

    • All registered trailers in Australia can be checked via National VIN Check.

    Step 1: Check the VIN and Registration

    Trailers manufactured after 1989 carry a 17-character VIN, typically on a compliance plate on the drawbar or front wall. Run a National VIN Check before anything else — confirm PPSR status, stolen status, and that the registration is current.

    Trailers are frequently sold unregistered. If the seller is advertising as unregistered, factor in the cost of a roadworthy inspection and re-registration in your state.

    Step 2: Chassis and Drawbar Inspection

    The drawbar is the highest stress point on any trailer. Inspect:

  • All welds along the drawbar for cracking or repairs
  • The coupling head — it should lock positively with your vehicle's hitch ball with no lateral play
  • Safety chain attachment points — they must be structurally sound and appropriately rated
  • Chassis rails — inspect from underneath for rust, corrosion, or impact damage

    • For Multi-Axle Trailers

    Check that all axles are parallel and that tyre wear is even across the trailer. Misaligned axles cause rapid, uneven tyre wear and can cause the trailer to track poorly.

    Step 3: Brakes

    Any trailer over a certain weight requires brakes in Australia (specifics vary by state but typically apply from 750kg GTM). Check:

  • Electric brakes: — actuate the brake controller and feel that all wheels resist turning evenly
  • Mechanical override brakes: — test by reversing; the brake should not drag
  • Hydraulic disc brakes: — check fluid level and caliper condition

    • Step 4: Lights and Wiring

    All road-registered trailers must have functioning lights meeting Australian standards:

  • Tail lights, brake lights, indicator lights
  • Rear marker lights for trailers over 2100mm wide
  • Reverse light (if fitted)
  • Number plate illumination

    • Trailer wiring frequently suffers from corrosion, rodent damage, and connector failure. Test every light function before purchasing.

    Step 5: Tyres

    Trailer tyres are frequently neglected. Check:

  • Tread depth (minimum 1.5mm legal; 3mm+ recommended)
  • Age (DOT date code — replace any tyre over 7 years old)
  • Cracking or sidewall bulging — trailer tyres are susceptible to UV degradation

    • Step 6: Horse Floats and Stock Trailers

    For horse floats specifically:

  • Inspect the floor from underneath — timber floors rot; aluminium or composite are preferred
  • Check the partition and breeching bar for structural integrity
  • Inspect the ramp — it must operate smoothly and lock securely
  • All latches must be horse-proof

    • Commercial Semi-Trailers

    For commercial trailers, a National VIN Check Gold report is essential. Commercial trailers are frequently subject to chattel mortgages, finance leases, and operating leases — all registered on the PPSR.

    A $29.95 check is a minor cost against the purchase of a trailer worth $50,000–$200,000.

    Useful Australian Resources

    Popular places to browse and research your next vehicle — always run a history check before you buy.

    Buying a used trailer?

    PPSR encumbrance and WOVR checks for car trailers, horse floats, and general trailers. From $9.95 + GST.

    Buying guides by vehicle type

    Cars
    Motorbikes
    Caravans
    Trucks
    Trailers
    Commercial Vehicles

    Check by state: NSW · VIC · QLD · WA · SA · All states

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