TIP Used | Complete Buyer’s Guide

When trying to expand your logistics fleet, sourcing items from the second-hand market can be the best choice as it provides a wide selection of high-quality brands and goods at more competitive pricing.

However, looking for a used truck or trailer could take some time as there are many factors to consider. The choice will be much simpler if you have a thorough understanding of what to look at, what type of trailer is best for your needs and where to source equipment from.  

With so many variables to consider, it might be tough to know where to begin. The perfect place to start is with our complete buyer’s guide.

1. Finding the best brand

To ensure reliability, you should consider adding the best trucks or trailers to your fleet. If your budget doesn’t allow for a new one, then choosing a second-hand truck from a well-known brand is the best option. Quality lasts for years, and in many cases, a used truck from a reputable brand can be equally reliable to a new one. Volvo, MAN, DAF, Scania, Daimler, Iveco and Renault are some of the most trusted and reliable truck brands worldwide, known for the quality and safety of their products. Similarly, Schmitz Cargobull, Krone, Kögel, Schwarzmüller, Wielton and SDC are some of the best trailer brands in the European market with which you won’t have to compromise the safety and quality of your semi-trailer.

Did you know?  

Schmitz Cargobull and TIP joined digital forces to allow trailer data to be automatically shared from the standardised Trailer Connect hardware to the TIP Insight system. This enables telematics systems from Schmitz Cargobull and services from TIP Trailer Services to display connected data. 

2. Choosing the right model

Each truck or trailer has a certain feel that makes it the right fit to both the driver’s and the cargo’s needs. Searching for the best equipment that satisfy your budget, needs, and comfort requirements can be tricky. It is recommended to look online for any comparisons of different models focusing on their fuel consumption, comfort and safety, as well as, digital features. Each industry has particular needs and requirements, – be it cargo type, weight, speed, urgency, etc., which is why there are specific types of trailers that are designed to handle them. The right trailer for you is dependent on the type of load you need to carry. For example, for lighter-weighted cargo, it is best to choose a single-axle trailer, while multi-axle one is recommended for heavier freights. The first ones cost less and are low on fuel consumption but don’t provide much flexibility, while the second ones will ensure higher payload capacity with increased stability, but higher costs,  higher fuel demands and potentially higher maintenance costs.
 

3. Having a checklist

Searching for a second-hand trailer for sale may be challenging, but you can safeguard yourself against frequent upkeep costs if you don’t miss out on checking at the significant parts.
Buying a used truck or trailer from a reputable dealer will help to ensure you’re getting the best quality. Understanding what parts to check will give you a better maintenance prediction, too. For example, you should always check the tires. For multi-axle trailers, inspect the brakes, brake pads, and braking system of the trailer to ensure they work correctly.  Also, it is wise to inspect the suspension systems and frames to ensure that they can handle to load and the electrical system. Hook your trailer up and ensure the headlights, interior lights, brake lights, and both blinkers are working properly to ensure driving safety.
For trucks, the engine should be the first in your checklist and, for trailers, make sure that the floor and ramp don’t buckle under pressure. It is also advisable to do an online research about the elements you should consider when buying a used truck or trailer.

Summary

Here it is, our complete buyer’s guide to help you find the best second-hand trailers to add to your fleet. Having a better understanding of the various considerations and available options will invariably make the decision far easier.

By following these simple steps, you will guarantee that you will receive the highest-quality equipment to keep your logistics thriving.

Looking to rent, lease, or buy a used truck?

TIP Used – part of Europe’s leading truck and trailer leasing and rental provider TIP Group – is one of the largest suppliers of well-maintained second-hand trucks and trailers in the commercial vehicle sector. TIP Group offers competitive short-term rental and long-term leasing solutions to meet your needs and budget. Visit tip-group.com to learn more about the available solutions and www.tip-used.com to browse TIP Used’ wide variety of well-maintained second-hand trucks and semi-trailers.