Hampshire Horse Watch Buying or Selling a Horse Trailer The information contained in this section has been compiled from police reports or other sources. The information may be specific or generalised. It is circulated in order to advise, warn and seek the help of the communities.

Buying or Selling a Horse Trailer

What could be worse than waking up to find that your trailer has been stolen? Well surprisingly you could be in a worse position if you innocently buy a stolen trailer. If your purchase is found to be stolen the legal owner is entitled to have it returned to them. You could end up thousands of pounds out of pocket and without a trailer! Don‘t let that happen to you!

Even with the improved security devices now available, while there is a market for stolen trailers, then there will be thieves attempting to steal them. That is why we at TrailerWatch UK are helping to eliminate the market for stolen trailers by raising awareness in the trailer-buying public and providing the on-line database of stolen trailers.

These guidelines are similar to those for buying a second-hand car. The sums involved can be similar so why not take the same precautions?

• Second-hand trailers provide good value for money and buying from a recognised dealer provides some peace of mind. All their trailers should have been checked and you will have some recompense if the trailer does turns out to be stolen.
  
  
• Buying from a private owner can be cheaper but carries more risk. The golden rule is “if the deal seems too good to be true — then it probably is!” The market value for trailers is well known and if someone is offering one at well below the normal price, ask yourself why?
  
  
• Always meet the seller at their home address; don’t meet half-way in lay-bys or carparks. Then if you do have to try and recover your money, you’ve got somewhere to start.
  
  
• The seller should know his way around the trailer, with all it’s features and small problems. Beware of someone “selling it for a friend” who doesn’t appear to have an interest in horses.
  
  
• Ask to see proof of ownership such as their original sales receipt, owners manual or if the trailer is registered with TrailerWatch UK then ask to see the Certificate of Ownership. Check to see all the details refer to that trailer. An honest seller will not be offended!
  
  
• The most important physical item to check is the manufacturer’s unique registration plate, normally found on the chassis close to the hitch. It is highly unlikely that this will have fallen off during normal use of the trailer. If there is no plate then walk away — there’ll always be another trailer to look at. Most trailers with missing or damaged plates turn out to be stolen.
  
  
• Once you’ve found the unique serial number of the trailer, check it with the main dealers or with TrailerWatch UK.
  
  
• Always get a receipt from the seller with their address and the trailer details. It is not uncommon for a stolen trailer to have been through several owners before being identified. Your seller could be innocent, but don’t let yourself be the next one in the chain.
  
  
• Once you have handed over the money for your trailer you want to keep hold of it and prevent it being stolen, we recommend you:

Register it with TrailerWatch UK
Buy as many security devices as you can afford
Insure it

While there is a ready market for second-hand trailers, following some simple guidelines will help you achieve the best deal available.

• Look in several of the horse magazines to get an idea what your trailer is worth.
  
  
• Make sure you can provide written evidence the trailer is yours and register it with TrailerWatch UK. You will get a laminated Certificate of Ownership showing all the relevant details for your trailer. This will save you time and aggravation when the purchaser asks for this information.
  
  
• Advertise your sale either in one of the horse magazines, website or a reputable shop that specialises in horse accessories/feed. This way you will get the attention of people who may be looking to buy.
  
  
• Be clear about why you are selling the trailer and do not be offended if asked.
  
  
• Do not allow a purchaser to beat you down in price. If you have done your homework carefully and you are offering the going market rate for your trailer, then there will always be someone else prepared to offer the asking price.
  
  
• If your purchaser offers to pay by cheque then do not allow them to drive the trailer away until that cheque is cleared. This may take up to 7 working days depending on your bank.
  
  
• Be prepared to give a written receipt with your name address and trailer details.
  
  
• Once sold inform TrailerWatch UK and the trailer manufacturer immediately.

GOOD LUCK!

Article Courtesy of the Trailer Watch UK