Mia
Travel trailers are more popular than ever. People are using them to transport goods, store things overnight and even to live in them. Purchasing one isn’t as simple as using one is, however. In order to get the one that’s right for you careful deliberations should be made. Unless you have anybody knowledge on the subject of travel trailers living with you or in your social circle finding out what needs to be taken into consideration can be extremely difficult. Don’t worry though because this post will tell you everything you need to know:
Temporary Accommodation
Around the world, house prices are skyrocketing. Young people are finding it harder than ever to get their feet on the property ladder. It is theoretically possible to use a travel trailer as temporary or even permanent accommodation. To do this buyers must ensure they pick up enclosed trailers with living quarters that give them enough room to move around freely. If you do plan on buying a trailer to live in then shop carefully and create a list of must-haves. You can save money by buying a basic trailer and upgrading it yourself, adding living quarters in independently.
Deciding Size
The very first thing you need to do regardless of what kind of travel trailer you’re looking to buy is to decide on a size you are comfortable with. If you are buying a trailer to live in then you will likely need storage space more than you would if you are buying one purely to store things during transport. Take a measuring stick with you so you can get an accurate idea of large your trailer really is, as dealers sometimes list inaccurate measurements.
Internal Space
Large trailer size does not necessarily equate to ample space. Sometimes trailers that look very large outside have no space at all. The only way to find out how much space your chosen trailer has is to physically inspect it yourself. Rather than taking the dealer’s word for it visit the showroom and take a measuring stick with you. You should never buy a trailer until you are satisfied it has enough space. If it does not then you won’t benefit from owning it. A trailer’s internal space will dictate what you are able to do inside of it.
Identifying Damage
If you are buying a used trailer then one of the very first things you need to do is inspect it for damage. Dealers will not always be honest about damage. Some will even go as far as to try and cover up the signs of damage so that they can convince people to buy trailers in bad condition. If a dealer does hide damage from you and you end up buying it any way you do have legal protections. You should be able to get your money back. The best way to avoid the stress of a compensation claim is to inspect it thoroughly yourself first.
Mechanical Wear
In addition to inspecting for internal and external damage it’s also important to try and find out if the trailer you are buying has any mechanical wear, like faulty brakes or a broken tow bar. Mechanical wear can be very problematic as it can ruin your trailer’s structural integrity. If you have no experience in mechanics then you should hire a professional to inspect your trailer for you. Without experience, there is no way that you will be able to identify and then resolve mechanical problems. Any problems identified should be brought up
Consider Lifestyle
Take your lifestyle into consideration when you are looking for a trailer to buy. The way you live your life will have a lot of influence over how much you use your trailer. If you spend a lot of time outdoors pursuing sports and other activities then you’ll naturally need a larger trailer. Insulation is something that needs to be taken into account too. If you are planning on living inside your trailer for some of the years then you will need a trailer that has insulated in order to avoid you getting too cold or alternatively too hot.
Drain System
If you are going to be living inside your trailer then it’s a good idea to buy one with a drain system. Buying a trailer with a drain system is the best way to ensure you are able to live comfortably. No drain system means you won’t be able to install a toilet or any sinks. Some trailers have showers in them, so obviously if you want a shower inside yours then you’ll need to have room for drains to be fitted. Drainage systems are easy to install but it’s much easier to just buy a trailer that already has one. Doing this will save you money.
Towing Vehicle
You need to ensure that the trailer you buy can be towed. If it can’t be towed then you’ll not be able to attach it to your car. In addition to ensuring you get a trailer that can be towed, you must also ensure that the trailer you buy is an appropriate size for your car. Some trailers are too large to be towed by specific makes of vehicles. Do your research before buying and make sure the trailer you buy can be attached to your car. If it cannot then you’ll have to sell it or buy a new car, post-purchase.
Professional Inspection
Finally, before you commit to buying a trailer make sure that you get it professionally inspected. If you are buying it from a dealership and it’s new, however, this is not necessary. You only need to have an inspection performed if you are buying a trailer that has already been used. The reason for this is that used trailers are sometimes in very bad condition when they get to their new owners. A professional inspection will help you to ensure that what you are buying is in good and usable condition. An inspector won’t charge much to take a look at your chosen trailer prior to purchasing it.
You don’t need an expensive house to live comfortably, trailers can be just as good. Whether you are planning on buying one for permanent accommodation or just to use as storage on the road, shop carefully; unless you find the one that is perfect for you then you won’t make the most out of it. As they are expensive purchases should be made with care.
