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Key Takeaways
- Always get finance pre-approved before you commit to buying — it gives you certainty on budget and negotiating power.
- Run a PPSR check on any used equipment to confirm there are no finance encumbrances.
- Inspect the equipment in person — photos and descriptions alone are not sufficient for large purchases.
- Compare 80+ lenders through a broker for the most competitive finance rate.
- Equipment finance deals: We guarantee the best deal available in the market and our services are free — we're paid a "referral fee" by the lender after settlement, no cost to you.
Trailer Research and Shortlisting
- Identify the right trailer type for your freight — curtainsider, flatbed, drop deck, refrigerated, tipper or B-train
- Check payload capacity and GCM compatibility with your prime mover
- Research the brand — Vawdrey, Maxitrans, Krueger, Barker, Haulmark are the most common Australian manufacturers
- Identify multiple options before committing — new, used dealer and auction options
Finance Pre-Approval
- Get trailer finance pre-approved before you start inspecting — this confirms your budget
- Compare 80+ lenders through a broker for the most competitive trailer finance rate
- Understand the total cost — interest, fees, balloon and total repayment
- Consider the right structure — chattel mortgage is most common for trailers
Trailer Inspection Checklist
- Inspect the chassis — check for cracks, welds, rust and any repairs or modifications
- Check axles — axle rating, condition, any signs of bearing noise or overheating
- Check tyres — tread depth, even wear, sidewall condition and tyre age (check DOT date code)
- Inspect the brakes — pad thickness, drum wear and brake adjustment
- Check the air system — glad-hands, hoses, susie coils and air bag condition
- Inspect the landing legs — operation, condition and any damage
- Check the king pin — wear, condition and correct height for your prime mover
- Inspect the body — panels, roof, floor, side curtains or doors depending on trailer type
- Check refrigeration unit if applicable — hours, service history and cool-down test
- Inspect lights — all running lights, markers, brake lights and indicators
- Check for any non-standard modifications — ensure they are compliant and documented
Documentation Checks
- Run a PPSR check — check for finance encumbrances on the trailer
- Check registration — current rego, expiry date and state
- Verify VIN/chassis number matches registration
- Request full service history — especially for refrigerated units
- Check compliance plate for rated loads and axle configurations
Get Pre-Approved Before You Buy
The single most important step before buying any commercial equipment is getting your finance pre-approved. Pre-approval confirms your budget, gives you negotiating power and prevents the situation of finding the perfect machine only to discover you cannot get it financed. At Overdrive Funding, we compare 80+ lenders and can provide pre-approval in as little as 24 hours — call Simon or fill in the form above.