- 1Verify the trailer has a valid Ontario safety inspection (yellow sticker) or budget for one
- 2Request complete maintenance records and previous inspection reports
- 3Confirm clear title with no liens through a PPSA search
- 4Conduct or commission a thorough pre-purchase inspection
- 5Negotiate based on documented condition, not just asking price
Step-by-Step Buying Process
Determine trailer type, length, axle configuration, and intended use. Consider whether you need road-ready or storage-only equipment.
Compare listings from dealers and private sellers. Understand that pricing varies significantly based on age, condition, and documentation.
Request maintenance records, inspection history, and title documentation before viewing. Confirm the seller has authority to sell.
Inspect or hire a qualified technician to inspect the trailer. Focus on frame, suspension, brakes, and structural integrity.
If the trailer lacks a current Ontario safety certificate, factor in the cost of inspection and any required repairs.
Obtain signed bill of sale, transfer registration, and arrange insurance before taking possession.
Documentation Checklist
- Certificate of title (ownership)
- Bill of sale with VIN, price, and signatures
- Current or expired safety inspection certificate
- Maintenance and repair records
- Previous inspection reports
- PPSA search results (for liens)
- Registration permit
What to Ask the Seller
- Q:When was the last safety inspection performed, and where?
- Q:Are complete maintenance records available?
- Q:Has the trailer been in any accidents or had major structural repairs?
- Q:What was the primary use of this trailer?
- Q:Are there any known mechanical issues or upcoming repairs needed?
- Q:Is the title clear, or are there any liens?
- Q:Why are you selling?
- Q:Have you operated this trailer cross-border, and if so, in which states?
What to Verify Before Purchase
Common Failure Points
Previous accidents may not be disclosed. Look for fresh welds, misaligned components, or paint that does not match.
Trailers without current Ontario safety certificates may require significant repairs to pass inspection. Budget accordingly.
A PPSA search is essential. Purchasing a trailer with existing liens means you may lose the trailer to the lienholder.
Missing records often indicate deferred maintenance. Assume the worst and adjust your offer accordingly.
Sellers may understate reefer unit hours to inflate value. Cross-reference the hour meter reading with service records and verify the display has not been tampered with.
Rot, rust, or structural damage beneath floor panels often goes unnoticed during visual inspection. Pull up sections of decking or use a probe to check for soft spots and corrosion.
Counterfeit or altered safety stickers do exist. Verify the sticker details with the issuing Motor Vehicle Inspection Station and confirm the inspection is on record.
Trailers that have operated in U.S. salt belt states may have accelerated corrosion. Ask about cross-border routes and inspect undercarriage components for rust damage.
Real-World Buying Scenarios
Situation:
A new owner-operator found a 2015 dry van listed at $14,000 from a private seller in Mississauga. The seller claimed the trailer was road-ready but could not produce maintenance records or explain why the safety sticker was from a shop 400 km away.
Approach:
The buyer requested a third-party inspection before committing. The technician found worn brake drums, a cracked crossmember, and evidence of a previous repair to the rear frame. Estimated repair cost: $4,500.
Result:
Armed with the inspection report, the buyer negotiated the price down to $9,000 to account for repairs. The seller accepted, and the buyer walked away with a functional trailer at fair value.
Situation:
A small fleet based in Hamilton needed three additional 53-ft reefers to cover a new contract. The operations manager found a dealer offering a package deal on three 2017 units with 12,000 reefer hours each at $38,000 per unit.
Approach:
The manager verified reefer hour readings against service records, ran PPSA searches on all three VINs, and negotiated bulk inspection rates at a local MVIS. One trailer showed inconsistent hour logs and was excluded from the deal.
Result:
The fleet acquired two verified reefers at $36,000 each after negotiating based on the due diligence findings. Both units passed safety inspection with minor repairs under $800 total.
When purchasing multiple units, negotiate volume discounts and request bulk inspection rates from your MVIS. Standardizing on specific trailer configurations simplifies parts inventory and driver training. Consider the total cost of ownership, including ongoing maintenance, not just acquisition price.
A thorough inspection before purchase can save thousands in unexpected repairs. If you lack mechanical expertise, budget for a third-party inspection. Remember that financing a trailer affects your operating ratio, so run the numbers carefully before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
A safety inspection is required before the trailer can be registered for road use in Ontario. You can purchase without one, but you cannot legally operate it until it passes inspection.
Conduct a Personal Property Security Act (PPSA) search through ServiceOntario or an authorized provider. This reveals any registered security interests against the trailer.
The yellow sticker indicates the trailer has passed an annual or semi-annual safety inspection at a licensed Motor Vehicle Inspection Station. The green sticker is for vehicles that have passed emissions testing, which does not apply to trailers.
Yes. Document any deficiencies found during inspection and use repair cost estimates to negotiate. Sellers often expect negotiation based on condition.
Dealers typically offer some recourse and may provide limited warranties. Private sales often have lower prices but offer no protection. Your choice depends on risk tolerance and budget.
Prices for used 53-ft dry vans in Ontario typically range from $8,000 to $25,000 depending on age, condition, and documentation. Road-ready units with current safety certificates command higher prices, while storage-only trailers or those needing repairs sell at the lower end. Expect to pay a premium for trailers with complete maintenance records.