This checklist covers 60+ inspection points across seven categories. Items marked (Critical) are safety-related and should be weighted heavily in your decision.
Pre-Inspection Preparation
- Roof condition (no holes, tears, or delamination)(Critical)
- Front wall integrity (no damage or corrosion)(Critical)
- Side panels (no dents, holes, or delamination)
- Rear frame and door frame condition(Critical)
- Upper and lower rails intact
- Reflective tape present and visible
- Company markings and required placards visible
- Overall paint condition (indicates care and age)
- Floor condition (no rot, holes, or soft spots)(Critical)
- Floor scuff plates intact
- Interior walls clean and undamaged
- Roof interior (no water stains or damage)(Critical)
- E-track or logistic posts (if equipped) secure
- Interior lighting functional (if equipped)
- No signs of water intrusion(Critical)
- No unusual odors (mold, chemicals)(Critical)
- Frame rails straight with no cracks or repairs(Critical)
- Crossmembers intact and securely attached(Critical)
- No evidence of major collision repair(Critical)
- Suspension components (springs or air bags) in good condition(Critical)
- Shock absorbers functional (if equipped)
- Axle alignment appears correct(Critical)
- Slider mechanism operates smoothly (if equipped)(Critical)
- Landing gear legs straight and undamaged(Critical)
- Landing gear operates smoothly(Critical)
- Kingpin within wear limits(Critical)
- Brake drums within wear limits(Critical)
- Brake shoes/pads with adequate lining(Critical)
- Brake chambers and pushrods functional(Critical)
- Slack adjusters within spec(Critical)
- Air lines and connections tight(Critical)
- ABS system functional (warning lights)(Critical)
- Wheel bearings and seals in good condition(Critical)
- Hub oil levels correct
- Wheel studs and lug nuts tight(Critical)
- No cracked or damaged wheels(Critical)
- Tire tread depth adequate (4/32" minimum)(Critical)
- No tire damage (cuts, bulges, sidewall damage)(Critical)
- Tire pressure correct(Critical)
- Valve stems in good condition
- All marker lights functional(Critical)
- Clearance lights functional(Critical)
- Brake lights functional(Critical)
- Turn signals functional(Critical)
- Tail lights functional(Critical)
- License plate light functional(Critical)
- ABS warning light functions correctly(Critical)
- All wiring secure and protected
- Connector pins clean and undamaged
- Doors open and close smoothly(Critical)
- Door hinges in good condition
- Door seals and gaskets intact(Critical)
- Locking mechanisms functional(Critical)
- Door hold-backs secure doors when open
- Roll-up door tracks clear (if equipped)
- Roll-up door operation smooth (if equipped)
Use your browser's print function (Ctrl+P or Cmd+P) to print this page. The checklist will format for printing.
Trailer VIN:
Date:
Inspector:
Overall Rating:
What to Ask the Seller
These questions help uncover issues that may not be visible during inspection. Ask before committing to a purchase.
- What is the trailer's complete service history?
- When was the last annual safety inspection performed?
- Has the trailer ever had major frame or floor repairs?
- Are there any outstanding recalls or service bulletins?
- What was this trailer previously used for?
- Why are you selling or returning this trailer?
- Can I see the maintenance records from the last 2 years?
- Will you allow an independent inspection before purchase?
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Watch for these common issues that can hide significant repair costs or safety violations. Experienced operators look specifically for these red flags.
Sellers may place mats or debris to hide soft spots and rot in the floor. Always remove loose materials and probe for soft areas.
Fresh paint on sidewalls or undercarriage often conceals corrosion. Look for bubbling paint and check behind recent touch-ups.
Drums may be replaced without documentation, hiding previous brake system failures. Request service history.
Required safety equipment is often overlooked. Verify the extinguisher is present and current.
Worn kingpins may meet minimum specs but require replacement soon. Measure carefully and budget accordingly.
Look for patches or plugs in the sidewalls that indicate previous forklift punctures or collisions.
Multiple wire splices in the electrical harness suggest repeated repairs. Check for proper connections and insulation.
Rear impact guard damage may not be obvious but affects safety compliance. Inspect mounting brackets carefully.
Decision Guide: What to Do When You Find Issues
Then: Negotiate price reduction equal to floor replacement cost. Get written quote from repair shop before finalizing.
Then: Factor in brake drum, shoe, and chamber replacement costs. If total exceeds market value, walk away.
Then: Acceptable if patches are professional. Check interior for water stains. Minor patches are normal on older trailers.
Then: Proceed with caution. Have a qualified technician assess the repair quality. Major frame damage history may affect resale.
Then: Do not accept until resolved. ABS issues can cause inspection failure and are often expensive to diagnose.
Real-World Inspection Scenarios
Situation:
Seller asking fair market price. Trailer looks clean externally. No maintenance records available.
Inspection Findings:
During inspection, floor near rear doors has soft spots. Brake drums show heavy wear grooves. Tires have adequate tread but are 6 years old.
Decision:
Request price reduction: floor repair ($3,500-5,000) + brake drums ($1,200-1,800) + tire age discount. If seller refuses any reduction, the no-records plus deferred maintenance pattern suggests other hidden issues.
Situation:
Dealer pricing slightly above private sale market. Complete maintenance log. Current MTO safety.
Inspection Findings:
All checklist items pass. Minor cosmetic dents on side panels. Tires replaced 8 months ago per records.
Decision:
Good candidate. Cosmetic issues do not affect function. The premium for records and current safety is justified by reduced risk and immediate usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
A comprehensive inspection typically takes 30-45 minutes. Rushing can cause you to miss critical issues that could be expensive to repair.
Frame integrity, brakes, tires, floor condition, and roof weathertightness are the most critical. These items affect safety and can be expensive to repair.
You can perform a visual inspection using this checklist. However, for a purchase decision, consider hiring a qualified technician who can identify less obvious issues.
Commercial trailer tires must have at least 4/32 inch (3.2mm) of tread depth. However, many fleets replace tires at 6/32 inch for safety margin.
Walk the entire floor systematically, feeling for soft spots or unusual flex. Pay extra attention to areas near doors and wheel wells where moisture collects. Tap with a hammer and listen for hollow sounds indicating rot beneath the surface.
Rain actually helps identify leaks but makes brake and electrical inspection difficult. Ideally, inspect on a dry day but return during or after rain to check for water intrusion.
Bring a flashlight, tire pressure gauge, notepad or phone for notes and photos, and a small hammer or mallet for tapping floors and checking for hollow spots. A creeper or knee pads help for undercarriage inspection.
Visual inspection can identify obvious wear, but accurate measurement requires a kingpin gauge. If the kingpin shows visible wear lines or grooving, have it measured professionally before purchase.
Sources
- Ontario Regulation 199/07 - Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspections (Schedule 1)
- CCMTA NSC Standard 11 - Periodic Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspections
- Ontario MTO Truck Handbook - Vehicle Safety and Inspections
- ATA TMC Recommended Practices
- Transport Canada - Motor Vehicle Safety
- Wabash National - Trailer Maintenance Resources