The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing Truck and Trailer Part

Trailer parts and accessories give drivers more flexibility and help them perform their jobs. Some equipment is critical for safety and necessary for fulfilling orders. Truck drivers and companies must sometimes buy replacement trailer parts and accessories, and it’s good to start the process before they’re needed. This guide will provide insights into how you can find useful parts and accessories for your trailer.

What kind of trailer parts and accessories do truckers commonly need?

Are you wondering which parts and accessories to add to your shopping list? Here are the common parts you may need as a trucker.

• Fenders: This part keeps dirt and debris off your tires. Leaving your tires unprotected can increase the risk of low tire pressure in the future.
• Hitches: This part connects the trailer with the truck. You will need a custom-sized hitch that hitches the trailer and truck together. 
• Axles: This part helps adjust the trailer’s weight concentration and rotates the wheels. 
• Tires: Tires protect the wheels and provide traction. 
• Ball mounts: This part locks the hitch in place, adding extra protection to the connection between the truck and trailer.
• Leaf springs: This part helps the truck drive more smoothly over potholes and other obstructions. It’s a popular suspension system in the trucking industry.
• Equalizer bars: This part equally distributes the cargo’s weight throughout the trailer.
• Vent lids: This part allows air, fumes and gases to enter and leave the interior of the vehicle or trailer. You will need vent lids for air conditioning.

8 steps for buying trailer parts and accessories

From step-decks to triple trailers and everything in between, the more equipment is used, the more wear and tear it sustains. Having replacement parts and accessories on hand can help you return to the road faster when new equipment is needed. If you’re shopping around, these steps will help you find the right trailer parts and accessories for your needs.

Have all necessary equipment before each drive

Truck drivers need a lot of equipment to complete routes and navigate surprises like bad weather conditions. Having it with you increases safety and efficiency. While some equipment helps when the roads get icy, other pieces of equipment enable loading and unloading supplies. Missing equipment with that functionality can prolong your delivery times.

Keep important replacements on hand 

If a critical piece of equipment gets damaged beyond repair, you need to replace it before taking on another route. Having it on hand helps you get back on the road sooner. You can then order a replacement to keep in your inventory. If you don’t have it on hand, it may take a week or longer to receive the part and get back on the road. This delay can frustrate customers and result in them considering other drivers for future orders.

Buy parts with warranties

A warranty is like a short-term insurance policy that ensures the seller will repair equipment that gets damaged within its duration. Taking out a two-year warranty will cost extra, but if the equipment is damaged 18 months later, you can get a free repair or replacement. Warranties reduce your risk, and the peace of mind may be worth the price.

Check prices

Don’t buy truck trailers and accessories from the first company you find. Shopping around can help you find lower prices or better warranties. Price isn’t the only factor, as some companies may charge the lowest prices but only sell shoddy equipment. It’s one of many factors to keep in mind when looking for additional equipment.

Read available reviews before purchasing

Reviews provide a deeper glimpse into product quality. They inform you on how past and present customers view the equipment you are considering. You can also learn about issues that may come up with the trailer parts and what to expect. Several one-star reviews may make you think twice before buying, while five-star reviews can instill confidence in a product.

Avoid scammers

Some sellers offer deals that are too good to be true. If you find parts and accessories at significant discounts, a scammer may be on the other end of the transaction. Scammers use enticing prices and high-pressure sales tactics to rush buyers into making bad decisions. For example, some scammers ask for over-the-phone payments and then disappear without a trace, leaving buyers empty-handed. 

You can catch scammers by asking enough questions, verifying their identity and visiting their website. Even if the seller has a professional-looking website, look for user reviews before assuming the business is legitimate. To be safe, consider narrowing your search to local providers or reputable brands.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate on the price

Negotiating with trailer part dealers can help you save some money. Negotiations are common in the industry, and having multiple options can make you feel more confident about walking away from a potential deal. You can also use competing offers and average prices across the industry to secure a lower price for your equipment. Dealers will know you’ve done your homework when you know what their competitors are offering. Maintaining a calm demeanor and taking things slowly can also help you during the negotiations. 

Work on completing one category at a time

Buying parts and accessories can take a while between finding dealers, comparing options and negotiating prices. Focusing on one category at a time can help you stay on track, avoid confusion and get the best deal. This is especially helpful when you’re trying to navigate budget restrictions.

Getting the parts you need for your vehicle

All truck drivers and fleet managers need to manage their equipment. Buying extra parts helps them make quick repairs and adjustments as equipment succumbs to daily wear and tear. Any delays can restrict your capacity to serve customers. Having the necessary equipment on hand helps you get back on the road sooner.

FAQ

You should ask about the warranty, how soon the parts are available and how long they have been used by other owners.

You should hook up a light plug receptor before connecting a trailer.

Trailers should receive maintenance every six months or 10,000 miles. During maintenance, you should check the electric brakes, tires, modulation and power output.

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