Used exhibition trailers
Purchasing one of the many used exhibition trailers and vehicles currently available could be an astute decision for anyone seeking to plan a roadshow this coming Spring. Not only is it a direct way to lower your company’s carbon footprint and achieve better value for the budget, but it can also facilitate meeting launch schedules. Just because a trailer is used, it can still be in excellent condition.
The long-established practice of “just in time” production has its financial benefits for large-scale manufacturers but frequently means that new vehicles may not be available when needed, and similarly, for trailer builds, essential components such as axles and braking systems can also be on long delivery. So, choosing an existing used trailer or vehicle can help meet usually tight promotional deadlines.
Although we will be identifying issues to be aware of when buying used exhibition trailers and vehicles, you can be assured that we can rebuild and totally transform even the most dilapidated, making them look as good as a new build. So, if not buying one from our stock, never be put off by appearances until we have had the opportunity to make an engineering inspection.
Types of used exhibition trailers and vehicles we can supply and refurbish.
At MVTech, we design and build a broad spectrum of specialist bespoke trailers and vehicles in addition to those used for promotional roadshows, including Search and Rescue, Incident command, mobile libraries, catering and more. This expertise gives us access to a diverse selection of used trailers from small single axle car towable models to full 13.6 metre articulated units, not to forget vans, chassis cabs and even buses, which we frequently rebuild for outreach activities.
We can usually supply any type of mobile that you may be looking for, but are just as happy to help check out, service or refurbish anything you have found, not to mention any existing trailer you may already own that has perhaps seen better days and is in need of upgrading.
What to look out for when choosing a used exhibition trailer
Trailer plating: The first thing to check is the small information plate on the “A” frame of the trailer. Certain information must be displayed on this plate for the trailer to be legal on UK roads and includes its Registration Number, manufacturer’s details, weight limits, axle configuration, and year of manufacture. If there is no plate or any required information is missing, we recommend walking away as this would indicate the trailer has not been registered, which would ring alarm bells.
Weights: The weights shown on the trailer plate will provide the gross weight and the actual weight. Check these out to ensure your chosen towing vehicle has the capacity to tow the trailer. And if you are planning a full revamp of the interior and adding heavy equipment, it is advisable to check the payload to avoid potentially overloading the trailers’ permitted weight, which is a legal offence.
We advise that when purchasing any used trailer from a third party, insist on taking the trailer to a public weight-bridge just to be certain of the weight, something we do automatically for ourselves when taking in a used trailer for sale.
The condition of the individual used exhibition trailers we come into contact with varies substantially from the almost new (sometimes, believe it or not, unused!) to those requiring major “surgery”, but do not let the latter necessarily put you off a purchase without checking it out with us first.
Dimensions: Prior to the introduction of Individual Type Approval becoming a legal requirement for each trailer, whereby the manufacturer must have each build individually inspected, some exhibition trailers were built by inexperienced operators (including some European constructors) who built oversized bodies. So, although it is highly unusual these days to come across trailers exceeding legal dimensions, it does no harm to take five minutes to check length and width, just to be sure!
Chassis and running gear: The key component of any trailer is the steel (or aluminium) chassis. Ideally, this needs to be in good order and to be avoided if seriously corroded or out of square. Repairing small areas of damage and corrosion is, however, generally feasible. The running gear, consisting of axles, wheels and tyres, should also be in good condition, with servicing of braking systems a common requirement. If the chassis is good but there is damage to one or more axles, then this is not too difficult for us to rectify with replacement axles.
It is not unknown for braking systems to have been neglected, but normally all that is required is a thorough service, and even if there are worn parts, small components are usually easily and quickly replaceable. So, not usually anything to worry about.
Wheels and tyres: It is important for wheels and tyres to be in good condition. If there is a concern, it is simple to replace one or all wheels and tyres to avoid unnecessary failures during travel.
Flooring and body panels: Delaminating or damaged floors and body panels are common on older and well-used exhibition trailers. Even some of the worst-looking in appearance are easy to repair, whilst others are more costly, so if there is damage it is worthwhile getting it checked out for structural failure before buying.
Lights and reflectors: It is a legal requirement (not to mention a safety requirement) for all the road lights and reflector lights to be in their correct locations and fully working. Quite simple to rectify any issues.
Electrical and gas installations: All electrical and gas installations need to carry a valid and current Inspection Certificate. Even if these have not expired, we always recommend recertification on grounds of Health and Safety.
What to look out for when choosing a used exhibition vehicle
Most promotional roadshows are driven by an exhibitor’s own personnel who hold standard driving licences. If this is the case, make sure the vehicle you are looking to purchase is plated at no more than 3500 kgs.
As with trailers, if you are planning major changes and expecting to add additional weight, check out the actual weight to calculate the available payload. We provide this information with all of our bespoke vehicles for sale. We always suggest taking any prospective purchase to a weight bridge to be certain of the margins you have to play with!
If there are concerns about the engine or any aspect of the vehicle mechanically, we have experienced mechanics who can provide basic inspections to check for any obvious defects, although there is, of course, always an element of risk with any vehicle purchase. Always look for service records and look at the general condition.
Used exhibition trailers and vehicles for sale
We maintain a small but constantly changing stock of used bespoke trailers and vehicles for sale, and by working with several partners who also stock exhibition trailers, specialist vehicles, mobile libraries, and buses for sale, giving us access to a wide selection for immediate sale and conversion. If you cannot see what you want on our “For Sale” page, always give a call to discuss what you are looking for, as we would aim to find just what you need.
Transforming used trailers and vehicles (what we can do!)
The list of what we can do includes much more than servicing, basic repairs or removing and replacing graphics.
We can, for example, completely change the appearance of the exterior with additional swing-out display panels and banner boards, add entrance platforms, and provide additional entrance steps, replace or install new doors and windows.
In partnership with Passenger Lift Solutions, we can provide a range of products to make any used trailers or vehicles accessible to all, including ramps, steps.
Depending on the trailer or vehicle’s payload capacity, we can go as far as to add extensions to significantly increase internal floor space in the form of slide-out pods and gullwings.
Internally, we can strip out existing interiors, repair any damaged panels and flooring, make good and replace with bespoke furniture, floor covering, wall decoration, refreshment/catering facilities, plus your own equipment and product displays to suit the new use. Refurbishment can include installing the latest in communications, IT systems, and presentational technologies.
Our engineering team is experienced in the installation of power systems, including traditional built-in or slide-out generators or, if preferred, the increasingly popular use of roof-mounted solar panels linked to on-board battery systems.
Most used trailers come with unwanted vinyl branding, which we remove and replace with whatever you specify (and we can help you do the design if you wish), from basic lettering to complete vinyl wrapping.
Getting in touch with us
Contacting us could not be easier than giving us a call. If you need help or just want to explore the possibilities of locating or refurbishing a used exhibition trailer or exhibition vehicle, call us on 0116 326 0989. Alternatively, drop us an e-mail to sales@multivehicletechnology.co.uk and you can be assured that we will respond very quickly.
If you wish to visit us you are more than welcome to come to our offices and manufacturing facility in Leicester, or to save the travel, make it more personal with a Microsoft Teams meeting?
Please note that the listings of used exhibition trailers and vehicles we advertise for sale do change on a regular basis and we do our best to keep them updated. If any of our stock shown in this Blog or on our website has already been sold, we will always seek to offer a suitable alternative.
