Purchasing a used trailer hitch is a great way to get a useful hitch for a fraction of the price of a new one. A well-made trailer hitch can last for a long time, so just because it has been previously owned does not mean that it's near the end of its lifespan just yet. Just make sure that you avoid these things when buying a used trailer hitch for sale to ensure that you are happy with your purchase.

1. Rust

One of the main things that you will want to look at when buying a used trailer hitch is whether or not there is any rust present. Once a trailer hitch begins to rust, you have to worry about it deteriorating quickly, so it's best to look for a hitch that does not show any signs of rust at all. You can also look for signs that rust may have been covered up, such as if the hitch has been painted but appears uneven underneath the coat of paint, as if someone painted over the rusty spots. For best results, consider looking for a trailer hitch that has been powder coated, as this kind of coating helps protect against rust.

2. Weakness in Welds

Another thing that you will want to do is to carefully visually inspect the trailer hitch and run your hands over its various components to look for weaknesses in the welds. Once you start to notice a weakness, you will have to worry about the trailer hitch wearing out or potentially not being able to carry the load that you want to haul. A welding professional may be able to fix any problems, but you might spend more on purchasing the used hitch and then hiring a welder than you would spend on a brand-new or good used hitch.

3. Improper Size

It can be easy to get so excited over a great deal on a used hitch that you don't even pay attention to whether or not it will be compatible with your vehicle. Check your vehicle manual or talk to your vehicle dealer about the right size and type of towing hitch, and make sure that you keep other important things in mind as well, such as the towing capacity of your make and model of car or truck. Even the best used trailer hitch isn't going to do you much good if you try to haul a too-heavy load with a vehicle that doesn't have enough power.

Buying a used trailer hitch can be a great idea, but make sure that you look for these three things when buying one. Then you can help ensure that you buy the right trailer hitch for your needs.