Marcel Lutz KINDERKARUSSEL

It is 10,500 mm long and 2,550 mm wide. With an unladen weight of 7,680 kg against the 7,700 kg gross weight, payload works out to 20 kg. The wheelbase is 6,420 mm. This makes full use of the 2.55 m regular width the EU allows for commercial trailers.

This weight class requires an air or hydraulic brake system supplied from the towing vehicle. Trailers of this size carry construction machinery, vehicles or bulk material and sit on the border between local and long-distance haulage. The model name KINDERKARUSSEL (German for children's carousel) points to use in the fairground trade, where trailers of this kind carry rides and fittings to fairs and carnivals. In Germany it is subject to a roadworthiness inspection every year.

A used-trailer check should cover the brake system (pads or drums, and on air brakes also the lines, coupling heads and the ABS valve), the condition of the axles and suspension (bearing play, cracks in leaf springs or air bellows) and the frame, especially corrosion on cross members and welds. On top of that comes the load floor or body for wear and tightness, the lighting and electrical connector to the towing vehicle, and even tyre wear. The underride guard and the frame's longitudinal members should be free of rust-through, especially around the axle mounts. The tow ball coupling or drawbar eye and the drawbar itself belong in the check too, inspected for play and cracks at the attachment points. On multi-axle versions, also check that all axles sit level and inspect the steering knuckle pins and bearings.