· 8 min read
Frame and welds
Look underneath with a light. Check for cracks at tongue joints, axle hangers, and crossmember welds. A frame that has been repaired is not automatically bad, but the quality of that repair matters.
Running gear
Spin each wheel to feel for bearing roughness, check for hub grease slinging on the inside of the wheels, and confirm brake magnets have wire continuity. Inspect springs for cracked leaves and worn shackles.
Deck and tires
Probe wood decks for soft spots near the fenders where water collects. Read the DOT date codes; tires older than seven years are a negotiating point and a replacement cost.
Paperwork
Verify the VIN on the frame matches the title or ownership document, check for liens, and confirm the certification label is present and legible. A missing VIN plate creates registration headaches.