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Horse
Trailer Maintenance and Trailering Safety |
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Horse owners will usually find it necessary at some point in time to
trailer their horses. Trailering may be necessary at time of purchase,
for horse shows, trail riding, or a medical emergency. Whatever the
need, it is important to be prepared and knowledgeable about trailering
safety. Poor preparation of the horse, trailer or towing vehicle can
turn a pleasurable outing into a horse owners nightmare. Poor truck and
trailer maintenance can result in traffic accidents or breakdowns such
as: a flat tire(s); a broken axle, spindle or spring; and motor failure.
In more extreme cases, broken welds can cause a trailer to become
detached from the towing vehicle. Perhaps the most serious problem that
can result from improper trailer upkeep is having a horse fall through
rotted floor boards; especially during travel. This fact sheet will
provide the basic concerns involved in horse trailer maintenance and
trailering safety.
THE TRAILER
When purchasing a horse trailer consider the needs of your horse. The
trailer should possess:
• Ample height (7-8 feet) and width (6-8
feet) for the horse(s) being hauled.
• Rubber mats on the floor and
tailgate to provide traction and cushion during loading, unloading and
travel
• Tie ropes or chains of adequate length with quick release
safety snaps
• Adequate padding on chest bar and stall sides
•
Interior lights for night time hauling
• Air vents on the roof and
along side panels
Regular maintenance checks should be performed on
a horse trailer every time it is used. Routine items include:
•
Tires need a minimum amount of 1/4" of tread (check with your state
Division of Motor Vehicles for the measurement); be adequately inflated
and have no signs of dry rot cracks. Spare tires also should be checked.
• Jacks and safety triangles or reflectors should be in good working
order in case of breakdown. (Ignitable flares should not be stored in
the horse trailer because of fire potential)
• Floorboards should
not be rotted or in weak condition.
• Replace any boards that are
questionable. To help lengthen the life of a trailer floor, mats should
be lifted after use and the floor swept or hosed out. If the floor is
hosed be sure it is dry before the mats are replaced. Yearly
applications of a weather sealer on the floor boards will also extend
their life.
• Any screws, bolts or nails that may have worked loose
and are protruding from the inside of the trailer should be removed.
• All lights (marker, tail, brake, directional and interior) should be
working and bright.
• Hitch welds, safety chain welds and snaps
should be in good repair.
• Grease hitch ball as necessary.
•
Wheel chocks should be in good condition and used anytime the trailer is
unhitched from the towing vehicle.
Yearly maintenance checks
include:
• Inspection of frame for cracks and wires for loose
connections and frayed covering
• Repair or replacement of rotted or
rusted metal
• Greasing of all hinges, springs, etc.
•
Inspection of ramp hinges and springs for weakness and cracks
•
Wheels should be pulled and bearings checked and repacked
•
Inspection of spring shackles for wear
• Inspection of brakes and
emergency break-away cable, pin and control box
BRICKYARD AUTO REPAIR is now offering
horse trailer repair and servicing.
Trailer Services:
• Seasonal Service Maintenance.
• All Major & Minor Repairs-NO Job is
Too Big or Too Small!
• Steel Welding & Fabrication.
• Carpentry
Modifications including Flooring, Roofing, & Wall Re-Construction.
•
Axle, Bearings, Brakes, Hubs, Rims, & Tire Repair and Replacement.
•
Custom Fabricating including Hayracks, Ladders, Upper & Lower Dividers &
Water Tanks.
• Trailer Accessory Installation including A/C Units,
Awnings, Converters, Electric Jacks,
Fans, Propane Generators.
Come by or call today, we will be happy to help you with
all of your trailer needs. We also offer pick-up and delivery.
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