It’s that time of the year again when equestrians are
hitting the road to enjoy the summer time, their horses and each other’s
company. Before heading out on the road,
there are a few things you should consider when it comes to trailer
maintenance. As a responsible horsemen
and trailer operator, here are a few things you should check regularly.
·
Tire
condition: Check the pressure, tread
and overall appearance of all tires.
Don’t forget to check your spare too!
·
Floorboards: Make sure the drainage holes are unblocked
and that there are no weak or rotten boards.
·
Brakes: Truck and trailer brakes
·
Safety
Chains: Be sure they are crossed and
hooked to vehicle frame.
·
Hitch: The socket should be seated on the ball
and securely locked into place.
·
Lights: The tail lights, brake lights, turn signals
and interior lights should all be in working order and bright.
·
Sharp
objects: Screws, nails or bolts that
are protruding inside should be removed.
·
Insects: If it has been awhile since you have used
your trailer, check to make sure there are no stinging insects inside.
·
Final
Inspection: After loading your
animals but before you pull off, do a final inspection of the rig and secure
all doors.
In addition to checking all of the above on a regular basis,
it is also recommended to get your trailer inspected annually by a professional
and replace all rotted, rusted or busted parts.
Remember the old adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a
pound of cure”, adequately maintain your trailers and enjoy your summer.
