Horse Trailer Maintenance

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.