Precious Cargo On Board … Trailer With Care
Before the show season and summer travel fun gets into full swing, now is the best time to do your horse trailer yearly safety check and service. These vital maintenance procedures will ensure your trailer is in optimal condition to afford safe hauling for your precious cargo! Here are some tips to prepare your trailer for the upcoming season.
Regular Maintenance Checks
- Tires should be adequately inflated and show no signs of dry rot cracks. Don’t forget the spare!
- Jacks, safety triangles or reflectors should be in good working order. Never store ignitable flares in trailer compartments due to fire potential.
- Floorboards should not be rotted or in weak condition. Replace any board that is of “questionable” nature. Mats should be lifted after each use and the floor swept or hosed out. Let area dry completely before re-installing matting.
- Check for any screws, bolts or nails that may have worked loose and are protruding from the inside of trailer. Retighten or replace as required.
- Make sure all quick release functions are not frozen.
- All lights (marker, tail, brake, directional & interior) should be working and bright. Replace bulbs and lens covers as required.
- Hitch welds, safety chain welds and snaps should be in good repair.
- Grease hitch ball as needed.
- Wheel chocks should be in good condition and available any time the trailer is unhitched from the tow vehicle.
- Before loading your horse make sure wasps or other creatures have not made home inside.
Yearly Maintenance Checks
- Inspect frame for cracks and wires for loose connections and frayed coverings.
- Repair or replace rotted or rusted metal.
- Grease all hinges, springs, etc.
- Inspect ramp hinges and springs for weakness and cracks.
- Wheels should be pulled and bearings checked and repacked.
- Inspect spring shackles for wear.
- Inspect brakes and emergency break-away cable, pin and control box.
Helpful Travel Tips
- Make sure both horse and human first aid kits are fully stocked.
- Carry extra halters, lead ropes, water buckets and hay bags.Horses traveling across state line require a recent health certificate and may require proof of certain vaccinations depending on destination. Check with your veterinarian for more specific information.
A list of stable accommodations is available in the Nationwide Overnight Stabling Directory and Equine Vacation Guide at www.overnightstabling.com .
For additional equine travel safety tips, visit the USRider Web site.
For a complete line of RV covers suitable for any size horse trailer storage, contact the sales professionals at FCP Buildings, Inc.