Trailer-Safety Check
Check off these safety points before you go, and have a trouble-free trip.
Each time you hook your horse trailer up:
Before Hitch Up – Make sure your vehicle is rated to tow the weight. Check hitch carefully. Check balances of trailer, make sure rig is level, make sure lights and brakes work, remove rust on hitch. Check lights and turn signals being sure all work correctly. Check the wiring and replace any bulbs that need replacing.
Before You Load Up - Check trailer for bees, remove old hay, and prepare horse to be loaded.
Before You pullout - Walk all the way around the rig, check all doors. Check hitch to be sure everything is done correctly. Check plugs. Be sure to remove wheel chocks.
QUICK TRAILERING CHECK LIST
Before Hitch Up – Make sure your vehicle is rated to tow the weight. Check hitch carefully. Check balances of trailer, make sure rig is level, make sure lights and brakes work, remove rust on hitch. Check lights and turn signals being sure all work correctly. Check the wiring and replace any bulbs that need replacing.
Before You Load Up - Check trailer for bees, remove old hay, and prepare horse to be loaded.
Before You pullout - Walk all the way around the rig, check all doors. Check hitch to be sure everything is done correctly. Check plugs. Be sure to remove wheel chocks.
QUICK TRAILERING CHECK LIST
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Truck/Trailer
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Horse Supplies/Equipment
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First Aid
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Regular Maintenance Checks of trailer:
Tires and Wheels
Yearly Maintenance Checks:
when hauling your horse, their safety and comfort should be your main concerns.
Some thoughts on safe driving.
Tires and Wheels
- Check the tire pressures and the tread are correct.
- Check the condition of the tires. Include the rear tires of the towing vehicle in your inspection. Make sure that you are carrying a spare tire and that it is roadworthy.
- Make sure lug nuts are tight on all wheels.
- IMPORTANT if you have a gooseneck trailer when turning around DON'T pivot your trailer < don't allow the wheels on the inside to just sit and turn in a circle> This will cause the treads to break lose in your tires and eventually you'll blow a tire.
- Check the floorboards for any rot or general weakness.
- Ensure drainage holes are unblocked in order to lengthen the life of a trailer floor, lift the rubber mats after use and sweep or hose out the floor. Make sure the floor is completely dry before replacing any mats as this may cause rotting.
- Check carefully for any loose or protruding screws bolts and nails inside the trailer.
- Check for bees or wasp.
- Check the partitions and all locks and bolts.
- Safety Chains: Make sure chains are crossed and hooked to vehicle frame (not bumper).
- Hitch: Look for loose bolts, hairline cracks, and other signs of wear. Check for proper hookup. (In conventional trailers, the socket should be seated on the ball and locked in place.)
- Check that all lights are in full working order including the marker, tail, brake, indicator and interior lights.
- Check that jacks and safety triangles or reflectors are in good working order in case of a breakdown.
Yearly Maintenance Checks:
- Check the brake pads and brake discs for wear and adjust or replace as necessary.
- Inspect the frame of the trailer for cracks.
- Inspect all wires for loose connections or frayed coverings.
- Repair or replace any rotted or rusted metal.
- Grease all hinges, springs, ball hitch etc.
- Check the trailer ramp and its hinges for any weaknesses or cracks.
- Wheels should be pulled and bearings checked and if necessary repacked.
- Check the floor for any rotting or major weakness, which may need repairing and if it is an aluminum floor, check for any large dents or corrosion.
- Check all the internal and external lights
- Take tools for repair. <Pliers, hammer, electric tape, screw driver,>
- Cell phone and phone numbers
when hauling your horse, their safety and comfort should be your main concerns.
Some thoughts on safe driving.
- Make slow takeoffs and stops.
- Work your speed up slowly.
- Travel five to 10 miles under the speed limit, especially on bumpy and winding roads.
- Double the distance you would normally keep between your rig and the vehicle in front of you.
- Watch and plan as you drive down the road to reduce the chance that you will need to make a sudden stop.
- Take extra time as you drive around corners. One rule of thumb to keep in mind: If you can "feel" the turns that you are making with your body, you need to slow down.
