A few important points to consider about the safety and condition of your horse trailer. Before loading and hauling your horse in any horse trailer you should perform a safety and condition inspection. The condition of the trailer will affect your safety, and the safety of your horses.

The condition of the floor. The fact that the floor is wood and wood is prone to rot makes it an important safety concern. There isn't anything more tragic than having a horse fall through the floor of a horse trailer. I don't even want to think about it because it is so upsetting. The wood planking used to make the floor must have NO rotten or soft spots. Underneath, the wood planks are attached to the cross frames. These can have some surface rust but major rust is a hazard. Rust is the result of oxidation and oxidation not only removes the steel in the form of rust, but also softens it and removes its strength. In the case of an acceptable degree of surface rust the flat surface of the metal is still flat with no pitting. Once the surface starts to pit then the strength is reduced. When in doubt call in an expert to give you a professional opinion. The cross frames are usually attached to the main trailer frame by welding. Inspect the welds, look for cracks along the edge of each weld and also along the center of the weld. When in doubt call in an expert to give you an informed second opinion.

The door latches are often overlooked. Each trailer door must easily lock and unlock. The door latches must keep the doors safely locked so the doors can't open accidentally but they should also be easy to open when the time comes.

The trailer brakes are an often neglected safety item. The trailer should pull easily with no brake binding and should provide stopping assistance when braking. There are two main categories of trailer brake systems, electric brakes and hydraulic surge brakes. I prefer the hydraulic surge brakes but either system will work as long as it is maintained properly. The trailer brake system should be inspected by a mechanic or someone knowledgeable about trailer brakes. When pulling a trailer loaded with horses always drive cautiously and give plenty of extra distance for safe stopping.

Before each use of the trailer check to make sure the brake lights, turn signals, and tail lights are working. Other drivers need to see the trailer so make it easy for them. The lights give others an indication of what your turning and stopping plans are. Most drivers on the road are not paying attention and they don't consider that you are pulling a heavy load. Take the time to inspect your trailer before each use. A little prevention is worth a lot and just may prevent an accident.

 TopEquine.Com

Search For Horses, Trucks & Equipment