A Pre-Ride Inspection Guide for Your Horse Trailer
Having the latest and the most expensive horse trailer alone can’t guarantee a safe and comfortable transit for your animals. You will want to ensure that you perform a few pre-ride checks of your model to make it ready for your trip. Don’t worry if you are unsure where to begin—our guide can help.
As your local horse trailer dealer in Centerville and Hurricane, UT, we at Double B Trailer Sales know it is inconvenient dealing with a broken-down horse trailer or one with faulty components and parts. We recommend that our customers carefully examine their rigs before each trip and then load their horses. Keep reading this guide to learn more about inspecting your horse trailer, and then visit our dealership if you have any questions or need your horse trailer serviced.
The Floors
Whether your horse trailer has wood or metal flooring, it can wear down over time, creating safety issues for you and your animals. Before you leave home, make sure that you inspect it thoroughly to see that it is sturdy and doesn’t give in when pushed. If the floor appears cracked, broken, or wobbly, you will want to replace it immediately.
The Hitch
Your horse trailer’s hitch provides stability to your towing setup. Ensure that you examine it when performing a pre-ride inspection of your rig. You will want to check it for loose bolts and cracks and see that the underside of the attachment is sturdy and free of rust.
The Tires
You will want to inspect all the tires in your towing setup, including those on your trailer and commuter vehicle. Adjust the air pressure in your tires to your manufacturer’s recommendation and ensure that they are free of any cracks.
The Ramp
Your horse trailer’s ramp should move smoothly when you open or close it. If it resists, you will want to check for corrosion and get the problem fixed by a trained mechanic.
If your horse trailer features stairs, make sure they are sturdy and in good shape to support the weight of your animals.
Doors and Windows
Your horse trailer’s doors and windows go a long way in maintaining the airflow inside your rig. So, make sure they are in perfect shape and ready for your trip. Check to see that the hinges swing freely and lubricate them to make them function smoothly. If you notice any rust or if they look out of shape, you will want to replace them before departure.
Electrical System
While you are at it, examine your electrical system to ensure it functions smoothly. You will want to test your brake lights and turn signals and replace any dull and burnt-out lights before leaving home.
Now that you are more familiar with the pre-ride inspections for your horse trailer, you are ready to hit the road. If you have more questions or concerns, get them addressed by Double B Trailer Sales. We are in Centerville and Hurricane, UT, and proud to serve Salt Lake City and St. George—so reach out today.