Safe Livestock Trailer Transportation Tips
Livestock trailers are essential resources for transporting your cattle from one location to the next. You may need these trailers for any number of reasons, from taking a sick animal to the vet to attending an out-of-town show.
To help you safely transport your animals in a livestock trailer, we at Double B Trailer Sales have compiled the following guide. If you have any questions or if you’d like to look at some reliable livestock trailers for sale, come to our dealerships in Centerville and Hurricane, Utah. We welcome all our patrons from Salt Lake City, Odgen, and St. George!
Use the Correct Livestock Trailer
The first step in safe transportation of cattle is getting a trailer that is most suited to the task at hand. To do that, you need to ask yourself a few questions. Is the livestock trailer big enough for the number of animals you’ll be transporting? Is the loading ramp right for your stock? Are the floors of a non-slip material that limits the noise that agitates animals? When you get the right trailer, you make the hauling process easier for you and your cattle.
Use the Correct Tow Vehicle
Before you hitch your livestock trailer and hit the road, make sure your tow vehicle is actually capable of handling the task. To decide that, you need to know the gross combined vehicle weight of the tow vehicle, which lets you know how much weight it can safely transport. This number includes the weight of the livestock trailer, the animals, any passengers and added cargo.
Inspect the Equipment
Even if you have a livestock trailer and tow vehicle of the highest quality, they can get worn down with time and regular usage. Before every ride, conduct inspections so you can fix any issues before you get going. Test the turn signals, brake lights and tail lights and replace any that have burned out. Measure tire tread and air pressure, ensuring they match the recommendations in your owner’s manual.
Ensure that the livestock trailer floor is clean, sturdy and rust-free. Check to see if there are any sharp objects sticking out that could harm the cattle. Inspect all electrical connections and wiring and ensure they’re in good condition. If you notice any problem with your trailer, bring it to Double B Trailer Sales and we’ll fix it in no time!
Use Safe Loading Practices
When loading you trailer, aim to distribute the weight as evenly as possible. Place the heaviest animals in the area supported by the axle’s front, then load the rest of the smaller animals. When securing your animals inside the trailer, use a slip knot that is placed at the animal’s head height.
Use Safe Transportation Practices
With the livestock trailer connected to your tow vehicle, it’ll have an increased braking time. To adjust for this, increase the distance between you and other vehicles. Know the amount of time it takes to bring the entire unit to a halt so you know the amount of space you need. Check the weather before you go so you’re prepared for any changes. Avoid switching lanes as there are many distracted drivers on the road.
We hope you find these tips helpful! If you are looking to buy a livestock trailer, visit Double B Trailer Sales. Our expert staff can help you find the perfect trailer for your unique needs and budget. We are located in Centerville and Hurricane, Utah. We also proudly serve those in Salt Lake City, Ogden, and St. George.