Tips to Prepare Your Horse Trailer for Travel
No matter how excited you are to hit the road with your horses, spend some time getting your trailer ready for your trip. Getting the latest or the most expensive horse trailer isn’t enough—you will need to take a few extra steps to make sure your livestock stays comfortable and safe during transit. Don’t worry if you are unsure where to begin—our guide has you covered.
Double B Trailer Sales is a one-stop destination for all your trailer needs, and we know a few things about preparing your horse trailer for travel. Keep reading this guide to learn more, and for more information, swing by our dealership in Centerville and Hurricane, UT, for a friendly chat with our team.
Get Your Trailer Ready
The first thing you will want to do is get your trailer ready for your horses. Essentially, you will need to clean out your vehicle and give it a good wash before allowing your animals to enter it.
Check out the exterior for any cracks or bends that can affect the performance of your rig and make your animals uncomfortable. Next, you will want to clean out the interior and remove any manure or debris from it. They can make your vehicle smelly, help bacteria thrive, and make your horses ill. Before you hit the road, you will also want to ensure your vehicle has proper ventilation for your horses to remain comfortable.
Perform Routine Maintenance
The next thing to do is optimize the performance of your horse trailer and make it safer and more efficient for your travel.
Examine the tires on your towing set-up, including the trailer tires and the tires on your towing vehicle. Adjust the air pressure to your manufacturer's recommended levels and ensure they have sufficient tread depth to maintain on-road traction.
Next, you will want to be intentional about loading up your cargo. 20% hitch weight on a fifth-wheel trailer and 10-15% tongue weight on a bumper pull trailer is an ideal weight to maintain. This will boost your driving experience, maximize your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, and help you prevent sway on the road due to high wind conditions.
Finally, you will want to test your rig’s braking and electrical system and ensure your safety chains are working well and your mirrors are adjusted suitably.
Get Ready for an Emergency
Emergencies can occur when you least expect them. You will want to be prepared for any eventualities on the highway when traveling with a fully-loaded vehicle.
You will need to keep a horse first aid kit handy, including a stethoscope, thermometer, bandages, and antibiotic ointment, among other regular medications. Don’t forget to get your first-aid kit, as well.
Ensure Your Horse Is Ready to Travel
More importantly, you will want to let a vet assess your animal's health conditions before heading out. You will want to take healthy animals only on any long-distance trips and carry proof that they are fit for travel.
We hope these tips enable you to prepare your horse trailer for travel. For more ideas or help upgrading your rig to the latest model, visit Double B Trailer Sales in Centerville and Hurricane, UT. We proudly serve Salt Lake City, St. George, Ogden, and Washington, so stop by today.