winter maintenance for horse trailers Archives

May 8, 2018April 19, 2019

Horse Trailer Checklist

It’s about that time, the temps are climbing and you’re ready to hit the road to the next show, event, rodeo or trail ride.

But before that can happen, a well-operating horse trailer is a must.

Here are some tips to make your next trailer trip stress-free.

Good Tires

Probably one of the most important considerations when hitting the road is the condition of your trailer tires.

It may seem like a no-brainer, but proper tires are key.

Make sure you are purchasing tires specific for trailer use, in order to support the heavier load-bearing requirements.

A good reference when determining if it’s a tire made for trailer use is to look for a ‘ST’ or special trailer indication printed on the tire. Something else to look for on the tire is the load rating.

Each tire will have a number printed on the side to indicate load rating, add the load rating of all the trailer tires to determine the weight capacity. That total should be equal to or greater than your fully loaded trailer weight.

Don’t forget that tire age should be considered as well, due to deterioration of tire structure over time. An easy way to check age of a tire is to look for a 4-digit number (i.e. 1215, built on the 12th week of 2015) which will indicate the tire build date. A physical evaluation of the condition of the tire goes a long way as well in determining age and wear.

Additionally, always check your tire pressure before a trip, as it’s an incredibly important step in safety and comfort in travel.

Checking Trailer Condition

It’s important to check all safety points before hooking up to hit the road. Look over floorboards, ramps, dividers, etc. for signs of rot, rust or deterioration. Also test hinges, springs and latches for secure closure and good working order.

Make sure the trailer hitch is kept well lubricated and checked for missing parts. Chains should also be in good condition. While evaluating the hitch, make sure your jack is working correctly.

Hooking Up the Trailer

Before you even hook up the trailer to your truck, make sure the vehicle is rated to tow the weight of the trailer. Determine if the trailer is balanced and rig is level, as well as test lights and breaks before hitting the road. Make sure to do a loop around your rig to make sure all doors are secured and hitch is attached correctly.

Emergency Items

Below is a list of items to include in case of emergency as you take to that long stretch of highway:

Spare tires for the towing vehicle and trailer (inflated to proper PSI)
A jack and tire iron or lug wrench
Three emergency triangles or flares (triangles are best)
Extra supply of coolant/engine oil/transmission and power steering fluids, plus a funnel and service rags
WD-40 or other lubricant
Chocks to safely block wheels
Flash light and extra batteries
Tape (electrical and duct)
Spare fuses and bulbs for exterior and interior lights
A charged fire extinguisher
Sharp knife and wire cutters
Tool kit
Jugs of clean water (can be used for radiator or horses)
Jumper cables
Spare belts and hoses
Tow chain or cable
Portable compressor
Quick fix tire repair kit
Broom/shovel/manure fork and disposal bags
Vehicle registrations for the towing vehicle and trailer
Proof of insurance

Now that you’ve checked off all the to-do’s of trailer safety, it’s time to hit the road and enjoy the next equine adventure!

November 30, 2017January 3, 2018

Winter Is Coming – Are You Ready?

As many regions of the US are still experiencing fairly mild conditions, the inevitable is coming…winter. But with proper preparation and foresight, the extreme conditions can be slightly more bearable. Read on for some handy tips to keep you and your horse warm and cozy.

Blanketing: In general, horses adapt well to decreasing temperatures by growing an insulating hair coat. As long as they have shelter to get out of wind and precipitation, and are able to meet their increased energy (calorie) requirement, they do quite well and can tolerate sub-zero temperatures.
- Keep in mind, the insulating value of the hair coat is compromised if it gets wet. As temperatures drop below the critical temperature which is around 50°F on average, horses require more energy to stay warm, which is best provided by increasing the forage in their diet, not grain.
- Blanketing may be a good option if:
  - There is no shelter during turn out
  - The horse’s hair coat is clipped
  - You have a very young or very old horse that might not be efficient at maintaining body temperature
  - The horse is under-conditioned or under weight
- Finding a blanket that fits well, is waterproof, breathable, and the proper weight (light, medium, heavy fill) based on the conditions are important considerations.
- If you already own blankets, dig them out before you need them and check to ensure they are clean, in good repair, and still fit your horse properly.
- Never blanket a wet horse, or put a wet or damp blanket on a horse.
Don’t forget to periodically remove the blanket and assess body condition, and check for any rub marks that the blanket may be causing.
Winterizing the barn and trailer: Fall is a good time to prepare your barn and trailer for colder weather. Cleaning, installing or checking insulation, replacing screens with windows, ensuring ventilation is adequate, insulating water sources, cleaning and safety-checking heaters and electrical systems, are recommended.
- In the barn:
  - Check the roof for structural integrity and leaks
  - Clean gutters and install snow slides if needed
  - Plan for snow removal and de-icing walkways, if applicable.
- In the trailer:
  - Check the floor, lights, brakes, and tires and replace or provide maintenance as needed.
  - Put together an emergency kit for you and your horse in the event of a break-down in winter weather.
  - If you are on the road frequently, consider road-side-service for equestrians in the event of an emergency.

Good luck, stay safe, and take a moment to enjoy the site of your horse playing in the snow if you are lucky enough to see some!

December 12, 2012

Around the Barn: Winter Preparations

Even though this is a horse nutrition blog, nutrition is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to keeping your horses happy and healthy. As we head in to cold winter months, I thought I’d share some of my favorite tips for prepping your horse and some of the gear that goes with him!

Blanketing: In general, horses adapt well to decreasing temperatures by growing an insulating hair coat. As long as they have shelter to get out of wind and precipitation, and are able to meet their increased energy (calorie) requirement, they do quite well and can tolerate sub-zero temperatures.

Keep in mind, the insulating value of the hair coat is compromised if it gets wet. As temperatures drop below the critical temperature which is around 50°F on average, horses require more energy to stay warm, which is best provided by increasing the forage in their diet, not grain.
Blanketing may be a good option if:

There is no shelter during turn out
The horse’s hair coat is clipped
You have a very young or very old horse that might not be efficient at maintaining body temperature
The horse is under-conditioned or under weight

Finding a blanket that fits well, is waterproof, breathable, and the proper weight (light, medium, heavy fill) based on the conditions are important considerations.
If you already own blankets, dig them out before you need them and check to ensure they are clean, in good repair, and still fit your horse properly.
Never blanket a wet horse, or put a wet or damp blanket on a horse.

Don’t forget to periodically remove the blanket and assess body condition, and check for any rub marks that the blanket may be causing.
Winterizing the barn and trailer: Fall is a good time to prepare your barn and trailer for colder weather. Cleaning, installing or checking insulation, replacing screens with windows, ensuring ventilation is adequate, insulating water sources, cleaning and safety-checking heaters and electrical systems, are recommended.

In the barn:

Check the roof for structural integrity and leaks
Clean gutters and install snow slides if needed
Plan for snow removal and de-icing walkways, if applicable.

In the trailer:

Check the floor, lights, brakes, and tires and replace or provide maintenance as needed.
Put together an emergency kit for you and your horse in the event of a break-down in winter weather.
If you are on the road frequently, consider road-side-service for equestrians in the event of an emergency.