Do Horse Trailers Need Service?

As with any road vehicle, your horse trailer is going to need regular maintenance and occasional repair service to keep it performing at its best.

Do I need to service my trailer?

It is very important that trailers are serviced regularly for both your own and other road users safety. The National Trailer and Towing Association (NTTA) recommend you have your trailer serviced every 6000 miles or every 6 months, whichever is shorter.

Can you put brakes on a horse trailer?

Small trailers with gross vehicle weights of under 4,000 pounds – like the tiny two horse trailer pulling your ponies – may only need brakes on one axle, but bigger trailers, like the gooseneck horse trailer you take on long trips, require brakes on both axles.

Do horse trailers have brakes UK?

A horse trailer has brakes. Alternatively, you can look at the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate, which is usually under the bonnet or on a door pillar. It will have the following set of weights: The gross vehicle weight (GVW) or MAM of the vehicle including driver/passengers, goods and fuel.

How often should a horse trailer be serviced?

For trailers that receive heavy, daily use (such as commercial or plant) it is recommended that a service is carried out once every 6 months or so. Where trailers receive less frequent or prolonged use an annual service is usually sufficient.

What does a horse trailer service include?

Service includes the following checks:
Assessing brake shoes for wear and tear. Brake linkage settings, adjust and lubricate. Coupling fixings, operation and grease head and shaft. Wheel nuts, tyre pressure and condition.

What maintenance does a horse trailer need?

Annual trailer maintenance typically consists of re-packing the wheel bearings. Inspection and adjustment of the horse trailer braking system. Charging or replacement of the emergency trailer brake control battery and components. Inspection of the coupler, safety chains and hooks.

How long can a horse ride in a trailer without stopping?

Horses are fine for up to 9 hours in a trailer as long as they have food and water, and unloading during the trip just adds to your end time considerably. Rather, get to where you are going and let them –and you- have a long rest.

Do I need extra insurance to tow a horse trailer?

Although you don’t legally have to take out independent insurance for a towed horsebox, it is wise. Horsebox insurance for towed horseboxes can cover everything from the theft or damage of your horsebox, to additional cover for the contents such as your tack, saddles and personal possessions.

Do you need insurance for a horse trailer UK?

If you’re going to be transporting your horses, it’s incredibly important to have comprehensive horse trailer insurance in place to keep both you and your horses safe.

Can you live in a horse trailer in the winter?

A living quarter horse trailer can be a huge convenience if you need to stay warm on a chilly winter day. But don’t let your plumbing become an issue when the temperatures drop at night. A frozen or burst water line can turn a relaxing trip into a headache faster than you can say “snowman!”

Is it safer to back a horse out of a trailer?

Some trainers walk a horse out of the trailer, but Cox prefers to back the horse out because it is safer for both horse and handler. Make sure your horse is well-versed in backing up before you ever load him.

What is the best floor for a horse trailer?

Wood floors don’t rust.
Wood floors will last so much longer than the other available options. Aluminum floors oxidize and can’t hold up to the levels of acidity that is prominent in horse urine and poop.

Can you pressure wash a horse trailer?

You can easily clean the trailer’s exterior at home using many of the same cleaning tools you’ve already gathered. If you want to expedite the job, using a commercial car wash is a good option. Close the trailer’s doors and windows. Using a hose or pressure washer, rinse the trailer’s exterior.

Should you wax your horse trailer?

You should wax your trailer’s exterior every 6 months to make your trailer last longer and to preserve that “brand-new” look. To keep the exterior of your trailer clean, it’s best to avoid leaving your trailer outside in the hot sun.

How often should you repack horse trailer bearings?

How often should you repack your trailer bearings? The axle manufacturers recommend that you repack your trailer bearings once annually or every 12,000 km. If you are over-do for trailer wheel bearing maintenance, we would be happy to help you.

Do horse trailers hold their value?

A good horse trailer from a reliable manufacturer can hold some of its value for several years, but they do depreciate. You will naturally want to invest in the trailer’s upkeep and maintenance. Some brands offer a 5-year warranty for a little extra, which can be worth it.

How often should horse trailer tires be replaced?

When Should Trailer Tires be Replaced? Most tire manufacturers will recommend that you change your horse trailer tires every four or five years depending on usage. It is our recommendation that you be very proactive with this and get on a regular schedule of changing your tires every four years.

What do I need to know before buying a horse trailer?

Make sure you do a thorough inspection of your trailer, checking the tires, hitch connection, inside of horse trailer, tack room, and living quarters area. Make sure everything works like it should and looks sturdy and durable. You’ll even want to get down underneath the trailer to check out the floors.

Should you blanket a horse in a trailer?

If he is body clipped or has a light coat, he should wear his regular blanket in the trailer, with full ventilation. If horses are in an enclosed trailer, a light sheet may be all that is needed, plus it can also act as a form of protection. Be cautious of sweating as it can cause dehydration.

How much is monthly maintenance for a horse?

Caring for a horse can cost anywhere between $200 to $325 per month – an annual average of $3,876, according to finance consulting site Money Crashers. Some of these costs include: Grain/feed. Hay.