Trailer Hauling and Safety Tips
Show season is now in full swing with thousands of trucks and trailers hauling up and down the highways chasing their dreams of winning a Championship or just looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the crazy work world. Whatever your reason for hauling we just want to be sure that it is a safe and happy trip for both you and your horse. So I have compiled a short list of reminders and a safely checklist to review before you hit the road to follow your dreams.
- Be sure that your truck is adequate in power to pull your size trailer. Remember it is not the amount of go that is important, but the amount of Whoa.
- Be sure to have the bearings repacked every year.
- Be sure that you check your trailer for wasp nests before loading, nothing says I love to your horse better than being stuck in a moving metal box doing 70 mph down the road being stung, just saying.
- Make sure the ball on the tow vehicle is the correct size for the trailer.
- Check the pressure in the tires of both the truck and trailer, under inflated tires is the most common cause of trailer sway and tire blow-outs.
- There are a couple of different emergency roadside services available for people that are hauling horses. A membership can give you some piece of mind. Find them online at www.usrider.com
- Be sure to stop at the end of your driveway before heading onto the highway, get out and double check your hitch, tires, latches, lights and horses.
- Check over your hitch, coupler, break-away brake battery and safety chains.
- Make sure that all of the lights and brakes are working BEFORE you load your horses.
- When hauling horses, be sure to have a Cell Phone or CB.
- Keep an extra halter and lead rope in your trailer.
- Don’t use shavings in a horse trailer that has open sides, the bedding blows around causing irritation to their eyes and lungs.
- Before hitting the road be sure to tell friends and family your travel plans so that if something unexpected happens they can retrace your route.
- Buying a GPS will cut down on time spent lost and make it easier to navigate through tough city traffic by letting you know when you need to change lanes to make an exit find a restroom to help relieve you of the two Route 44’s you have consumed.
- Be sure that your spare is in good condition and that it HAS AIR IN IT!!!
- Trailer Safety Kit:
- Emergency Kit
- Extra Halter/lead
- Sharp Knife
- Wire Cutters
- Cash
- 100ft. ½ inch rope
- Jumper Cables
- Flashlight and batteries
- Roll of duct Tape
- List of Phone Numbers
- Flares
- Cell Phone
- Trailer Jack
- Spare Tire with air
- Tool Kit
As Always; Ride Hard, Be Safe, Have Fun - Steve Kutie
