How to Do a Full Horse Trailer Inspection to Make Sure It's Safe

Regularly inspect your trailer to ensure a safe journey.

Keeping your horse trailer well maintained and regularly checked is essential for the safety of you, your horse and other road users. An inspection of your trailer need only take a few minutes and will give you peace of mind for the journey. You should make this kind of inspection every time you use the trailer.

Instructions

1. Take up the matting on the floor of the trailer. Clean it down and check for any cracks, rot, holes or other weaknesses. Check for any loose and/or protruding bolts, nails or screws and remove and replace them.

2. Check that the tread of all the tires, including the spare, is not worn away and that the pressure in all the tires is correct. Check the pressure by attaching the tires to an air pump and comparing the reading to that given in the owner's manual of your trailer. The tread must be at least 1/4 inch deep all the way around.

3. Check that you have all the necessary equipment in case of breakdown, including a jack, reflectors, drinking water, first aid kit and flash light.

4. Check that all the lights are functioning and bright enough. You will need another person to help you do this.

5. Check that the hitch ball is well lubricated and that the welds in the hitch and safety chain show no signs of damage. Ensure you have adequate wheel chocks in good condition.

6. Make a more detailed examination on a yearly basis. Check the frame for any cracks or warping. Inspect all the wire for damage. Check all hinges for damage or rust and grease them thoroughly.

7. Check the spring shackles that join the suspension to the axle for any damage and do likewise for the emergency breakaway assembly.

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8. Keep a log of when the bearings on the wheels have been checked and repacked and make sure this is carried out every year.

References

• Rutgers: Horse Trailer Maintenance
• Five Star Ranch: Horse Trailer Safety Inspection Check LIst