'Get ready for spring with these important horse trailer checks'

Get ready for spring with these important horse trailer checks

By Vicki at 02/11/08 08:19

Before you get ready to go to all of the clinics, horse shows, trail rides and various types of horse competitions, you may want to check out this handy 15-point trailer inspection checklist:

1. Check your trailer tires for any dry rot or cracking and worn out treads. You should always inflate your tires to the specifications indicated on the sidewall of the tire. There is always a chance of having a flat tire, but doing a little preventive work is always a good idea.
2. Make sure your jack is working properly. In the event you DO have a flat tire or need the jack, it is best to have it working easily so you are not struggling with a jammed up jack during an emergency.
3. Check the torque on your lug nuts. Lugs do loosen when aluminum expands and contracts with the changes in temperature. Frequently check the torque on aluminum wheels.
4. Inspect your trailer's brakes. Don't ever put yourself in a dangerous position that could be avoided with some routine maintenance. Brake pads should be replaced BEFORE they wear down to the rivets.
5. Repack the wheel bearings. You can do this step as you are performing your brake inspection.
6. Check the wires to the brakes. Make sure the wires are not bound tight somewhere or decayed.
7. Lubricate the trailer axles. This isn't just for improving your gas mileage!
8. Test the breakaway brake and check the charge with a voltmeter. The charge should measure 12 volts.
9. For trailers with leaf spring suspension: check for wear on the shackle hanger straps, bolts and equalizer.
10. Inspect and clean the trailer floor. You are hauling some pretty special cargo in your trailer and they are standing on a pretty expensive floor. Both aluminum and wood floors need to be cleaned at least once a month to prevent rot or corrosion. Take the mats out, clean the floors, let them DRY and put your mats back in. You can't properly clean the floors with the mats still in the trailer!
11. Inspect the bolted tie-downs.
12. Lube the hinges and latches. The hinges on your doors and partitions should move freely. You should not have to work hard to get the door open to your trailer either.
13. Inspect and grease the coupler.
14. Put grease on the lightbulb connections so they don't corrode.
15. Make sure your trailer fenders are tight. Make sure the fenders have not become loose over time.

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